Prostate Laser Surgery in Ludhiana: Procedure, Types, Risks, and Benefits

Prostate Laser Surgery in Ludhiana is an advanced technique used to treat a variety of urinary and prostate problems such as Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia (BPH).

A flexible instrument called a laparoscope is inserted via the patient's penis through the urethra, the tube that carries the urine from the bladder to be passed out from the body.

This urethra is near the prostate gland. Through the scope, a laser is inserted to shrink and remove abnormal and enlarged tissues that may have obstructed the normal urine flow.

Holmium Laser Enucleation of the Prostate (HoLEP): 

In this procedure, the laser is used to remove the enlarged or excess prostate tissue obstructing the urethra. The tissue is then cut into small pieces that can be easily removed. This option is suitable to treat a severely enlarged prostate.

Photoselective Vaporization of the Prostate (PVP):

In this technique, excess prostate tissue is treated by the laser such that it melts away, and the urinary channel widens.

Holmium Laser Ablation of the Prostate (HoLAP): 

It is similar to Photoselective Vaporization of the Prostate (PVP), but in this procedure, a different kind of laser is used.
 

Prostate laser surgery, also known as laser prostatectomy or laser ablation, is done to treat various prostate conditions, most commonly benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH). BPH is a non-cancerous enlargement of the prostate gland that can cause urinary symptoms such as frequent urination, weak urine flow, difficulty starting and stopping urination, and the feeling of incomplete emptying of the bladder.

Prostate laser surgery is performed to remove or reduce the excess prostate tissue that is causing urinary symptoms. The laser energy is used to precisely target and vaporize or ablate the enlarged prostate tissue, thereby relieving the obstruction and improving urine flow.

The advantages of using laser therapy over traditional treatment options (such as medications, TURP or transurethral resection of the prostate and open prostatectomy) include:

• Lower risk of bleeding, especially for those who suffer from bleeding disorders.
• Shorter/no hospital stay. 
• Faster recovery. 
• The shorter requirement for a catheter after surgery (for less than 24 hours).
• Faster improvements in symptoms.

Here are some general guidelines to help you prepare for prostate laser surgery:

• Medical evaluation: Your healthcare provider will conduct a thorough medical evaluation, which may include blood tests, urine tests, imaging studies, and a physical examination. 
• Medications: Inform your healthcare provider about all the medications you are currently taking, including prescription drugs, over-the-counter medications, and supplements. They will provide guidance on which medications to continue or discontinue before the surgery, especially those that can increase bleeding risk.
• Fasting: Your healthcare team will provide specific instructions regarding fasting before the surgery. Typically, you will be asked to avoid eating or drinking anything for a certain period before the procedure to ensure an empty stomach.
• Hygiene: On the day of the surgery, you may be instructed to take a shower using an antiseptic soap to reduce the risk of infection. Follow any specific instructions provided by your healthcare team regarding hygiene practices.
• Transportation: Make arrangements for someone to drive you to and from the hospital or surgical center on the day of the surgery, as you may not be able to drive immediately after the procedure due to the effects of anesthesia.
• Clothing: Wear comfortable and loose-fitting clothing on the day of the surgery. Avoid wearing any jewelry, including earrings, necklaces, or rings, as you may be asked to remove them before the procedure.
• Inform your healthcare team: Inform your healthcare team about any allergies, previous surgeries, or medical conditions you have. Be sure to disclose any medications you are allergic to or any known reactions you have had in the past.
• Arrange for support: It can be helpful to have a family member or friend accompany you to the hospital or surgical center to provide support and assistance before and after the surgery.

Remember to consult with your healthcare provider for personalized instructions and any specific preparations you need to make based on your individual circumstances. 

You may expect the following during prostate laser surgery:

• Anesthesia: Before the surgery, you will be given anesthesia to ensure that you are comfortable and pain-free during the procedure. 
• Positioning: You will be positioned on the operating table in a way that provides optimal access to the prostate gland for the surgeon. 
• Catheter placement: A urinary catheter may be inserted into your bladder to drain urine during and after the surgery. This helps ensure the bladder remains empty during the procedure and allows for proper visualization and access to the prostate.
• Laser energy application: Once you are properly anesthetized and positioned, the surgeon will use a cystoscope, which is a thin tube with a light and camera, to visualize the prostate gland and surrounding structures.
• Prostate tissue ablation or vaporization: The laser energy is then used to precisely target and remove or vaporize excess prostate tissue that is causing the urinary symptoms.
• Catheter management: After the surgery, the urinary catheter may remain in place for a certain period to allow the bladder to heal and ensure proper urine drainage. The duration of catheter use will depend on the surgeon's recommendation and the specific 

After the surgery, you will be taken to the recovery area where you will be closely monitored until you wake up from anesthesia. It's always best to consult with your surgeon to understand the specific steps involved in your prostate laser surgery.

Here are some common things to expect after prostate laser surgery:

• Catheter: In many cases, a urinary catheter will be placed during the surgery and may remain in place for a period of time after the procedure. The catheter allows urine to drain from the bladder while it heals. 
• Bladder discomfort: It is common to experience some discomfort or irritation in the bladder and urethra after the surgery. You may feel a frequent urge to urinate or a burning sensation during urination. These symptoms typically improve over time as the healing process progresses.
• Urinary changes: You may notice temporary changes in your urinary patterns after the surgery. This can include increased frequency, urgency, or temporary difficulty starting and stopping urination. 
• Blood in urine: It is normal to have some blood in your urine after prostate laser surgery. This can vary in intensity, ranging from mild pinkish discoloration to a darker red color. However, if you experience excessive bleeding or blood clots, contact your healthcare provider.
• Follow-up appointments: Your healthcare team will schedule follow-up appointments to monitor your progress and ensure that you are healing properly.

It is important to note that individual experiences and recovery timelines may vary. However, most individuals get back to their normal activities within 3 to 4 weeks.

• Bleeding and blood clot formation
• Infection at the operated site
• Injury to nearby organs
• Reaction to the anesthesia used during the surgery
• Need for additional surgery if laser surgery fails to treat or remove all the excess tissue.

Other risks include dry orgasm, urethral narrowing, erectile dysfunction, and UTI.

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