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| Frequently
Asked Questions (FAQ) |
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| About
GreenLight Laser Therapy |
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How
many GreenLight procedures have been performed? |
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Over
200,000 procedures have been performed worldwide with
the GreenLight laser system. |
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Is
the procedure covered by insurance? |
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Medicare
and most private insurance plans cover the procedure. |
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How
does the GreenLight Laser Therapy procedure work? |
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A
small fiber is inserted into the urethra through a cystoscope.
The fiber carries laser energy which removes enlarged
prostate tissue. Natural urine flow is rapidly restored
and urinary symptoms are quickly relieved in most patients. |
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Where
is the procedure performed? |
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The
procedure can be performed in a hospital outpatient center
or an office-based surgical facility. Typically no overnight
stay is needed. However, in some cases when a patient
travels a long distance, has other medical conditions
to consider or is in frail condition, an overnight stay
may be recommended. |
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Will
I have to spend the night in the hospital? |
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Most
patients can go home a few hours after the procedure.
Sometime the doctor feels more comfortable asking a patient
to spend the night and go home the following morning,
particularly if your procedure was done late in the day,
or if you traveled a long distance to reach the hospital. |
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During
and After GreenLight |
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Will
I have discomfort during the procedure? |
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Your
doctor will discuss anesthesia requirements, as well as
pain medication to ensure your comfort during and after
the procedure. |
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Will
I need to wear a catheter? |
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Many
patients do not require a catheter following the procedure.
If one is required, it is typically removed in less than
24 hours. However, patients with compromised bladder function
or those who have required prolonged catheterization as
a result of severe urinary symptoms may require a catheter
for a longer period of time. |
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Will
I have discomfort after the procedure? |
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Most
patients experience mild discomfort such as slight burning
during urination for a week or so. This can be managed
with mild pain and anti-inflammatory medications. |
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How
long before I see results? |
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Many
patients obtain symptom relief and a dramatic improvement
in urine flow usually within 24 hours of the procedure.5,10 |
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How
soon can I return to normal activities? |
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Most
patients can resume normal activities within a couple
of days.3,11 Strenuous activities can be resumed
within two weeks.11 Your urologist will discuss
this and your specific condition with you during your
consultation. |
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Risks and Complications |
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Laser
procedures are not recommended for everyone. You should
talk to your doctor about benefits and risks before moving
forward with any treatment. |
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General
Questions |
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Can
I have a GreenLight Laser procedure if I've had previous
enlarged prostate treatments or surgery? |
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Yes,
many patients who have had previous treatments have been
successfully treated with GreenLight. |
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My
doctor has recommended that I have a TURP? Can I still
have the GreenLight procedure? |
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In
general, patients suitable for TURP can be considered
for a GreenLight procedure, however, you and your doctor
will need to make that determination, based upon your
individual condition and desired outcomes. |
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Will
I still need to take my prostate medication following
the GreenLight procedure? |
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Your
doctor will tell you when you can stop taking these medications.
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How
do I know if I am a candidate for GreenLight? |
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Only
your urologist can determine if you are a candidate, based
upon your history & physical examination, as well as his
clinical judgment. |
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2.
Karatas OF, Tasci A, Tugcu V. Erectile functions in BPH
patients after photoselective vaporisation of the prostate
laser surgery. Eur Urol 2006;5(2 suppl.):272 abstract
997. EAU Meeting, Apr 5-8,2006 Paris, France.
3. Malek RS, Kuntzman RS, Barrett DM.
High power potassium-titanyl-phosphate laser vaporization
prostatectomy. J Urol. 2000 Jun;163(6):1730-3.
4. Malek RS, Kuntzman RS, Barrett DM.Photoselective
potassium-titanyl-phosphate laser vaporization of the
benign obstructive prostate: observations on long-term
outcomes. J Urol. 2005 Oct;174(4 Pt 1):1344-8.
5. Malek RS, Barrett DM, Kuntzman RS.
High-power potassium-titanyl-phosphate (KTP/532) laser
vaporization prostatectomy: 24 hours later. Urology. 1998
Feb;51(2):254-6.
8. Yakupoglu YK, Donmezer S, Mestci B,
Saglam R, Simsek US. Successful treatment of BPH over
100 ml with KTP laser. J Urol 2006 May;175(4 suppl.):463
abstract 1522.
9. GreenLight Bibliography compiled by
American Medical Systems updated 11/8/06.
10. Sarica K, Alkan E, Luleci H, Tasci
AI. Photoselective vaporization of the enlarged prostate
with KTP laser: long-term results in 240 patients. J Endourol.
2005 Dec;19(10):1199-202.
11. Mueller EJ. A series of 60 Greenlight
photoselective vaporization of the prostate (PVP) patients
with results equal to standard TURP with much decreased
morbidity and much quicker return to full normal unrestricted
activity. 52nd Annual James C Kimbrough Urological Seminar.
Jan-16-Jan 21, 2005 Honolulu, Hawaii abstract 41. |
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