Is Laser for me?

Laser PVP is suitable for any patient with significant urinary obstruction from his prostate. This technique destroys the offending tissue as it goes along whether that tissue is benign or cancerous. If tissue diagnosis is required, this can be obtained from a biopsy prior to PVP. Thus, PVP is suitable for all men whose prostates are causing significant obstruction. Suitability of individual patient for PVP is determined by the specialist after consultation.

How safe is PVP?

PVP usually takes less than an hour and studies has shown it to be safer than TURP with less blood loss. No glycine solution is used during the procedure and there is no risk of glycine absorption (TUR Syndrome). Post-operative complications are also lower and immediate urination is achieved with almost all patients after the procedure compared with other laser prostate surgery. The procedure is carried out under spinal anaesthesia or a short general anaesthesia and no pain is felt during the treatment.

Is PVP FDA approved?

Yes. The laser system received FDA clearance in May 2001.

Do I have to spend a night in hospital?

Most patients can go home within a few hours of the procedure. Some patients chose to rest overnight in hospital for security. You patients may be advised to stop overnight for observation especially if you are done late and have a long journey to go home.

Do I feel any pain during the procedure?

If you have a short general anaesthesia, you will be completely unconscious throughout the procedure. If you have a spinal anaesthesia, you will be alert but feel no pain during the procedure. The choice for the type of anaesthesia is made between you and the anaesthetist.

Do I wear a catheter after the procedure?

Many patients do not need to wear a catheter after the procedure. If one is required, it is usually removed within 24 hours.

Do I feel any pain after the procedure?

You will feel some mild discomfort such as some mild burning during urination for a week or so. This is easily managed with simple pain killers.

What is the risk of infection after the PVP?

Infection usually gets into the bladder via the catheter you wear. Urine infection is very rare after PVP because you only wear the catheter for a very short time, often, not at all.

Would PVP alter my sex life?

Conventional prostate surgery (TURP) is associated with a slight risk of affecting your erection. In 20 reported clinical studies on the effect of PVP, no case of erectile dysfunction was reported. However, like TURP, whilst pleasurable sensation is preserved, retrograde ejaculation or “dry climax” may occur although this should not affect your enjoyment of sex.

How soon do I see results?

Most people notice marked improvement in their urination immediately and almost all by 24 hours.

How soon do I return to normal activities?

You can drive a car or return to a desk job within a week after PVP.

How long can I expect the benefits to last?

Clinical studies showed the benefits to last a very long time and very few patients require re-treatment. How long the benefit will last in a particular person is also governed by individual factors like the rate of his prostate enlarges.

I had a prostate procedure before. Can still I undergo PVP?

Yes. Absolutely.

How do I know if I am a candidate for PVP?

Only your urologist can decide whether you are a candidate based on your history, examination and investigation findings as well as his clinical judgment. We will be very happy to offer you consultation and examination for this purpose.