• Is the GreenLight PV™ Laser System FDA approved for performing PVP Procedures?

Yes, the GreenLight PV Laser System received FDA clearance in May 2001.

• How many PVP procedures have been performed with the GreenLight PV™ Laser System?

Thousands of patients have been successfully treated with the GreenLight PV Laser system in the US, Europe, and Far East.

• Is the procedure covered by insurance?

Yes, the PVP procedure is covered by Medicare and by most private insurance plans.

• How does the GreenLight laser work?

A thin fiber is inserted into the urethra through a cystoscope. The fiber delivers green laser energy that quickly vaporizes and precisely removes enlarged prostate tissue. The physician is able to safely view and control the treatment area, tailoring it to your individual anatomy and needs. Natural urine flow is immediately restored and urinary symptoms are relieved quickly.

• Where is the PVP procedure performed?

PVP is usually performed in a hospital or an ambulatory surgery center. Patients may be released after a few hours or after an overnight stay.

• Will I have to spend the night in the hospital?

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.

• Will I need anesthesia?

You will need anesthesia of some type for the PVP procedure. Depending upon your individual medical condition, the doctor may use general or spinal anesthesia, or block the nerves to your prostate using a local anesthetic, and a light IV (intravenous) sedation.

• Will I experience pain during the procedure?

Patients have not reported any pain during the procedure. You and your doctor will discuss appropriate pain medication..

• Will I need to wear a catheter?

Many patients do not need a catheter. If one is required, it is usually removed in less than 24 hours.

• What are the risks or complications?

MThere are a few risks with the PVP procedure. Most patients report a very high level of satisfaction. Patients my experience sligh burning during urination and /or a little bit of blood in the urine for a couple of weeks. Some men may experience more severe symptoms, which can be treated by your urologist. Retrograde ejaculation, or "dry climax" may occur.

• What are the risks of infection after the procedure?

Since catheterization time after PVP is very short, the risk of urinary tract infections is rare.

The laser energy for the PVP procedure is transmitted through a fiber optic, which is a single use device. Make sure your procedure is performed with a new, unused fiber to avoid the transmission of potential life threatening diseases.

• Will I experience pain after the procedure?

After the procedure you may have some mild discomfort such as slight burning during urination for a week or so. This can be managed with mild pain medications and anti-inflammatory drugs.

• How long before I see results?

Many patients obtain immediate or very fast relief of symptoms and a dramatic improvement in urine flow usually within 24 hours of the procedure.

• How soon can I return to normal activities?

Most patients can resume normal activities like driving a car or working a desk job within the week.

• What are the side effects, risks and complications of GreenLight PVP?

The PVP procedure is generally considered to be very safe. Most patients report a very high level of satisfaction. Patients may experience slight burning during urination and/or a little bit of blood in the urine for a couple of weeks. Some men may experience more severe symptoms, which can be treated by your doctor. Retrograde ejaculation, or “dry climax” following treatment may occur. According to clinical studies, no patients have suffered loss of control of their bladder (incontinence); loss of sexual ability (erectile dysfunction); have required a blood transfusion, suffered TUR-Syndrome, or death.

• Will there be any sexual side effects?

The PVP Procedure should not affect your ability to have an erection or an orgasm. No case of erectile dysfunction due to the PVP procedure has even been reported in over 20 published clinical studies. Retrograde ejaculation, or “dry climax” may occur. If you are sexually active now, you can look forward to remaining so.

• Can I have PVP if I have failed TUNA, TUMT, ILC, or WIT?

Yes, many patients who have failed these treatments have been successfully treated with PVP.

• Can I have PVP if I had a TURP?

Yes, absolutely.

• My doctor has told me that I am not a candidate for TUNA, TUMT, ILC, or WIT…and has recommended that I have a TURP? Can I still have the PVP procedure?

As a rule, if you are a suitable candidate for TURP, you can be considered a good candidate for PVP. Prostate size or length does not generally rule you out as being a good candidate for PVP; however, your doctor will need to make that determination, based upon your individual condition.

• Will I still need to take my prostate medication following the PVP procedure?

No. Your doctor will tell you when you can stop taking these medications.

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

Only your urologist can determine if you are a candidate, based upon your history & physical examination, as well as his clinical judgement.

• How long can I expect the effects of the procedure to last?

Clinical studies show that the procedure is very long lasting. Very few patients require re-treatment. We do not know how long you can expect improvement until more data is gathered from clinical studies.

• How can I learn more about the GreenLight PV Laser System used to perform the PVP procedure?

Please consult your urologist for more detailed information and risks. As with any medical procedure individual results will vary. The statements on this website are based on typical clinical study outcomes.