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GreenLight Laser

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Menlo Park Surgical Hospital (MPSH) offers the GreenLight PVP™ (Photoselective Vaporization of the Prostate) Laser Procedure for the treatment of benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH). This innovative procedure offers a minimally invasive alternative for a transurethral resection of the prostate (TURP).

  • Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia (BPH)
  • Relief and Results
  • GreenLight Laser FAQs

Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia (BPH)

Half of all men over the age of 50 will develop BPH, also known as an enlarged prostate. Symptoms of this common condition include:

  • Frequent urination, especially at night
  • Sudden need to urinate
  • Need to strain or push to urinate
  • Pain or burning
  • Feeling that your bladder never completely empties
  • Dribbling or leaking
  • Weak stream

If you experience these symptoms, see your physician. If he diagnoses you with BPH, GreenLight Laser PVP may be a treatment option.

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Relief and Results


GreenLight PVP produces the following results for many patients:

  • Dramatic improvement in urine flow
  • Rapid and long-lasting relief of symptoms
  • Minimal catheterization
  • Virtual blood-free treatment
  • Quick recovery
  • Very high patient satisfaction


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GreenLight Laser FAQs


The frequently asked questions and answers below are provided by Laserscope®.

How does the GreenLIght PVP work?

A thin fiber is inserted into the urethra through a cystocscope. 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 each patient’s anatomy and needs. Natural urine flow is immediately restored and urinary symptoms are relieved quickly.

Where is GreenLight PVP performed?

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

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?

There are few risks with GreenLight PVP. 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 urologist. Retrograde ejaculation, or “dry climax,” may occur.

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 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.

Will there be any sexual side effects?

The GreenLight Laser PVP Laser Procedure should not affect your ability to have an erection or an orgasm. Retrograde ejaculation, or “dry climax,” may occur. If you are sexually active, you can look forward to remaining so.

How can I learn more about GreenLight PVP?

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

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