Greenlight laser prostatectomy
Greenlight laser prostatectomy, also known as photovaporisation of the prostate is a minimally invasive procedure, which uses a laser to remove excess prostate tissue.
Who is suitable for Greenlight laser prostatectomy?
The procedure is suitable for men who have been diagnosed with an enlarged prostate. An enlarged prostate is where the prostate, a small gland found near a man's bladder, increases in size.
Although an enlarged prostate is not usually a threat to a man’s health, it can cause urinary symptoms which can impact on quality of life. The Greenlight laser prostatectomy helps to relieve these symptoms by reducing the size of the prostate, taking the pressure off the urethra (the tube carrying urine from the bladder to the outside of your body) allowing for normal urination.
What does a Greenlight laser prostatectomy involve?
During the procedure your consultant will insert a cytoscope, with a small camera attached, through the tip of your penis into your urethra. The camera enables your surgeon to have clear visibility of your bladder and prostate.
A laser is then passed through the scope using concentrated light and energy to vapourise (or remove) the excess prostate tissue.
The procedure is carried out under general or spinal anaesthetic and usually takes about an hour to complete, depending on the prostate size. Once your surgeon is happy that enough prostate tissue has been removed, a catheter (a urinary drainage tube) may be inserted into the bladder to help you pass urine. Generally, the catheter is only required for 24 to 48 hours after your surgery.
What is the recovery period?
The length of time it takes you to recover from the procedure depends on a range of factors, but most patients are able to go home on the following day after their surgery. A few men go home the same day if the surgery is carried out early in the morning.
Our dedicated urology specialist nurse will work with you closely after your operation to make sure you recover as quickly as possible. They will also support you with the management of your catheter.
You may need to take a week off work to recover from the procedure, and in most instances, it takes about 6 weeks for you to fully recover.
Self-pay packages
If you wish to self-pay for your treatment, we offer a range of package options, including:
- Hospital packages that group standard diagnostics and the procedure into one clear price. Consultant fees, anaesthetist fees, and any other addition to your treatment are billed separately.
- Fixed price packages that group everything you may need for treatment into one clear price, including pre-admission tests, the procedure, professional fees, post-op outpatient care, and any other consultant-recommended services.
If you would like to enquire about a self-pay package, please call our dedicated team on +44 (0)20 7244 4886.
Hospital package from £5,880 (daycase), £6,670 (1 night), and £7,825 (2 nights).
Included in package price:
- pre-admission outpatient tests, which includes standard pathology and diagnostic tests (ECG and chest X-ray), if required
- recovery and accommodation
- ward medications, dressings, and nursing consumables
- procedure, including anaesthetic drugs and theatre consumables
- standard post–op medication
- inpatient physiotherapy and surgical stockings, if required
- discharge medication (up to £50)
- all patient meals and non-alcoholic beverages (light meals for daycases)
Excluded from the package price:
- consultant or anaesthetist fees
- companion beds and catering for relatives or visitors
- diagnostics, unless stated in inclusions
- additional procedures
- additional pathology and supplies
- histology tests
- take-out supplies
- personal expenses, such as telephone calls, ambulances, or additional catering
- re-admission for return to theatres
Included in the package price:
- Consultant’s surgeon and consultant anaesthetist professional fees.
- One follow-up consultation with consultant within post-op timeframe.
- Pre-admission outpatient tests, which includes standard pathology and diagnostic tests (ECG & Chest X-ray), if required.
- Recovery and accommodation which includes a stay in a private en-suite room.
- Ward medications, dressings, and nursing consumables.
- Theatre Procedure, including anaesthetic drugs and theatre consumables.
- Standard post–op medication issued and used during the inpatient stay.
- Inpatient physiotherapy, pathology, histology, and surgical stockings, if required.
- Discharge medication pertaining to the condition being treated by this package.
- All patient meals and non-alcoholic beverages (light meals for daycases).
- Post- op x-rays and physiotherapy pertaining to the procedure within 12 weeks.
- Return to theatres within 12 weeks of the procedure date due to complication.
Excluded from the package price:
- Take out supplies.
- Companion beds and catering for relatives / visitors.
- Personal expenses – telephone calls, additional catering, ambulances, etc…
Consultants offering this package:
When enquiring about this package please quote M6760.
Why choose Cromwell Hospital?
We have a team of experienced consultant urological surgeons who have developed their skills and knowledge working in some of the leading NHS teaching hospitals in London. Our surgeons offering Greenlight laser prostatectomy are internationally renowned for leading this field of treatment and carry out research in treating enlarged prostates.
Our prostate surgeons also work as part of a multidisciplinary team (MDT), which includes other consultants and experts from different specialties. They meet regularly to review complex cases to ensure the best possible care for each patient.
If you get in touch with us, we can offer a consultation to assess your case the next day. We also offer a rapid route through to surgery, so you can be seen, cared for and recover in the fastest time possible.
Book an appointment today
Please note - regrettably we are unable to answer specific medical questions or offer medical advice via email or telephone.