About this page. This is a plain English overview of laser prostate surgery for an enlarged prostate. It does not replace medical advice from your own doctor or specialist.
For full information, please read the detailed page.
What it is
Laser prostate surgery is a group of keyhole operations through the urethra (the tube the urine comes out of) that use a laser instead of a heated wire. The laser is used to either cut the blocking prostate tissue away, or vaporise it.
Laser surgery is usually offered for an enlarged prostate (BPH) when medications are not helping enough, when the bladder is being affected, or when other complications develop.
The two main laser operations at Urology NSW
Holmium laser enucleation (HoLEP)
- The laser carefully peels the inner part of the prostate away from the outer shell, like coring an apple.
- It can be used for any size of prostate, including very large ones.
- The result is similar to a more major open operation, but done through the urethra with a much shorter recovery.
See the short version: holmium laser (HoLEP) for more.
Greenlight laser vaporisation
- A green laser vaporises (turns into vapour) the inner part of the prostate.
- It works particularly well for smaller and middle-sized prostates.
- It causes very little bleeding, which can suit men on blood-thinning medications.
See the short version: Greenlight laser for more.
Why laser surgery is sometimes preferred
Compared to traditional TURP (the heated wire operation), laser approaches usually offer:
- Less bleeding during and after the operation.
- A shorter time with a catheter.
- A shorter hospital stay.
- An option for men who need to stay on blood thinners.
The right choice still depends on the prostate size and shape, the symptoms, the medications, and personal preference.
Important things to know
- All prostate operations have some risk of bleeding, infection, temporary urinary problems, and changes in ejaculation.
- Retrograde ejaculation (semen going back into the bladder rather than out) is common after any prostate surgery, including laser surgery.
- Erectile dysfunction is uncommonly caused by laser surgery directly, but pre-existing erection problems often continue after the operation.
- Some men still need a repeat procedure later in life.
- This page is general information only. The right plan for you should be decided with your own specialist.
What you can do next
- Read the full detailed page.
- Short version: holmium laser (HoLEP).
- Short version: Greenlight laser.
- Short version: enlarged prostate (BPH).
- Request a second opinion on a treatment plan.
- Call 02 8382 6980 to make an appointment.