Comparing the safety between prostate surgery and GreenLEP laser therapy

This study compared the safety of prostate surgery with a type of laser removal (GreenLEP) in removing excess prostate tissue. Researchers found that GreenLEP may be a safer option for treating an enlarged prostate.

Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia (BPH – an enlarged prostate) is a common problem in older men that can cause urinary and bladder symptoms. When not controlled by medication, it may be treated with prostate surgery or laser therapy. GreenLEP is a type of laser therapy that uses powerful beams of light through the urethra to remove excess prostate tissue. It may be less invasive than surgical treatment. It is necessary to compare these treatments to assess safety and effectiveness.

204 men with BPH were included in each treatment group. Patients were followed for an average of 7.5 to 17 months after the procedure.

Operating time was significantly longer with prostate surgery (67 minutes) than with laser therapy (60 minutes). The rate of side effects was 37.2% in the prostate surgery group and 20.6% in the GreenLEP group. Side effects included blood in the urine, pain, and inability to empty the bladder.

8.3% of prostatectomy patients needed a blood transfusion compared with 0.5% of GreenLEP patients. 7.8% of prostatectomy patients were re-hospitalised compared to 8.3% of GreenLEP patients.

The study concluded that GreenLEP laser therapy may be a safer treatment option for BPH than prostate surgery.

This study was carried out in only one treatment centre. However, it did support previous research in the same field.

Talk to your doctor about GreenLEP laser treatment.