4 Factors Considered When Selecting Laser Prostate Surgery Techniques
Several laser prostate surgery techniques, such as photoselective vapourisation and transurethral incision of the prostate, can be used to treat men with enlarged prostate glands surgically. The specific technique that may be used is selected based on a number of factors. This article discusses some of those factors.
Prostate Size
The most appropriate technique for reducing the size of an enlarged prostate using lasers often depends on the extent to which that prostate has enlarged. This is because different laser surgery techniques are best suited to prostates of a given size. For example, transurethral incision (TUIP) is recommended for men whose prostate hasn't enlarged to a great extent (not more than 30 grammes, for instance). However, TURP (transurethral resection) is the preferred laser surgery technique for men whose prostate has enlarged extensively. You should therefore talk to your doctor and discuss the specific techniques that are applicable for the extent to which your prostate has enlarged.
Medications
Some men may be taking medications that they cannot discontinue prior to undergoing laser prostate surgery. Such individuals may be unsuitable for some laser surgery techniques that necessitate the patient to stop taking that particular medication. Another technique that is "friendly" to that medication may then be selected so that the patient is not exposed to the risks that may occur when he halts taking his medication. For example, men who are unable to put a temporary halt to the use of blood thinners can undergo photoselective vapourisation laser surgery since this procedure is bloodless.
Potential Side Effects
Doctors usually assess and discuss any potential side effects before selecting a specific laser surgery procedure to treat an enlarged prostate. For instance, a man who would like to reduce his risk of failing to bear children may insist that the technique with the lowest chance of causing erectile dysfunction and retrograde ejaculation (ejaculating into your bladder instead of into the urethra) should be selected. In such a case, holmium laser ablation may be the technique of choice instead of transurethral resection that carries a very high risk of retrograde ejaculation.
Surgeon Skill
Sometimes, the skills and experience level of your chosen surgeon can influence the specific laser prostate surgery technique that will be used to treat you. It is therefore helpful for you to find out which particular techniques a given surgeon has extensive experience in using before you schedule the surgical treatment.
As you can see, several factors are considered before your laser prostate surgery procedure is planned. It may therefore be necessary for you to talk to several experts so that you and your family members can make informed decisions about your treatment options.