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Results
By Mayo Clinic staffIt can take some time to recover fully from laser surgery. After the procedure, you may notice:
- Blood in your urine (hematuria) for a few days to weeks after the procedure. See your doctor if the blood in your urine is thick like ketchup, bleeding appears to be worsening or if blood clots block your urine flow.
- Irritating urinary symptoms, such as painful urination, difficulty urinating, an urgent or frequent need to urinate, or having to get up more often during the night to urinate. With some types of laser surgery, these symptoms can last up to a few weeks after the procedure.
- Difficulty holding urine. This can occur because your bladder is used to having to push urine through a urethra narrowed by enlarged prostate tissue. For most men, this issue improves with time.
Prostate laser surgery improves urinary flow in most men. Often, results are quickly apparent. In some cases, laser surgery doesn't completely remove all of the prostate tissue blocking urine flow, or tissue grows back, and further treatment is needed.
Laser surgery techniques are still being developed, and more studies are needed to determine which ones work best and their long-term effectiveness.
References
- AUA guideline on the management of benign prostatic hyperplasia: Diagnosis and treatment recommendations. Baltimore, Md.: American Urological Association. http://www.auanet.org/content/guidelines-and-quality-care/clinical-guidelines/main-reports/bph-management/chapt_1_appendix.pdf. Accessed March 12, 2009.
- Humphreys, MR (expert opinion). Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minn. March 22, 2011.
- Fitzpatrick JM, et al. Minimally invasive and endoscopic management of benign prostatic hyperplasia. In: Wein AJ, et al. Campbell-Walsh Urology. 9th ed. Philadelphia, Pa.: Saunders Elsevier; 2007. http://www.mdconsult.com/das/book/body/125743340-3/0/1445/91.html?tocnode=54305416&fromURL=91.html. Accessed April 14, 2011.
- Lee J, et al. Advances in laser technology in urology. Urology Clinics of North America. 2009;36:189.
- Rieken M, et al. Complications of laser prostatectomy: A review of recent data. World Journal of Urology. 2010;28:53.
- Ahyai SA, et al. Meta-analysis of functional outcomes and complications following transurethral procedures for lower urinary tract symptoms resulting from benign prostatic enlargement. European Urology. 2010;58:384.
- Gnessin E, et al. An update on holmium laser enucleation of the prostate and why it has stood the test of time. Current Opinion in Urology. 2011;21:31.
- Prostate enlargement: Benign prostatic hyperplasia. National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases. http://kidney.niddk.nih.gov/kudiseases/pubs/prostateenlargement. Accessed May 23, 2011.
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