Always the leader, Sanitas offers our clients the advantage of laser treatment for Benign Prostate Hyperplasia, in a secure simple way, without complications.

What is BPH?

BPH usually occurs in men aged 45-60 years. When it occurs, the prostate enlarges, compresses the urethra and obstructs the flow of urine. At age 60, over 50% of men suffer from BPH, and between 70 and 80 years, up to 90% show symptoms.  Photo selective Prostrate Vaporization with Green Laser is a technique used by urologists worldwide and this has been a major breakthrough in treating this problem.

With Sanitas you have all advantages:

• The latest technology at your disposal - The laser prostate treatment is the most important breakthrough that has been made in the last 25 years for the treatment of benign prostatic hyperplasia.
• Thinking of you - This method is minimally invasive and provides results that are just as long lasting as other surgical options.
• Convenient and easy -  The laser treatment can be administered on an outpatient basis or with minimal hospitalisation. Within a maximum of 24 hours you will be back at home with your family.
• More benefits - Immediate relief of symptoms, a quick and painless recovery, absence of incontinence and impotence, without loss of blood.

What is the Prostate?

The prostate is the male sex organ found in the base of the urinary bladder, which surrounds part of the urethra, the tube that connects the bladder to the outside. The prostate is responsible for producing seminal fluid, which transports the sperm. The growth of the prostate usually occurs after age 50. This growth can be benign, in which case it is described as benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH).  In many cases, this growth causes obstruction of the urethra, causing difficulty urinating, amongst other symptoms.

The benign growth can usually be identified by the following symptoms:

• Frequent urination, especially at night
• The sudden need to urinate
• Decreased thickness and strength of the urine stream
• Pain or difficulty urinating
• Sensation of not emptying the bladder completely
• Loss of urine and dribbling at the end of urination
• Delay at the start of urination

What is Green Laser?

This new technique represents a breakthrough in the treatment of BPH, and is the most important development in the past 25 years. It represents a viable alternative to and is less invasive than open surgery, with less postoperative effects. To carry out photo selective prostate vaporisation, a high-energy laser-edge is used, combined with an optical fibre that is specially designed for this application. The laser and fibre are used together to vaporise soft tissue, completely eliminating the enlarged prostate tissue.

What is the procedure?

The VFP procedure is performed in a fully equipped operating room in a hospital setting. The time taken depends on several factors; the size of the prostate and the patient's general condition. The advanced laser system is used to drive the laser light endoscopically through a specially designed optical device. These light pulses are directed into the prostate and quickly and gently vaporise and remove the obstructing tissue entirely.

The laser itself seals the intervention area, preventing it from bleeding. It is performed under epidural anaesthesia and in some cases, a general anaesthetic. The patient returns home after 24 hours and is able to return to work within a few days after surgery.

The vaporisation consists of completely removing the enlarged prostate tissue, and simultaneously performs photocoagulation of blood vessels, which prevents bleeding, the main risk in prostate surgery.

Benefits of Green Laser

The VFP laser method is minimally invasive and offers you results lasting up to five years (similar to other more invasive surgery such as RTU, open prostatectomy, etc.), but avoiding the typical risks and complications that can arise with these treatments:

• Can be administered as an outpatient or with minimal hospitalisation; between 6 and 24 hours
• Virtually no blood loss: it is ideal for high risk patients on anticoagulation therapy
• Immediate relief from symptoms
• A very quick and painless recovery
• Catheterisation is limited to a few hours
• Vaporisation is up to 2 g. per minute

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