The GreenLight PVP Laser Procedure (Photoselective Vaporization of the Prostate) is being used to treat men who have an enlarged prostate. Unlike the traditional surgical approach called Transurethral Resection of the Prostate (TURP), the GreenLight PVP Laser procedure offers many advantages since it is an outpatient procedure and promotes faster recovery.

An enlarged prostate gland, known as Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia (BPH), is a non-cancerous condition that restricts urine flow. It is a condition that affects more than half of all men in their sixties and nearly 80% of those in their eighties.

As a man ages it is common for the prostate gland to become enlarged. As the prostate enlarges, the layer of tissue surrounding it stops it from expanding, causing the gland to press against the urethra. The bladder wall becomes thicker and irritable. The bladder begins to contract even when it contains small amounts of urine, causing more frequent urination. Eventually, the bladder weakens and loses the ability to empty itself. Urine remains in the bladder. The narrowing of the urethra and partial emptying of the bladder can cause a number of problems for men as they age.

The GreenLight PVP Laser System utilizes a thin fiber inserted into the urethra that permits the doctor to examine the bladder and prostate. The fiber delivers a green laser beam that enables the physician to remove enlarged tissue. Because the tissue is vaporized and removed, an open channel is created. Natural urine flow may be rapidly restored and urinary symptoms may be relieved quickly.

The GreenLight PVP Laser Procedure is virtually bloodless due to the hemostatic properties of the laser’s wavelength. The procedure is typically performed on an outpatient basis. Another benefit for patients and physicians is that the GreenLight PVP Laser may be performed without a catheter. Post-operative discomfort is minimal after this procedure.

About 14 million men in the United States suffer from enlarged prostates (Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia), with 140,000 men undergoing surgery each year for this condition. Non-cancerous prostate enlargement results in urinary problems, including frequent urination, difficulty urinating, dribbling and a feeling that the bladder never completely empties.

The GreenLight PVP laser treatment is ideal for most patients diagnosed with an enlarged prostate. Symptoms can range in severity from mild to being very disruptive to the quality of life of a patient. Enlarged prostate symptoms include:

• · Feeling that the bladder is never completely empty, even after urinating.
• · Frequent or painful urination.
• · Waking up frequently during the night to urinate.
• · Weak or interrupted urine stream.
• · Incontinence (dribbling).
• · Difficulty in starting or stopping the flow of urine.
• · A sudden feeling that you have to urinate immediately.

Ohio Valley Medical Center is a 200-bed hospital in the heart of downtown Wheeling. East Ohio Regional Hospital is a 250-bed hospital located in Martins Ferry, Ohio. In 1981, EORH joined with OVMC to form Ohio Valley Health Services and Education Corporation, an integrated health care delivery system comprising of the two hospitals, River Health Enterprises and Family Service-Upper Ohio Valley.

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