1. Is the GreenLight PVP
procedure FDA approved?
Yes, the GreenLight PVP Laser Procedure received FDA
clearance in May 2001.
2. How many GreenLight PVP procedures have been
performed?
Thousands of patients have been successfully treated with
the GreenLight PVP Laser Procedure in the US, Europe, and
Far East.
3. Is the procedure covered by insurance?
Yes, the GreenLight PVP procedure is covered by Medicare and
by most private insurance plans
4. How does GreenLight PVP work?
The GreenLight PV Laser System is a patented green light
laser that provides the energy to perform the PVP procedure.
A thin fiber is inserted into the urethra through a
cystoscope, an instrument that allows the doctor to examine
the bladder and prostate. The fiber delivers green laser
energy that quickly vaporizes and precisely removes enlarged
prostate tissue. Dr. Shaw
is able to safely view and
control the treatment area, tailoring it to your individual
anatomy and needs. Because the tissue is vaporized and
removed, a wide-open channel is created. Natural urine flow
is immediately restored and urinary symptoms are relieved.
5. Where is PVP procedure performed?
The GreenLight PVP procedure is performed in a hospital or
an ambulatory surgery center. You may be released after a
few hours or after an overnight stay.
6. Will I have to spend the night in the hospital?
Most patients can go home a few hours after the procedure.
Sometimes your doctor feels more comfortable asking a patient
to spend the night and go home the following morning,
particularly if your procedure was done late in the day, or
if you traveled a long distance to reach the hospital.
7. Will I need anesthesia?
You will need analgesia of some type for the GreenLight PVP
procedure. Depending upon your individual medical condition,
Dr. Shaw may use general or spinal anesthesia, or block
the nerves to your prostate using a local anesthetic, and
administering some light analgesics through an IV
(intravenous) tubing.
8. Will I feel any pain during the GreenLight PVP
procedure?
Patients have not reported any pain during the procedure.
You and Dr. Shaw will discuss appropriate sedation.
9. Will I feel pain after the procedure?
After the procedure you may have some mild discomfort such
as slight burning during urination for about a week or so.
This is easily managed with mild pain medications and
anti-inflammatory drugs. Most patients are comfortable, and
require only mild, over-the counter analgesics, such as
Tylenol® or Advil®.
10. Will I have to wear a catheter?
Many patients (about half) do not need a catheter. If one is
needed, it is usually removed within 24 hours. It really
depends on your individual case.
11. How long before I see results?
Most patients obtain immediate relief of symptoms and
dramatic improvement in your urine flow usually within 24
hours of the procedure.
12. How long is the recovery time? How soon can I return
to normal activities?
Most patients can resume normal activities within the week.
This would include a desk job and driving a car, which you
should be able to resume within a couple of days. You will
have to avoid more strenuous activities, as well as lifting
more than 30 pounds or riding a lawnmower for about 14 days
following the GreenLight PVP Laser procedure.
13. What are the side effects, risks and complications of
GreenLight PVP?
The PVP procedure is generally considered to be very safe.
Most patients report a very high level of satisfaction.
Patients may experience slight burning during urination
and/or a little bit of blood in the urine for a couple of
weeks. Some men may experience more severe symptoms, which
can be easily treated by Dr. Shaw. Retrograde ejaculation,
or “dry climax” following treatment may occur. According to
clinical studies, no patients have suffered loss of control
of their bladder (incontinence); loss of sexual ability
(erectile dysfunction); have required a blood transfusion,
suffered TUR-Syndrome, or death.
14. Will I still be able to have sex following the PVP
procedure?
The GreenLight PVP Procedure should not affect your ability
to have an erection or an orgasm. Some men have reported
retrograde ejaculation, or “dry climax” following the
procedure. If you are sexually active now, you can look
forward to remaining sexually active.
15. Can I have PVP if I have failed TUNA, TUMT, ILC, or
WIT?
Yes, many patients who have failed these technologies have
been successfully treated with PVP.
16. Can I have PVP if I had a TURP? Yes, absolutely.
17. My doctor has told me that I am not a candidate for
TUNA, TUMT, ILC, or WIT…and has recommended that I have a
TURP? Can I still have the PVP procedure?
As a rule, if you are a suitable candidate for TURP, you can
be considered a good candidate for PVP. Prostate size or
length does not generally rule you out as being a good
candidate for PVP; however,
Dr. Shaw will need to make that determination, based upon
your individual condition.
18. Will I still need to take my prostate medication
following the PVP procedure?
No. Your doctor will tell you when you can stop taking these
medications.
19. How do I know if I am a candidate for PVP?
Only Dr. Shaw can determine if you are a candidate, based
upon your history & physical examination, as well as his
clinical judgment.
20. How long can I expect the effects of the procedure to
last?
Clinical studies show that the procedure is very long
lasting. Very few patients require re-treatment. We do not
know how long you can expect improvement until more data is
gathered from the clinical study.
Click on the links below for more information about the
Greenlight PVP. Please note, you may need to download
Real Player or Quick Time to view each video.
If you would
like to receive more information about this topic or about the
urology offices of The Austin Diagnostic Clinic, please email
us your request or call 512/901-4221.
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Multi-Specialty Medical Clinic
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Austin, TX 78758 | 512.901.1111
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