GreenLight Laser Treatment

GreenLight laser treatment is either performed under a general anaesthetic, where you’ll be asleep for the procedure, or a spinal anaesthetic, where you’ll be awake, but numb from the waist down. 

The procedure normally takes around 45 minutes to an hour.

During GreenLight laser treatment: 

1. Once the anaesthetic has taken effect, a narrow telescope is passed through your urethra to your prostate.

2. Laser energy is delivered through a fibre directly to your prostate, rapidly vaporising excess tissue. 

3. At the end of the procedure, a urinary catheter (drainage tube from the bladder) is inserted to drain urine.

GreenLight laser treatment is a generally safe procedure, but as with any medical procedure, there’s a small risk that complications or side effects can occur. 

Your consultant will explain all the potential risks of your treatment before your procedure and answer any questions you may have. 

Common short-term complications of GreenLight laser treatment include:

• blood in the urine (haematuria)

• pain when passing urine 

• urinary tract infections (UTIs)

• dry orgasm (retrograde ejaculation)

Less common complications of GreenLight laser treatment include: 

• urinary incontinence

• erectile dysfunction (ED)

• urinary stricture – narrowing of the urethra or bladder opening due to the formation of scar tissue

• recurrence of BPE symptoms

Your urologist will tell you everything you need to do to prepare for your GreenLight laser treatment.

Tell your consultant about any medical conditions or allergies you have, and any medications you take regularly. 

You may need to: 

• stop taking certain medications, such as blood thinners, for a few days before your procedure. This is to reduce the risk of bleeding

• stop eating and drinking for a period of time before your procedure

• have a health assessment, including a blood test, chest X-ray, and ECG, to check you’re fit enough to undergo a general anaesthetic

Your consultant will give you instructions to follow during your recovery. They’ll arrange a follow-up appointment with you to check your progress and address any concerns. Your catheter will be removed after 1 or 2 days. 

Most patients will be able to go home when the effects of the anaesthetic have worn off. Please arrange for someone to collect you from the hospital after your procedure, as you won't be able to drive yourself home, or for 24 hours following a general anaesthetic. 

You may have some mild pain and discomfort after your procedure. This can usually be managed with over-the-counter painkillers such as paracetamol or ibuprofen. 

You may notice blood in your urine on and off for a few weeks, along with needing to pass urine more frequently and urgently. This usually settles after around 2 to 4 weeks, although it may last around a month. 

Most people can return to light activities, including a sedentary job, after 1 to 2 weeks, but if you have an active or manual job, you will need to take more time off work. Avoid strenuous exercise and heavy lifting for around 6 weeks. 

If you have any questions or concerns during your recovery, please contact us for advice.

Please contact our Urology centre for pricing information.

At Welbeck, our urologists are experts in their field and are dedicated to providing world-class care to every patient.

With access to colleagues across other specialities, our consultants are also able to refer within the Welbeck ecosystem if required to ensure you receive the treatment you need as quickly as possible, all under one roof.  

All appointments, testing, treatment, and follow-up appointments take place within our state-of-the-art facilities, enabling us to deliver accurate diagnostics and advanced treatments.

To book GreenLight laser treatment, you must be referred by either your GP or a urologist following a consultation with them. Self-referrals are not accepted for this treatment.

If you would like to schedule a consultation with a urologist, please get in touch to make an appointment. Your health is important to us, so we strive to offer same-day appointments whenever possible.

Our consultants are recognised by the major health insurance companies. If you have private health insurance, your treatment at Welbeck can begin once you have obtained authorisation. We also provide care to self-paying patients. Learn more about the different payment options at Welbeck.