Greenlight™ photoselective vaporisation of the prostate (PVP) is a relatively novel treatment for benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) that has been available in the UK for 3 years and has long-term (7+ years) follow-up in the United States.

The green colour of the laser is rapidly absorbed by the red pigment found in blood (haemoglobin) and the prostate has an excellent blood supply. The rapid absorption of this greenlight causes the prostate tissue to vaporise and so it is possible to remove obstructing tissue to allow easier passage of urine.

The removal of tissue in this manner causes very little bleeding as veins and arteries are sealed at the time of vaporisation. Occasionally quite large blood vessels can be encountered during a prostatectomy but even these can readily be controlled and sealed closed with the greenlight laser.

The result is that there is very little blood loss during the procedure and therefore a very reduced in-patient stay in hospital and rapid return to normal activities. There is also no upper limit to the size of prostate that can be treated although obviously very large prostates require a longer operation.

As the blood vessels are instantly sealed there is very little absorption of any irrigation fluid (the fluid used to aid vision and carry the bubbles away during the procedure) and so PVP is very safe.