What is green light laser prostate surgery used to treat?

Doctors use GreenLight laser to treat benign prostatic hyperplasia, or BPH, according to the University of Virginia School of Medicine. The treatment evaporates the prostate tissue that blocks the bladder’s outlet; patients are anesthetized during the procedure.

A doctor uses a scope to guide the laser fiber during the procedure, which is known as laser ablation of the prostate or photoselective vaporization of the prostate, and then gentle vaporization of the prostate tissue occurs, notes the University of Virginia School of Medicine. Many physicians prefer GreenLight treatment because it is associated with fewer risks than alternative procedures, such as open prostatectomy or transurethral resection.