Prof. Dr. Emel Akoğlu
UrologyVerified
- 57+years exp.
English · Turkish
FromPrice on request
Free quote
60 seconds · no obligationView Profile
Prostate
Greenlight laser prostate vaporisation
What GreenLight laser prostate vaporisation is, how the 532 nm laser removes obstructing prostate tissue through the urethra, what trials show against TURP, how it compares with HoLEP and other options, approximate costs in Turkey against the UK, US and Germany, recovery, risks including retrograde ejaculation, and how to choose a urology team.
A written plan with the surgeon's name and the full price — usually within 24 hours.
- Category
- Prostate
- Hospitals
- 2
- Verified
- 2
- Price from
- Price on request
Verified surgeons for GreenLight Laser Prostate Vaporisation
2 doctors Compare doctors, ratings and prices — ask any of them for a free quote.
Prof. Dr. Zerrin Biçik Bahçebaşı
UrologyVerified
- 37+years exp.
English · Turkish
FromPrice on request
Free quote
60 seconds · no obligationView Profile
GreenLight laser prostate vaporisation: what it is and how it works
GreenLight laser prostate vaporisation (photoselective vaporisation of the prostate, or PVP) is a treatment for benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), the non-cancerous enlargement of the prostate that squeezes the urethra and makes passing urine slow, weak, frequent or incomplete. A thin laser fibre is passed through the urethra using a telescope (cystoscope), with no cut in the skin. The laser emits green light at a wavelength of 532 nm that is absorbed strongly by haemoglobin, the pigment in blood. The tissue absorbs the energy, heats instantly and vaporises, leaving a wider channel for urine while the surrounding tissue is sealed so that there is little bleeding.
Because it seals as it cuts, the method is often used in men who take blood thinners and are at higher risk of bleeding with other prostate operations. The tissue is vaporised, not removed, so no sample goes to a laboratory. This guide explains how the treatment works, what trials show, how it compares with TURP and HoLEP, what it costs in Turkey against other countries, what recovery involves and what the risks are. For the wider specialty see our urology treatments in Turkey.
Which symptoms does GreenLight laser treat, and what must be checked first?
The treatment is for lower urinary tract symptoms caused by an enlarged prostate: a weak or interrupted stream, hesitancy, straining, getting up at night, urgency, a feeling of incomplete emptying, repeated urinary infections, bladder stones or complete retention needing a catheter. Before surgery, other causes should be excluded, because similar symptoms arise from an overactive bladder, a urethral stricture, nerve disease, diabetes or medication. A typical work-up includes a symptom score (IPSS), a flow-rate test, an ultrasound measuring prostate volume and residual urine, a urine test and a PSA blood test. If the PSA is raised or the examination is abnormal, cancer must be considered first; a prostate biopsy may be advised before any BPH operation, because vaporisation gives no tissue for pathology.
Does GreenLight laser vaporisation work? What the trials show
The evidence is good for moderately enlarged prostates. Randomised trials, including the large GOLIATH study, compared GreenLight with transurethral resection of the prostate (TURP), the traditional reference operation, and found similar improvements in symptom scores and urine flow at two years, with less bleeding, a shorter catheter time and often a shorter stay. The National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) has issued guidance supporting its use, and European and American urology guidelines list laser vaporisation among the accepted surgical options. The limits are that the amount of tissue removed per minute is smaller for very large prostates, some men need retreatment over the years, and long-term data beyond five years are less extensive than for TURP. A trustworthy clinic will explain this and will not promise a permanent cure.
GreenLight, TURP, HoLEP or others: how do the options compare?
Several operations relieve the blockage; the choice depends on the prostate size, your bleeding risk, your wish to keep ejaculation and what the surgeon is trained in.
| Method | Best suited to | Typical limits |
|---|---|---|
| GreenLight laser vaporisation | Small to moderate prostates; men on blood thinners | No tissue for pathology; retreatment possible; less suited to very large glands |
| TURP (electrical resection) | Small to moderate prostates; widely available | More bleeding; fluid absorption risk; longer catheter |
| HoLEP (laser enucleation) | Any size, including large prostates | Demanding technique; short-term urine leakage common |
For a very large prostate, a surgeon may suggest laser enucleation or an open or robotic simple prostatectomy; see our page on da Vinci prostatic adenomectomy. Note that radical prostatectomy is a different operation, done for prostate cancer, and is not an alternative here. Newer procedures such as steam therapy (Rezum) and prostatic urethral lift suit selected men who want to preserve ejaculation.
GreenLight laser prostate vaporisation cost in Turkey compared with the UK, US and Germany
The figures below are approximate ranges, not hospital quotes. The final price depends on the prostate size, the laser time, the length of stay and any associated procedure.
| Country | Approximate cost range |
|---|---|
| Turkey | €2,500 – €6,000 |
| United Kingdom | €5,000 – €10,000 |
| United States | €8,000 – €20,000 |
| Germany | €4,500 – €9,000 |
What changes the price: the laser fibre and generator used (the fibre is single-use), the anaesthesia, whether a bladder stone is treated at the same time, the number of nights in hospital and the pre-operative tests. A package normally includes the tests, operation, surgeon and anaesthetist, one to two nights in hospital, the catheter, medication and airport transfers. Ask for the list in writing.
Who is a good candidate for GreenLight laser, and who is not?
Good candidates are men with troublesome symptoms from BPH that medicines such as alpha-blockers or 5-alpha reductase inhibitors have not controlled or that they cannot tolerate, with a prostate of small to moderate volume and a normal PSA. It is particularly useful for those on anticoagulants or antiplatelet drugs who cannot stop them. It is not advised if prostate cancer is suspected and not yet excluded, in a very large prostate where another technique may be more suitable, in an active urinary infection or when the problem is a bladder muscle weakness rather than obstruction. Men who still want to father children should discuss ejaculation, because this operation commonly causes dry orgasm.
How is GreenLight vaporisation done, step by step?
- Preparation. Urine test to rule out infection, blood tests and a review of blood thinners.
- Anaesthesia. Spinal or general anaesthesia; a few centres use local anaesthesia with sedation.
- Access. A cystoscope is passed through the urethra and saline irrigation keeps the view clear.
- Vaporisation. The laser fibre sweeps over the obstructing tissue, creating a channel from the bladder neck to the base of the urethra; the surgeon checks bleeding as the tissue is treated.
- Catheter. A catheter is placed to drain the bladder, often for 12 to 48 hours.
The operation takes about 30 to 90 minutes depending on the size of the prostate.
Recovery after GreenLight laser vaporisation: catheter, hospital and the first weeks
Most men stay one night and leave once the urine is clear and the catheter is out and they can pass water. Expect a burning feeling on passing urine, frequency, urgency, blood-stained urine and small clots for a few days to two weeks; these settle gradually as the treated surface heals, which takes four to six weeks. Drink plenty of water, avoid constipation and heavy lifting for two to four weeks, and avoid sex and cycling for about the same period. Most men return to desk work within a week. A trip of four to six nights usually covers the operation, the catheter removal and the check before flying; the surgeon decides when you may travel.
What results can I expect, and how long do they last?
Many men notice a stronger stream and fewer night-time trips within days to weeks, although irritative symptoms can take a month or more to settle. Trials report a marked fall in symptom scores and a clear rise in urine flow at one to two years. Results are not forever: the prostate can regrow slowly, and a minority of men need a second procedure over the following years. As with other prostate surgery, you will still need follow-up with a urologist, and a PSA check, since BPH surgery does not protect against prostate cancer.
What are the risks and side effects of GreenLight laser?
Common effects are temporary burning, blood in the urine, frequency and urgency. The most important long-term effect is retrograde ejaculation, in which semen passes back into the bladder instead of out; it affects a large proportion of men after any prostate operation and is not harmful, but it reduces fertility. Other risks include urinary infection, difficulty passing urine needing a catheter again, a narrowing (stricture) of the urethra or bladder neck, temporary urinary leakage, erection changes (uncommon) and, rarely, bleeding needing a transfusion. Reliable information is available from the NHS and from the European Association of Urology and the American Urological Association patient pages. Seek urgent help after going home for inability to pass urine, fever or heavy bleeding.
How to choose a urologist and hospital, and questions to ask
Choose a urologist registered in Turkey who performs prostate laser surgery regularly, in a licensed hospital with a urology theatre, anaesthesia and a blood bank. Red flags include promises of a permanent cure, a quote without your prostate size and PSA, no plan for removing the catheter and no discussion of other options. Read how our process works and use the free quote page to send your ultrasound and test results. Useful questions:
- Is my prostate size suitable for GreenLight, or would you advise HoLEP or TURP?
- Has cancer been excluded, and is my PSA recent?
- How long will I have a catheter, and where will it be removed?
- What is my chance of dry orgasm, and what does that mean for fertility?
- Who reviews my symptoms after I fly home?
Hospitals with Urology in Turkey
Frequently asked questions
It is a treatment for an enlarged prostate in which a green laser (532 nm) passed through the urethra vaporises obstructing tissue to widen the urine channel, with little bleeding and no skin incision.
Trials show symptom scores and urine flow improve to a similar degree as with TURP at two years. Some men need a repeat treatment later, and data beyond five years are less extensive.
Approximate ranges are €2,500 to €6,000 in Turkey, against about €5,000 to €10,000 in the UK. Prostate size, laser time and hospital stay change the price, and the hospital confirms it in a written quote.
Results are similar for moderate prostates, with less bleeding after GreenLight. TURP is more widely available, and HoLEP suits large glands. A urologist should explain the choice for your prostate size.
Often yes, because the laser seals tissue as it vaporises and bleeding is low. The urologist and your own doctor should agree a plan for your anticoagulant.
It is common after prostate surgery of this type: semen passes into the bladder, giving a dry orgasm. It is harmless but reduces fertility, so discuss it first if you want children.
Most men leave hospital after one night and return to desk work within a week. Burning, urgency and some blood in the urine can last two weeks, and healing takes four to six weeks.
Often 12 to 48 hours, until the urine is clear and you can pass water. Some men with a large prostate or retention need it for longer.
No. It treats benign enlargement only and provides no tissue for pathology. Cancer should be excluded with a PSA test and, if needed, a biopsy before surgery.
Plan about four to six nights, covering the operation, the catheter removal and a check before flying. The surgeon confirms when you can travel.
Patient stories