Laser surgery on the prostate gland is a minimally invasive procedure; surgical openings are not included and this type of surgery has fewer side effects. This procedure is used to treat symptoms of benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), a condition usually referred to as enlargement of the prostate gland. Laser surgery involves powerful heat and radio waves with the highest energy abolishing the tissues of the prostate gland that blocks the urinary flow or other complications. Laser surgery attains immediate relief from symptoms, a quick recovery, as well as decreasing post-operative effects. However, there are some side effects that men may experience after laser surgery. These are generally short-lived, though. These side effects are listed below.
Urinary Problems
This may include a temporary difficulty in urinating. This may result in you needing to have a catheter inserted to clear urine out of your bladder until you can urinate on your own. You may also develop a (UTI) urinary tract infection which may require the use of antibiotics. Lastly, there is also a chance of a narrowing of your urethra as a result of scar tissue. These scars may block the flow of urine and will require additional treatment.
Blood in the urine is also a common side effect of prostate laser surgery. This could last for up to a week after the surgery. You may also experience the inability to hold in your urine, but this is also a side effect that should resolve by itself.
Retrograde Ejaculation
Retrograde ejaculation is another one of the potential adverse side effects experienced after laser surgery for an enlarged prostate gland. In this condition, semen released during an ejaculation moves into your bladder rather than exiting through your penis. Retrograde ejaculation isn’t dangerous or painful, but it can cause fertility problems as very little sperm actually leaves the penis.
Erectile Dysfunction
Erectile dysfunction is one of the rarer side effects of laser prostate surgery and is more common in those men who have undergone more invasive prostate surgeries.
Erectile dysfunction is when a man is not able to maintain an erection. This is usually the result of nerve damage that may have occurred during the surgery.
The Need for Further Treatments
There is a chance of the sudden swelling of the prostate gland right after surgery. Some men may need a follow-up treatment after laser ablative surgery because all the tissues are not removed or these tissues may grow back over time, resulting in the prostate gland to become enlarged again. If laser surgery fails to provide lasting results, then it may be necessary to undergo more invasive treatments such as an open prostatectomy surgery.
