Illustration of photoselective vaporisation of prostate treatment option.

Photoselective Vaporisation of the Prostate

Don't let BPH control you. There may be alternative solutions
available to you.

Over 1 million men treated worldwide.1

Have you been diagnosed with BPH? Still battling the symptoms? If your current treatment option is not working, your GP or urologist may suggest an alternative option.

It may be time to consider an alternative: Photoselective Vaporisation of the Prostate (PVP). This established treatment has helped more than 1 million men around the world gain relief from the frustrating and life-changing symptoms of BPH.1

What is Photoselective Vaporisation of the Prostate?

Photoselective Vaporisation of the Prostate (PVP) is a short hospital stay procedure that uses laser technology to remove overgrown prostate tissue. And rapidly restore natural urine flow. Often within 24 hours of the procedure. However, medical history, your health condition and other factors can influence treatment and recovery.

PVP is an option for men on anticoagulants or blood thinners.2 Or if you have an implanted pacemaker, defibrillator or neurostimulator.3

Why choose Photoselective Vaporisation of the Prostate?

When compared with traditional surgery, Photoselective Vaporisation of the Prostate may provide several advantages: 4-9

  • Shorter hospital stay
  • Shorter catheterisation time
  • Less bleeding
  • Faster recovery
Middle-aged man with doctor reading computer screen.

What are the risks?

All surgical treatments have inherent and associated risks. The PVP System is intended for the removal of soft tissue, including vaporisation of the prostate for benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH). Potential risks include irritative symptoms, bleeding, retrograde ejaculation and urinary tract infection. You should talk with your doctor or urologist about benefits and risks before moving forward with any treatment option.

What do patients say?

Photoselective Vaporisation of the Prostate (PVP) has helped more than 1 million men around the world relieve the symptoms of BPH.1 And get back to life. 

Men don’t typically talk about things like BPH. Even with their partners, friends, family or family doctor. Until it starts getting in the way. Of work, sleep, sex, everything. Hear firsthand from men who battled BPH, and had this treatment which helped them return to normal life.  


 

Harvey

"The surgery was a wonderful procedure. It just returned me to my normal life before I had any difficulty. I was able to urinate at a normal level."

 

Jon

"Right after the procedure, I couldn’t believe how comfortable I was. I was back at my desk in the office the next day with no discomfort, like I had nothing done except I had all this relief."

 

Joseph

"Right after the laser surgery, I felt relieved instantly."

 

The following testimonials recount the experiences that are specific to these individuals. As with all medical treatment, not every response is the same. We recommend you talk to your doctor or urologist about which treatment is right for you.

Person/s providing the testimonial may have been compensated for their time.

What does Photoselective Vaporisation of the Prostate cost?

PVP Therapy is covered by Medicare and most private insurance. It’s still a good idea to discuss any deductibles or out-of-pocket costs with your doctor or urologist’s office upfront. There is no guarantee of insurance coverage for any procedure or product. It is the responsibility of the patient to contact their insurance provider for specific coverage information.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I have to stay in the hospital after a PVP procedure?
The PVP procedure typically requires an overnight stay in the hospital.

Does the PVP procedure affect sexual function?
In a recent study, 86% of patients reported improved or unchanged sexual satisfaction; 14% worsened. Similar outcomes were seen for erectile function.5

How long does it take until symptoms are relieved?
Most patients experience relief of symptoms and improvement in urine flow within 24 hours of the procedure. However, medical history, health conditions, and other factors can influence treatment and recovery.

How long will symptom improvements last?
PVP has proven durability out to 5 years.10,11

Will I continue to need prostate medication after the PVP procedure?
Most patients are able to discontinue taking their prostate medication within a few weeks after the PVP procedure. However, as with any medication, consult with your doctor or urologist before making any changes to your dosing.

How soon can I return to work?
Most patients can resume their normal activities within a couple of days. Strenuous activities can be resumed within a short time. Your doctor will discuss any restrictions and your specific condition with you during your visit following your procedure.

Questions to ask your GP or Urologist

Helpful hints on how to start the conversation with your GP
or urologist, and other useful resources

Learn More

Take the Quiz

Take our BPH quiz to identify if you are experiencing BPH symptoms and help you
kick-start the conversation about BPH with your doctor or urologist.

Find a Urologist

Use our Specialist Finder to get in contact with urologists who specialise in diagnosing and treating male urinary conditions like BPH.

 

References

  1. Data on file with Boston Scientific.
  2. Sohn JH, Choi YS, Kim SJ, Effectiveness and safety of photoselective vaporization of the prostate with the 120 W HPS GreenLight laser in benign prostatic hyperplasia patients taking oral anticoagulants. Korean J Urol. 2011 Mar;52(3):178-83.
  3. GreenLight XPS™ Laser System Operator’s Manual, Part No. 0010-0240 Rev. C. November 2010.
  4. Bachmann A, Tubaro A, Barber N, et al. 180-W XPS GreenLight laser vaporization versus transurethral resection of the prostate for the treatment of benign prostatic obstruction: 6-month safety and efficacy results of the European multi-centre randomized trial – The GOLIATH Study. Eur Urol. 2014 May;65(5):931-42.
  5. Lukacs B, Loeffler J, Bruyère F, et al. Photoselective vaporization of the prostate with GreenLight 120-W laser compared with monopolar transurethral resection of the prostate: A multicenter randomized controlled trial. Eur Urol. 2012;61(6):1165-73.
  6. Capitán C, Blázquez C, Martin MD, et al. GreenLight HPS 120-W laser vaporization versus transurethral resection of the prostate for the treatment of lower urinary tract symptoms due to benign prostatic hyperplasia: A randomized clinical trial with 2-year follow-up. Eur Urol. 2011 Oct;60(4):734-9.
  7. Al-Ansari A, Younes N, Sampige VP, et al. GreenLight HPS 120-W laser vaporization versus transurethral resection of the prostate for treatment of benign prostatic hyperplasia: a randomized clinical trial with midterm follow-up. Eur Urol. 2010 Sep;58(3):349-55.
  8. Bouchier-Hayes DM, Van Appledorn S, Bugeja P, et al. A randomized trial of photoselective vaporization of the prostate using the 80-W potassium titanyl-phosphate laser vs transurethral prostatectomy, with a 1-year follow-up. BJU Int. 2010 Apr;105(7):964-9.
  9. Garnick MB. 2013 Annual Report on Prostate Diseases. Boston, MA: Harvard Health Publications; 2013.
  10. Ajib K, Mansour M, Zanaty M, et al. Photoselective vaporization of the prostate with the 180-W XPS-Greenlight laser: Five-year experience of safety, efficiency, and functional outcomes. Can Urol Assoc J. 2018 Jul;12(7):E318-E324
  11. Thomas JA, Tubaro A, Barber N, et al. A multicenter randomized noninferiority trial comparing GreenLight-XPS laser vaporization of the prostate and transurethral resection of the prostate for the treatment of benign prostatic obstruction: two-yr outcomes of the GOLIATH Study. Eur Urol. 2016 Jan;69(1):94-102.

 

Results from case studies are not necessarily predictive of results in other cases. Results in other cases may vary. All images are the property of Boston Scientific. All trademarks are the property of their respective owners.

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