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Treatment in Clifton, NJ

Greenlight Laser Prostate Surgery

Introduction to Greenlight Laser Prostate Surgery

Introduction to GreenLight Laser Prostate Surgery

An enlarged prostate can make it difficult to urinate normally, leading to a weak urine stream, frequent or urgent trips to the bathroom, difficulty emptying the bladder, and waking throughout the night to urinate. When these symptoms become disruptive or do not improve enough with medication, GreenLight laser prostate surgery may provide another treatment option.

At East Coast Advanced Urology in Clifton, NJ, Dr. Karl Coutinho provides GreenLight laser prostate surgery for men with urinary symptoms caused by an enlarged prostate. He welcomes patients from throughout the greater New York metropolitan area and develops individualized treatment plans based on each patient’s symptoms, prostate condition, overall health, and previous treatment.

Professional man in glasses and purple sweater in thoughtful pose at modern office space - in Clifton, NJ

What is GreenLight Laser Prostate Surgery?

GreenLight laser prostate surgery, also known as photoselective vaporization of the prostate (PVP), is a minimally invasive procedure used to treat urinary symptoms caused by an enlarged prostate, or benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH).

During the procedure, Dr. Coutinho passes a small scope through the urethra and uses GreenLight laser energy to vaporize prostate tissue that is blocking the flow of urine. Removing this obstructing tissue creates more room for urine to pass through the urethra.

The GreenLight laser also seals blood vessels as it treats the prostate tissue, which helps limit bleeding during the procedure. This may make GreenLight PVP an option for some men who take blood-thinning medications. Dr. Coutinho will review your medications and medical history before deciding whether the procedure is appropriate for you.

Other Treatments for an Enlarged Prostate

GreenLight laser prostate surgery is one option for treating urinary obstruction caused by an enlarged prostate, but the same procedure is not right for every patient. Dr. Coutinho will consider your symptoms, prostate, overall health, and other urinary conditions when recommending treatment.

Transurethral Resection of the Prostate

TURP is another procedure used to treat urinary obstruction caused by an enlarged prostate. Instead of vaporizing prostate tissue with a laser, TURP removes obstructing tissue through the urethra. Dr. Coutinho can determine which approach may be more appropriate based on your individual condition.

Who Are the Best Candidates for GreenLight Laser Prostate Surgery?

Men with bothersome urinary symptoms caused by an enlarged prostate may be candidates for GreenLight laser prostate surgery. Dr. Coutinho will evaluate your symptoms, prostate, overall health, medications, and previous treatments before determining whether the procedure is right for you. A guideline-based BPH evaluation commonly includes a symptom assessment and urinalysis. Depending on the treatment being considered, Dr. Coutinho may also measure post-void residual urine, urine-flow rate, and prostate size or anatomy using imaging or cystoscopy.

Patients who may benefit include men who:

  • Have difficulty starting urination or maintaining a strong urine stream
  • Frequently or urgently need to urinate
  • Have difficulty completely emptying the bladder
  • Wake frequently during the night to urinate
  • Have not achieved enough improvement with medication or cannot tolerate its side effects
  • Have experienced complications related to an enlarged prostate, such as urinary retention, recurrent bladder stones, blood in the urine, or urinary tract infections
  • Are appropriate candidates for anesthesia and the procedure.

Dr. Coutinho will also discuss how treatment may affect ejaculation and sexual function so you understand what to expect before deciding to proceed.

What Are the Benefits of GreenLight Laser Prostate Surgery?

GreenLight laser prostate surgery can improve urinary symptoms caused by an enlarged prostate while avoiding external incisions. For appropriately selected patients, benefits may include:

  • A stronger urine stream
  • Easier bladder emptying
  • Fewer urgent trips to the bathroom
  • Less need to get up and urinate during the night
  • Less bleeding than with some traditional prostate procedures
  • Many patients need a catheter for only a short period
  • Outpatient treatment or a short hospital stay
  • Faster recovery compared with more invasive prostate surgery
Prostate and Bladder Health-evaluation

Beginning Your GreenLight Laser Prostate Surgery Evaluation

A consultation with Dr. Coutinho at East Coast Advanced Urology in Clifton, NJ, is the first step in determining whether GreenLight laser prostate surgery may be appropriate for you. During this visit, he will evaluate your urinary symptoms, overall health, and previous treatment for an enlarged prostate.

Your consultation may include:

  • A review of your urinary symptoms and how they affect your daily life
  • A discussion of previous treatments and medications you have tried
  • A physical examination and evaluation of your prostate
  • Urine, blood, imaging, or other testing when needed
  • A review of your medical history and current medications, including any blood-thinning medications
  • A discussion of your treatment options, preparation, recovery, and what you can expect from the procedure

What to Expect on the Day of GreenLight Laser Prostate Surgery

GreenLight laser prostate surgery is performed with anesthesia to keep you comfortable throughout the procedure. Before treatment begins, Dr. Coutinho and the surgical team will review your procedure and prepare you for surgery.

Dr. Coutinho will pass a thin scope through the urethra to reach the prostate. A small laser fiber is then used to deliver GreenLight energy to the enlarged prostate tissue that is interfering with urine flow. The laser vaporizes this obstructing tissue while also helping control bleeding during the procedure.

A urinary catheter may be placed afterward to allow urine to drain while the treated area begins to heal. Dr. Coutinho will determine how long the catheter needs to remain in place based on your procedure and initial recovery.

Prostate and Bladder Health-expect

GreenLight Laser Prostate Surgery Recovery

Your Guide to Post-GreenLight Laser Prostate Surgery Care

Recovery after GreenLight laser prostate surgery varies from patient to patient. Some blood in the urine, burning with urination, urinary urgency, or increased frequency can occur as the prostate and urinary tract begin to heal. These symptoms should gradually improve during recovery.

If a urinary catheter was placed, Dr. Coutinho will let you know when it can be removed. He will also provide instructions regarding fluids, medications, physical activity, and other recovery precautions. Heavy lifting and strenuous exercise may need to be avoided temporarily, and follow-up visits will allow Dr. Coutinho to monitor your urinary function and healing.

How Much Does GreenLight Laser Prostate Surgery Cost in New Jersey?

The cost of GreenLight laser prostate surgery in Clifton, NJ, and the greater New York metropolitan area can vary depending on your individual treatment, anesthesia, facility fees, and insurance coverage.

Insurance coverage depends on your plan and medical needs. Before treatment, the office can help review your benefits and explain any costs you may be responsible for. You should always verify your cost and coverage with your specific insurance carrier and plan.

Why Choose Dr. Coutinho?

Dr. Karl Coutinho treats BPH with multiple procedural approaches rather than relying on a single technique. He considers prostate size and anatomy, degree of obstruction, bleeding risk, medications, bladder function, previous treatment, and a patient’s priorities when deciding whether GreenLight PVP, TURP, UroLift, or another approach is most appropriate.

Dr. Coutinho has served as principal investigator in prospective BPH clinical research, including the randomized PINNACLE trial, and is a co-author of peer-reviewed publications on BPH treatment and preservation of sexual function. His combination of clinical research and procedural experience helps patients compare the benefits and limitations of different BPH treatments.

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Greenlight Laser Prostate Surgery FAQ’S

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Patient Reviews

  • My surgery was life changing and the recovery period was better than I ever expected. I would highly recommend Dr Coutinho , he is the best.

    View Gallery Claude R.

  • I had an outstanding experience with Dr. Coutinho and their entire urology team. They truly go above and beyond.

    View Gallery Jenney S.

  • Dr Karl Coutinho is an excellent doctor in his field. He made me feel whole again after doing two procedures for me.

    View Gallery Keith A.

  • I’ve never met a doctor so empathetic

    I’ve never met a doctor so empathetic, professional and Knowledgeable Dr Coutinho performed a very difficult surgery on me. I had absolutely no pain.

    View Gallery
Patient Reviews

East Coast Advanced Urology

Schedule Your Consultation

If an enlarged prostate is causing difficulty urinating or other bothersome urinary symptoms, schedule a consultation with Dr. Karl Coutinho at East Coast Advanced Urology in Clifton, NJ. He can evaluate your symptoms, review previous treatments, and determine whether GreenLight laser prostate surgery may be appropriate for you.

Dr. Coutinho welcomes patients from throughout the greater New York metropolitan area. Contact East Coast Advanced Urology to schedule your consultation.

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