Photoselective Vaporization of the Prostate

Download a Copy of this Page

If you have elected to have Photoselective Vaporization of the Prostate, the following is information on the procedure and post-operative guidelines.

The Day of Surgery:
The procedure is usually done under general anesthesia.

You will have a catheter in the bladder after surgery. This may be removed the day of surgery or in the subsequent days following surgery, depending on the surgery and your personal circumstances. The doctor will decide after surgery whether you will go home the same day or stay in the hospital overnight. If you are sent home the day of the procedure, it would be best to bring a pad to the hospital that you can wear home if there is any bleeding or urinary leakage from the urethra after surgery.

After Surgery:
The following symptoms are common after this type of surgery:

Urinary urgency
Urinary frequency
Burning with urination
Blood in the urine

These symptoms usually resolve within a few days but in some cases may last weeks. If severe, certain medications may be prescribed. If there is blood in the urine, drink plenty of fluids and this should improve. Limit activities until the urine is clear. Please notify your doctor if the following occur:

Heavy bleeding or the inability to pass urine.
High fever (generally above 102° F)

This information is a general guideline for most patients. As with anything in medicine your case may vary or need to be individualized.