|  | Conditions Treatments | Urinary Disorders

Prostate Laser Surgery Complications

Prostate problems are common in older adult men. Depending on the stage of the problem, surgery is often prescribed. The majority of surgeries are successful, but sometimes there are complications. Complications can require a follow-up surgery, depending on the degree and magnitude of the problem.

  1. What is Prostate Laser Surgery?

    • Laser surgery is the most advanced and least invasive form of prostate surgery. During the surgery, a laser is used to remove prostate tissue that is blocking the normal flow of urine from the bladder through the urethra. There are many kinds of lasers, but all basically achieve the same results. Lasers use a high concentration of light to generate the strong heat used in the surgery.

    Complications of Prostate Surgery

    • Laser prostate surgery is considered safe. More that 250,000 laser prostate surgeries have been performed worldwide. Nevertheless, all operations have some associated risks. One of the more common complications of laser surgery is urinary urgency. Some recovering patients may, at times, feel an urgent need to urinate.

    Periodic Blood in Urine

    • Another possible complication of laser surgery is blood that periodically appears in your urine. This problem may be treated or it may go away on its own over time. Using a laser to remove prostate tissue around the bladder is a very meticulous procedure.

    Ejaculation Complications

    • After laser prostate surgery, many patients experience a suppression of sexual desire and feelings. Some patients who engaged in sexual activities within 6 weeks of the operation had difficulties with sperm ejaculation. The surgery also can result in "retrograde ejaculation." Retrograde ejaculation is a process in which the sperm is ejaculated and diverted into the urinary tract to the bladder. Normally, in healthy males, the sperm is ejaculated through the penis.

    Cramping in the Bladder

    • Bladder cramping is another complication of prostate laser surgery. This problem can lead to urinary urgency. While post laser surgery patients may feel a desire to urinate, they sometimes can only expel a little bit. The distorted glands and walls of the bladder continue to function, but they have been weakened considerably. The good news is that this complication can disappear with time.

Urinary Disorders - Related Articles