consent

Please ensure that you understand what the surgery entails and possible side effects before you sign the consent form:

Bleeding – unlike TURP, this is rare. Likewise, transfusion is not necessary with this procedure.

Effects on your sex life – 25% of men experience retrograde ejaculation resulting in a “dry” orgasm. The figure for TURP remains around 90%. If it occurs, it is unlikely that you could father children, but you cannot rely on this as a method of contraception. Some men report a change in sensation of orgasm.

Impaired erection - Unreported with GreenLight PVP, but remains a theoretical risk

Urinary control – 7% of men experience mild discomfort of the urethra (waterpipe) immediately after the operation. This usually last for only a few hours while you are in the recovery room. Inability to pass urine after the operation can occur in upto 5% of patients. This may require a short period of further catheterization before you have to reattend for removal of the catheter as an out-patient..

Need for re-operation – about 1 in 10 men who have a routine TURP will require another within a 10-year period due to the prostate regrowing. As this is a relatively new procedure, the long term outcomes are based on small numbers of patients. 2-5 year data from the Mayo Clinic, U.S. appears favorable and equivocal to TURP.

As with any operation, other surgical complications can occur. These include infections, heart problems or deep vein thrombosis (blood clots in the legs). The risks of these will be discussed at the pre-assessment visit.