The prostate gland is responsible for producing special fluids for the male ejaculate. Men who suffer from an enlarged prostate often have trouble urinating or similar problems. Benign growths or cancerous lesions are often the cause of an enlarged prostate. One of the most effective treatments for this condition is laser surgery to remove the enlarged tissue. However, laser surgery does put the patient at risk for certain complications. Understanding the possible risks of prostate laser surgery allows physicians to determine the best away to treat the patient after the surgical procedure.
Urinary Retention
After laser surgery for an enlarged prostate, men may develop difficulty urinating, according to MayoClinic.com. The laser surgery can damage the muscles that allow the patient to urinate properly. However, the urinary retention seen in these patients is temporary. Treatment for this disorder is the placement of a urinary catheter for several days to drain the bladder. In severe cases, patients may need a catheter for a week or longer.
Retrograde Ejaculation
One of the risks of laser surgery is a disorder called retrograde ejaculation, reports the University of Maryland Medical Center. Retrograde ejaculation occurs when the man’s ejaculate moves into the urinary bladder instead of continuing towards the urethra. A weakening of the sphincter guarding the urinary bladder causes this condition. The sphincter becomes weaker because laser surgery can damage the muscle tissue of the sphincter. Once the urinary sphincter strengthens, this disorder should disappear.
Erectile Dysfunction
Laser surgery of the prostate can increase the risk of developing erectile dysfunction, states Drugs.com. Erectile dysfunction is characterized by the inability to achieve an erection when stimulated. Laser surgery can damage the nerves and blood vessels that are required to achieve an erection. This risk and all possible treatment options should be considered prior to the patient undergoing the surgical procedure.
Urethra Damage
The urethra is the tube that conducts urine from the urinary bladder to the outside environment. A risk of laser surgery is a narrowing, or stricture, of the urethra, according to MayoClinic.com. The laser used in the surgery can damage the tissues in the urethra. As the urethra, heals it begins to scar. This scarring pulls the walls of the tube closer together, causing the diameter of the urethra to decrease. This can lead to inability to urinate and urinary tract infections. Surgery to correct the urethral stricture is required to treat this condition.
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