The Queen Elizabeth Hospital, King’s Lynn (QEH) is leading the way in urology as the first NHS Trust in the UK to offer a new treatment for patients with problems caused by an enlarged prostate in a quick 30-minute laser operation.
EchoLaser therapy, which is a minimally invasive procedure performed in an outpatient setting meaning patients can go home the same day, can help those experiencing urinary problems and treats an enlarged prostate.
The Trust introduced EchoLaser therapy last month (August 2023) and has already performed the first procedures on patients in need. EchoLaser treatment involves delivering laser energy to the prostate for several minutes. More than one in three men over the age of 50, and approximately eight out of ten men over the age of 70 suffer with an enlarged prostate.
Traditionally, patients who undergo surgery for these conditions would require general anaesthetic to remove or laser part of the prostate – a procedure that would typically take 60 minutes or more and usually require an overnight stay. QEHis the first NHS Trust in the UK to undertake this procedure in an outpatient setting, saving time and resources.
The treatment can be completed in around 30 minutes and patients can be treated under a local anaesthetic, without the need for a hospital stay.
Professor Cristian Ilie, surgical consultant at The QEH, said: “I’m really pleased we are able to now offer this treatment. EchoLaser therapy takes place under local anaesthetic where you are still awake which means the amount of time a patient spends in hospital is reduced, so they can get on with their life sooner.
“This treatment also comes with fewer risks to patients, takes half of the time and importantly improves patient care and experience.”
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For further information, please contact Communications Team, media.enquiries@qehkl.nhs.uk or 01553 613216.
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Notes to editor
- The Elesta Echo Laser Transperineal Laser Ablation (TPLA) procedure is used to treat patients who suffer from lower urinary tract symptoms secondary to benign prostatic hyperplasia (an enlarged prostate). The name of the procedure is EchoLaser because laser applicators (optical fibres) reach the prostate by means of introducer needles inserted transperineally (area between the anus and scrotum).
- The treatment involves delivering laser energy to the prostate for several minutes. This works to destroy enlarged prostate tissue whilst preserving healthy tissue, resulting in a progressive reduction in the size of the prostate and improvement of urinary symptoms. The EchoLaser is the only Transperineal method currently in the UK (vs transurethral or surgical), avoiding the associated complications.
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