THE CANADIAN INTRODUCTION TO THE GREENLIGHT LASER

Authors

  • Brenda Koivula
  • Brenda Minielly

Abstract

The Greenlight laser – a high powered laser used for Benign Prostate Hyperplasia – was used for the first time in Canada in Newmarket, Ontario by Dr. Liquornik BSc MDCM FRCSC in 2003.

The laser is proving to eliminate hospital stay, decrease the catheter indwelling time from one week to less than 28 hours, decrease pain and suffering and make repeat procedures something rare. The laser melts away the prostate and leaves a urethra that is unscathed by the effects of the laser because the beam concentrates on the overgrown prostatic tissue only. The patients are very satisfied and back to normal routines in one to two days.

Author Biographies

Brenda Koivula

Brenda Koivula, BScN, RN, CPN(C), was an O.R. Educator from 2001 to 2004 and is currently a RNFA in Cardiovascular Surgery in Newmarket, Ontario.

Brenda Minielly

Brenda Minielly, HBScN, RN, RP, works in Urological Services in Newmarket, Ontario

References

Walsh, P.C., Retik, A.B., Vaughn, E.D., and Wein, A.J. (2002) Campbell’s Urology. (8th Ed.) Orlando, FL: W.B. Saunders.

Tanagho, E.A., & McAninch, J.W., (1995). Smith’s General Urology. Norwalk, CT: Appleton and Lange.

Jarvis. C. (1996). Physical Examination and Health Assessment (2nd Ed.) Philadelphia, Ill.: W.B. Saunders Co.

Meeker, M.H. and Rothrock, J.C. (1999)

Alexander’s Care of the Patient In Surgery. (11th Ed.) Philidelphia, Ill.: W.B. Saunders Co.

Reilly, N.J. (2000) Urological Nursing - A Study Guide (2nd Ed.) Pittman, N.J.: Janetti.

Malek, R.S., Kuntzman, R.S. and Barrett, D.M. (2000) High Power Potassium- Titanyl-Phosphate Laser Vapourization Prostatectomy. Vol. 163, 1730-1733. The Journal of Urology, Inc. Rochester, Minnesota.

Mahood, A.H. and Malek, R.S. (2003)

Photoselective Vapourization of the Prostate: Initial ExperienceWith the New 80W KTP Laser. Vol. 17, Number 2. Journal of Endourology. Rochester, Min.: Mary Anne Liebert Inc.

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Published

2006-03-01

How to Cite

Koivula, B., & Minielly, B. (2006). THE CANADIAN INTRODUCTION TO THE GREENLIGHT LASER. Operating Room Nurses Association of Canada Journal, 24(1). Retrieved from https://ornacjournal.ca/index.php/ornac/article/view/12507

Issue

Section

Feature Articles