Medical and surgical

GreenLight laser services

Laser technology is often used instead of traditional surgery to treat a range of medical conditions. GreenLight laser therapy helps reduce the effects of an enlarged prostate, otherwise known as benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH).

BPH is a very common, non-cancerous condition. Men are often unaware of it, even though LUTS can have a profound impact on quality of life.

We work closely with you to explain the treatment and benefits so you can feel confident seeking help and more quickly get back to your day-to-day life.

Our GreenLight laser services

Our GreenLight laser services offer a safe and effective way to reduce and relieve the symptoms of an enlarged prostate. Symptoms may include:

difficulty or straining when urinating
a reduced urine stream
a change in the frequency of urination
pain or burning during urination
a feeling that the bladder never completely empties.

GreenLight laser therapy works by using laser to melt away excess tissue from the prostate.

Your urologist will insert a small tube (called a cystoscope) into the urethra. They will then guide the laser through this tube to vaporise the obstructing prostate tissue. This provides a larger channel through which urine can pass and helps your bladder function normally again.

Our urologists, urological surgeons, registered nurses and allied health professionals work together to diagnose your condition and decide if GreenLight laser therapy is suitable for you.

Benefits of GreenLight laser therapy

GreenLight laser therapy can provide several benefits, including:

less bleeding than traditional surgery particularly in anti-coagulated patients
rapid relief from the symptoms of an enlarged prostate
where appropriate, the option for day surgery, so you can recover in the comfort of your own home.

These benefits depend on your particular circumstances and require you to fully participate in necessary before and after care and management. You should consult a specialist in this area before deciding whether treatment is suitable for you.

Costs and fee payment options

If you have private health insurance, the costs for your hospital stay and specialist fees may be covered by your health fund, based on your level of cover.

If you don’t have private health insurance, you can access treatment at a St John of God Health Care hospital through our self-funded care option.

When you use your private health insurance, you get benefits that include access to St John of God Health Care private hospital facilities, your choice of specialist, minimal wait times, and with an eligible policy most of your hospital costs can be covered by your private health insurance fund.

You should contact your health insurer to understand your level of cover, and whether your policy is subject to additional fees such as a hospital excess or other ‘out-of-pocket’ expenses. Your health insurer will also be able to assist in understanding if you will have doctor, radiology and pathology out-of-pocket costs.

Learn more about the benefits of private health insurance.

Patients who don’t have private health insurance can choose to access St John of God Health Care private hospital services and treatments by paying fees themselves.

By accessing our self-funded care option, you’ll be able to avoid wait times and have your surgery or treatment with your choice of specialist at a St John of God Health Care private hospital.

Learn more and enquire about the self-funded care option.
Call 1300 940 199 to get a quote for self-funded treatment.

If you have received an invoice for an expense associated with treatment from a St John of God Health Care service you can pay your bill online.

Pay my bill.