Six months ago, a GeenLight laser machine was installed at KEMH, providing a non-invasive treatment option for men with an enlarged prostate.
Donated by the Argus Group, the machine has already been used to treat benign prostatic hyperplasia, commonly called prostate gland enlargement.
“We have treated five men to date and 15 are booked to have the procedure,” says BHB consultant urologist Dr Johnathan Makanjuola. “This procedure provides relief and a shorter recovery time than the traditional TURP surgical method.”
BHBLife spoke with Derek, who in April 2024 was the first patient to be treated with the GeenLight laser in Bermuda. Dr Makanjuola with his team performed the procedure at KEMH.
What was your medical matter and when were you diagnosed?
Around 2019 it was noted that my prostate was a little enlarged.
When was it suggested that you would need a procedure?
In 2019/2020 I was advised that if unfavourable symptoms persisted with medication or became unbearable, the procedure (prostatectomy) would be strongly recommended. Late in 2023 I agreed to consider the procedure, and it was scheduled for early 2024.
Who suggested the laser procedure?
Dr Mak suggested the laser procedure.
What were you told about it?
Briefly, GeenLight laser is a newer procedure than TURPprocedure. The laser vaporises and cauterises prostate tissue and minimises bleeding during/after the procedure whereas the TURP cuts. Recovery time, catheterisation (and hospital stay) is usually drastically less than the TURP procedure. I was going be under a general anaesthetic and would stay overnight. Also, he mentioned the possible short-term side effects, such as urinary tract infections, difficulty urinating or blood in my urine.
How did you feel once you decided to have the laser procedure?
I was anxiously awaiting relief from the discomfort that I was suffering with.
Tell me about the experience.
I only remember before and after the procedure. The procedure itself was pleasant for me. I believe it took a couple of hours as I was under general anaesthesia. Due to my medical history, I was supposed to stay overnight, but there were no available beds. As a result, I had to visit Dr Mak in his office on the next day to have the catheter removed.
How did you feel after? Any soreness or pain?
Afterwards I felt great. The soreness and tenderness that I felt was 150% better than what I was experiencing before the procedure. For four weeks I was on a ‘go-slow’ – no exertion of any kind and my job was to drink plenty of water and track my urine output.
When were you able to return to work?
I have a desk job and work from home. I was cleared to return to work two weeks after surgery.
How would you describe the care you received from hospital staff?
The surgeons were great. Dr Mak’s pre and post care is, wereand are exemplary. He’s been friendly, personable, attentive, empathic, thorough and patient. So much so, I assured a family member that he was the best person to perform their procedure. Intake and post procedure nurses were also excellent.
What would you say to someone who may be frightened about having this procedure?
With all procedures there are risks, but the benefits far outweigh the risks and will give you a significantly better quality of life. Dr Mak ensured that I knew exactly what was to happen, and on more than one occasion he verbally walked my wife and I through the procedure while showing a video clip of the procedure.
Dr Mak has performed the GeenLight Laser procedure successfully hundreds of times, of which mine is now included. Before and after my procedure he was focused on my comfort.
Before the procedure, when I was in distress, he made space for me to see him and get my distress relieved. After the procedure he had weekly check-ins with me to ensure that I was recovering and healing well.
I believe giving my body time to rest and heal were integral to my positive recovery experience. And I wholeheartedly recommend Dr Mak to anyone who is need of any procedure that is under his remit.
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