Now available in Thailand, new laser technique has reduced side effects and shorter recovery period.

Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia (BPH) is the most common non-cancerous enlargement of the prostate gland in men, and the chance of suffering from this problem increases with age. It is now known that half of all men will have BPH by the age of 60 years, and by 85 years the prevalence is about 90%. In the USA alone surgical procedures to treat BPH makes this the second most common surgical procedure, second only to cataract surgery.

There are a number of treatment options most common of which is surgical removal of the prostate's inner portion by endoscopic approach through the urethra, called TURP, often requiring a lengthy hospital stay and unwanted side effects.

A new PVP Laser technique, also known as “Green Light,” involves using a laser with a long wavelength to penetrate the tissue deeply and vaporize and remove the prostrate with minimal side effects. It is recommended for smaller prostrates as an effective, time-saving alternative to TURP.

PVP Laser is now available at advanced urological centers including Bangkok’s main hospitals. The estimated length of stay in the hospital is 2-3 days but plan to stay in Bangkok for up to two weeks for consultations, investigations and follow-up care. The estimated cost of PVP Laser treatment in Bangkok is 180,000-230,000 Baht (5,000-6,500 USD) not including airfare or hotel.

On my recent visit to Bumrungrad Hospital in Bangkok I noticed that each of the various clinics had staff in the patient waiting areas doing face-to-face customer surveys. Turns out this is part of Bumrungrad's efforts to improve patient feedback and raise the bar on their already high international standards. About half of their estimed 3,200 patients daily are from foreign countries.

It's all part of a management effort to win yet another first for a Thai hospital: the Thailand Quality Award (TQA) a global standard for corporate management. Only one other Thai corporation, a gas separation plant, has ever qualified for this.

Bumrungrad has long set the standard for progressive hospitals in the region. It was the first hospital awarded Hospital Accreditation (HA) and the first in Asia to win JCI accreditation.

Whether or not they manage to achieve this new benchmark remains to be seen. But with over 1,000 physicians and 4,000 nurses on staff, just getting everyone on the same level of qualty patient-care is an achievement in itself. Clearly the patients -- Thai and internalional alike -- benefit the most.