A £1.2 MILLION national trial to assess the use of new laser technology in benign prostate surgery has begun at Southmead Hospital.

The Bristol Urological Institute at North Bristol NHS Trust will lead the major three year trial to evaluate the success of new laser technology in one of the most common operations performed by the NHS.

Around 25,000 men undergo surgery to ease urinary symptoms including difficulty urinating, caused by an enlarged prostate and a common occurrence as men get older.

Leading the trial, urological surgeon and director of the Urodynamics Unit at the Bristol Urological Institute, Mr Hashim Hashim said results will help to establish the best treatment for patients.

He said: “This important trial will allow us to provide national recommendations on the surgical treatment of benign prostatic enlargement, ensuring that we are giving men the best available treatment.”

Currently, benign prostate surgery typically involves an invasive surgical procedure - Transurethral Resection of the Prostate (TURP) - but the trial will determine if a new type of laser called Thulium is more effective.

Surgery using the laser, which cuts and vaporises the prostate, is an easier technique for surgeons to carry out and evidence so far suggests patients may benefit from reduced blood loss and a faster return home after the operation.

Retired IT worker Glyn Hayes, 66, was first to undergo the new procedure, which took place at Southmead Hospital, after suffering increasingly limiting symptoms.

Mr Hayes, of Weston-super-Mare said: “The symptoms started around four years ago and got progressively worse. I began having difficulties passing water and having to get up frequently at night.

“ I live an active lifestyle so when the symptoms began to have limiting effects, such as leaving me looking for a loo every time I went out, I sought medical help.

“After various investigations, Mr Hashim said I would be suitable to have the new laser treatment. I was given a spinal anaesthetic leaving me awake and chatting to nurses while the treatment was being carried out and I felt no pain. I was discharged after one day and have had next to no symptoms.”