Friday, February 10, 2012
Thursday, November 13, 2008 Jonathan asks

Q: How Safe is Green Light Laser Surgery for BPH?

Are side effects common with Green Light Laser Surgery?

Can it result in incontinence? - If so, what % of surgeries do?

If it does result in incontinence, can it be treated?

 

Many thanks.

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Answers (50)
1/23/09 4:56pm

Green Light Laser is one of the most common minimally invasive procedures that are performed for relief of the symptoms that are associated with BPH. The effects of this procedure are very similar to those that are achieved with the more traditional TURP (transurethral resection of the prosate) but is associated with fewer side effects, shorter periods of catheterization, quicker recovery, and no need for hospitalization. In essence, the effects of the laser can easily be compared to removing the pulp of an orange and leaving the rind behind.


Less than 1% of patient will experience erectile dysfunction after the procedure, and 1/3 of the patients have retrograde ejaculation after the procedure. Some of the common side effects include mild burning with urination. Although incontinence can occur with this procedure, it is very uncommon, especially when it is performed by an experienced Urologist.

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11/24/09 2:22pm

Can you recommend an experienced doctor. I live near Cincinnati, but will consider traveling if needed.

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12/17/11 3:58pm

Dr John Kirkland

Urology Specialists

Charlotte, North Carolina

 

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1/15/12 10:34am

Hi, we live in huntsville alabama, my husband had the microwave treatment,(from another dr out of town)  that didnt work. we found a wonderful dr Amit Chakrabarty 256-650-0306 my husband spent years not being able to pee in the morning. he had green light precedure..oh my god, it changed his life completely, he can now pee like he was 15..he is very happy. call this dr he worth going around the world to see..Angie & Jeff  Walker

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1/23/12 12:01pm

Hi,

I started searching on the web to determine if the Green Light surgery would be a good choice for me.  I am glad to  hear that it changed your husban's life!  Most of what I have read on this forum is negative comments about this surgery and other surgeries!  Where is that Dr. you like so much located?  How did you find him and what made you feel that he could help with a sugery that has no gurantee?

 

My situation is I have been self catherizing for the last 2 years and once I mastered it i can do it in 5 minutes or so.  I have full control but it does get a little cumbersome when I travel...but still do able.

 

After many negative comments I am again scared off to consider the surgery.  At least I know what I've got.  But you had a good expereince!  I live in Thailand and I had a friend who had it done in Bangkok, one day with the catheter and 5 days later he is on the plane to San Francisco.  That was very encouraging for me.  I also realize what worked for him might not work for me.

So I am still on the fence on what to do!

May I ask what the charge is for this operation?  I have medicare in the US.  In Thailand it cost $6,000.00 for everything.  My friend told me in the US it's a $20,000 operation.................could that be right?

 

All the best to you and your husband

Robert

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12/14/09 10:47am

Dear Sir,

 

My husband has just (four days ago) has a Green Light Laser. The catheter was removed after 46 hours. Currently he has no pain, almost no bleeding. Even the morning erection is in the place. However the flow of urine is close to one (or even in some cases worse) then it was before the surgery.

Our doctor says that this is because of a small part (scar tissue). And he tells us that this scar could go away utself. And if no after two months another surgery should be done

 

Could you please tell if this is a normal thing (because currently my husband is very nervous and even thinking that the quality of the surgery was law)

Please please help

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3/21/11 6:13am

Tatiana,

Did your husband get better by himself, or did he need another surgery?

I am facing a similar situation.

Cam

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3/25/11 8:46am

Dear Cam,

 

My husband (fortunately) has overcome the situation himself, and really after one months all scratches, tissus removed themselves with the urine, and the urine flow is perfect.

 

 

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1/12/12 10:58am

I hope he is better now and does not need urithral surgery.

I developed a scar tissue after my TURP surgery recently. My research of literature on internet showed the The center for reconstructive urology, Univ of Cali., Irvine has a surgeon, Dr. Joel Gelman, who is specialized in male urinary track stincture related surgery and treatments. I am going to consult him. Also, I am trying to find if there is a surgeon in NYC metro area or even as far as Baltimore (John Hopkins) whome I can consult with.

 

IF ANYONE HAS INFO IN THIS AREA PLEASE RESPOND. 

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1/12/12 3:19pm

Johns Hopkins is the number one urological institute in the country im sure you will find someone there that can help you.Good luck im sure all will be fine

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1/12/12 11:05am

I hope he is better now and does not need urithral surgery.

I developed a scar tissue after my TURP surgery recently. My research of literature on internet showed the The center for reconstructive urology, Univ of Cali., Irvine has a surgeon, Dr. Joel Gelman, who is specialized in male urinary track stincture related surgery and treatments. I am going to consult him. Also, I am trying to find if there is a surgeon in NYC metro area or even as far as Baltimore (John Hopkins) whome I can consult with.

 

IF ANYONE HAS INFO IN THIS AREA PLEASE RESPOND. 

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12/19/09 2:14pm

How do I find and experienced surgeon - what guidelines would you use 

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3/25/10 2:46pm

I had the surgery on October 21st, 2009.  I am in the 1/3 with retrograde ejaculation - not  a drop.  I am still getting up in the night and experience a major delay in starting urination and some discomfort.  I would not do this  againe!

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4/ 1/10 12:13am

have had bph for 5-6years taken flomax for 2 years stopped after passing out twice now taking avodart works better but no sex Thinking of turp (recommended by johns hopkins) or green light .Having your plumbing worked on is serious stuff  any input would be appreciated mike h

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7/26/10 7:33pm

Hello,

 

Well for one I would not have the TURP procedure no matter how bad it got. PERIOD. I will explain: After the cutting... I of course had a cath installed. Left Hospital next morn with all the blessing of now the richer DR.  Did not pee for most of the day and when my cath filled to over 1200 cc and much, very much pain, I returned to the ER. They reinstalled the Cath, after words sent me home. About 6 hours later (now about 3 am) with so much pain and the urge to pee, I was about to pass out. Same-O, re installed cath, drained and sent me home. Again about 6 hours later here I was back into the ER withsame-O. This happened a total of 6 times when one nurse as me if I had been shown to redo all this my self... Of course not and this angel ask me I would have to wait until a male nurse was free to help me. I urged her to find anyone. even a floor sweeper if he knew how to do this, and she stated she would do it and teach me how to do it at home. WOW... I ended up doing it again a half dozen times over the next few weeks. But the damage was done, as I had a blow-out and damnaged my bladder and they had to go back in and reconstruct the opening of my bladder due to the blowout caused by all the pressure in the bladder behind the clotted blood plugging the cath tube.  Oh, the total ER charges for the trips was about the same charge as the actual TURP procedure. And yes I fired the DR and got another Dr to do the reconstruction procedure. Now some 8 years later, same-O, I have to sit like a girls to pee as I can't do anything standing up as I will end up voiding my colon at the same time. I am looking at the GREEN LIGHT procedure as maybe another shot at this male problem...

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3/13/11 12:54am

I do not believe you are a candidate for green light after TURP (check with your urologist). I KNOW you are not a candidate for TUNA (broadcast frequency radiation by needle inserted in prostate via rectum) once you've had TURP. Tissue burned by radio waves tissue ablates (absorbed into the body and discarded). I had TUNA done 4 yrs ago, but it's effect has been waning for 2 yrs. Now since very recent full anesthesia for laparoscopic cholycystecomy (gall bladder removal) my prostate swelled up again. My urologist gave me Flomax to take PRN (as needed). He also recommended 1mg Hytrin nightly which I might try later to replace Flomax. I am going to try to stave off the green light for as long as I can which is what he wants to do to me now. He is very bright and competent. Doc is Mitchell Kaye, M.D., Scottsdale, AZ.

Dr. Stan 

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5/15/11 5:52pm

My doctor has recommended TURB, I am going to look and look antil I find and experienced doctor that does Green Light.  Have you ever heard of the TURB syndrome, it can cause death

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5/16/11 6:56pm

Please check your spelling, I have been suffering from BPH for a few years and I am more versed with this disease then I like. I have never heard of TURB. Do you mean TURP? There is a difference in the acronyms, so if you are looking for someone to reach out with advise, please recheck your post.

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1/25/12 11:28pm

Do reserch on the "Tuna Procedure", I think developed at U. of Mich., by a urologist name Dr.  Osterling, who is now in practice Saginaw, Mi....If my memory serves me well, I think procedure good for 10 years and I had mind in Dec. 1999.    Still all right, most nights sleep thru, once in a while up once.  bigh129@embarqmail

 

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5/10/10 5:23pm

Hi Cliff,

I had greenlight surgery may 2008. Since then I have had abdomnal/bladder pains 24/7 and painful ejaculations. Need to get up in middle of nite to void.  Still have urges to urinate all the time. Green Light was a big mistake or was it mt doctor? Should have been more diligent in researching the procedure. Are you in touch with anyone else who has had a bad outcome?

Andrew Ippolito

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5/11/10 9:40am

Hello Andrew - I have a lot of the same after-effects as you do. No painful orgasm, but total "retrograd ejaculation" - not a drop out! I am back on the BPH medication and any discomfort in urination is gone.  I see the Urologist eary next month and can't wait to see what he says.  I suspect scar tissue has formed and the cause of my problems.  My PCM agrees that is probably what is going on. I would not do this procedure again!

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5/11/10 6:36pm

Cliff,

Thank you for getting back to me. I have got to get back to what I call a normal life where my pain and related problems do not haunt me day and nite. I am hoping someone has the magic bullet so I can shed this burden of pain and anxiety.

Searching around recently, I did find a doctor at Cornell Medical Hospital who has helped me somewhat with Eurodynamics and Biofeedback. The only problem is I still have constant pain. Occasionally I have a painless few hours and I enjoy it as much as I can but the pain always manages to return.

I would like to hear from more people who have had a bad experience with Greenlight. I wish I had resisted the urologist who used scare tactics to get me onto the table!

Andrew

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5/23/10 3:47am

My experience is same as yours. They scars me and drive me into the expensier operation and now I have pain and irritation for year and getting worst after orgasm and sometimes during ejaculation.  Would we ever haver in future a normal life?

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3/21/11 7:47am

Hi Andrew and Cliff,

Did your pains ever go away, or did you have to result in another surgery.

My Dr had recommended a second surgery.   I am 3 months and 1 week after my surgery and still have pains when I urinate which then causes stomach/large intestin pains making needing to go number 2.

I see my Dr next week.

I feel I improved 20% overall from a month ago, but some days I feel like I did not improve at all.

Would like to know whether the pain will go away when all the dead tissues come out like what my Dr is telling or whether I will need another surgery that he had previously recommended.

 

Thanks

Cam

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7/12/11 3:02pm

I had the Green Laser treatment, and then went south to recuperate. Big mistake, since I began to experience almost constant need to urinate. Checked with Doc there who, when I told him about the laser treatment given me, said he used to use the laser, but stopped due to the unsatisfactory results achieved. I spent over a month peeing all over the place and had to wear a diaper. I never had the good results many of my friends had with the old TURP procedure.  That is what I aim to get the next time I have a procedure done!

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9/ 7/11 11:25am

I'm about 65, and could not pee during day or night. Used catheter for 9 months. It did empty my bladder completely.


I had my TURP two months ago. I had a very good surgeon with 30 years experience. He told me TURP is still the Gold Standard for BPH.

Yes. Recovery is longer. But the results will last alot longer.

 

Sex is still good. The retro-ejack issue... is not a big deal to me... depends on the type of sex as to how much of an issue.
My stomach bulge has gone down. I now have a flat stomach. Bladder regaining normal size?
Some "stress incontinence" has developed but I told it will go away with time and muscle exercise.
It definitely relieved all severe symptoms (could not pee at all). Now I can join the fire department. If you know what I mean.
I asked my surgeon about GreenLight Laser and said he does not do them because they fail to cure BPH and surgery has to be re-done.
He said every few years a new treatment comes out, but proves not to as work well.

I think I made the right decision.
I would get a second opinion.
Just remember no doctor will guarantee the outcome!

Smile

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10/11/11 10:44pm

Had Green Light Surgery 9 months ago.  Very dissatisfied with recovery.  Much clotting and burning pain still.  Quality of life has changed for the worse.  Is there a class action suit against the procedure?

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12/25/11 3:45am
Hi Andrew, I had green light laser approximately 6 months ago. I live in the UK. After the op I had a catheter for one night and had it removed the next day but could not pee so catheter was reinserted. After two week catheter was removed and was able to pee a little which improved after a few days. About ten days later my flow slowed down and one night at 2am I had to go to A&E to have catheter reinserted as I stopped peeing completely and was in excruciating pain. Kept catheter in for 3weeks and then had it removed and the Dr had a look with an endoscope and said everything looked fine and put my problem down to infection and sent me home. After ten days with things seemingly improving flow has started to slow again and it's Xmas day and it looks like I may have to have a catheter inserted again because I can hardly pee at night!!! I am at the end of my tether not sure what to do next!!! How are you now as some three years have passed since you had your treatment? Regards Paul Wharton Reply
12/30/11 8:28pm

 

I had the greenlight surgery on 12-14-2011.  EVerything was normal.

Took out the catheter in 2 days.  Urine flow is good with no pain.

I have had not problem urinating.  I have a small amount of bleeding

about 6 times since the surgery. No pain or bleeding otherwise.

 

Right now I am still going to the bathroom about every 2 hours.  Called

the office yesterday for inquiry and they said everything was normal.

Just continue what I'm doing and allow the healing process.

 

Overall greenlight surgery is a piece of cake.  Root canal is 10 times

worse.  Looking for frequency to get better and when it does, it over.

If frequency gets better, it will be a slam dunk.

 

I would hightly recommend the surgery.  I also recommend my Doctor.

 

Dr. John Kirkland

Urology Specialists

Charlotte,  N.C.

704-372-5180

 

 

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1/ 2/12 12:02am

Had my surgery on 12/28/2011 and same results. All seems to be well so far. Only had catheter for 24 hours and have been urinating fine with very little pain if any at all. I agree, a root canal is at least 10 times worse. I am 58 years old and looking forward to a good furture.Highly recommend procedure. I think a lot has to do with the Dr. and his experiance.I used Dr Basrailian in Hackensack, NJ.

 

Mike P.

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12/25/11 3:49am
Hi Andrew, I had green light laser approximately 6 months ago. I live in the UK. After the op I had a catheter for one night and had it removed the next day but could not pee so catheter was reinserted. After two week catheter was removed and was able to pee a little which improved after a few days. About ten days later my flow slowed down and one night at 2am I had to go to A&E to have catheter reinserted as I stopped peeing completely and was in excruciating pain. Kept catheter in for 3weeks and then had it removed and the Dr had a look with an endoscope and said everything looked fine and put my problem down to infection and sent me home. After ten days with things seemingly improving flow has started to slow again and it's Xmas day and it looks like I may have to have a catheter inserted again because I can hardly pee at night!!! I am at the end of my tether not sure what to do next!!! How are you now as some three years have passed since you had your treatment? Regards Paul Wharton Reply
12/26/11 11:56am

Paul Nice to know I am not the only one with poor outcome. Sorry for your problem. How do you go during day. My day is very poor nightafter going to bed is fire hose. Go figure.  Rockman  

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12/26/11 11:56am

Paul Nice to know I am not the only one with poor outcome. Sorry for your problem. How do you go during day. My day is very poor nightafter going to bed is fire hose. Go figure.  Rockman  

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12/28/11 10:24pm

Paul,

You can purchase sterile caths and iodine swabs online, have your doc give you a prescription for a box of lidocaine injectors to deaden the urethra, and learn to cath yourself online. I have and it beats going to the Emergency Room. I have only had to cath myself a half a dozen times in 2 years, but knowing how to do it relieves much of the anxiety. Also the relief is immediate. The first time I was cathed in an emergency room setting I had 1400 cc's of urine come out in the bag and had been in extreme distress. You can find instructions online how to cath yourself safely. The only surprise is that the cath goes in a long way to reach the bladder (about 12 to 14 inches). You wonder where it has gone to, but the path must be round about. There's a little resistance at the prostate and then a bit more at the bladder neck. Once you get past the bladder neck, the urine flows freely. I bought the cats with a 500 ml bag attached to measure the output. If the bag keeps filling, or if you are done, you can just slit the bottom of the bag over the toilet to empty it.You need to keep the hand that feeds the cath in slowly dry and free of the lidocaine or the cath will keep slipping in your hand.

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12/28/11 10:38pm

P.S. These are single use caths, not the foley caths that stay in for a while. I use the No 12 French style caths which are not too big or small, and had no problem inserting or removing them once I was empty. AFter doing it once, a person can easily do it again. The iodine swabs prevented any infection.

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11/20/10 9:31pm

My significant other had this surgery Sept of 08. The surgeon lasered his uereter shut. A nightmare of procedures and infections after that. Just to let you know that is a possibility. He wishes he NEVER had Green Light done.

 

 

 

 

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7/ 4/11 1:32pm

My experience is very similar to yours.  I would not do this again.  In fact, I wouldn't have done this in the first place had my urologist had an honest discussion with me about the retro.  I am more miserable now than ever before.

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5/11/10 7:24pm

Hi Jay,

You are posted as an Expert. Would you please list your degrees, specialties and any credentials to warrant such a title? What if any, are your connections to Greenlight?

Andrew

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3/13/11 1:11am

There is a Jay Motola is an MD urologist who's listed as in Carmel, NY, which is about 60 miles north of NY City. This fellow may be he.

Dr. Stan (psychology)

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10/19/10 2:31pm

I had this surgery on oct8th had catherder in for 4 days, when they,  then they filled bladder and pulled cath and maid me urinate!the stream was still week, and then they said my bladder was not fully emptying, I wen t home and still felt the urgency to go so I did, it was a the best flow I have had in a long time, but still not emptying fully, my testies are still pulled up tight, so when can I expect things to get (QUOTE NORMAL)???Thanks Mikkey Also have not tried sex doc said to waite about a month!!

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12/ 2/10 6:44am

Dear Mr. Motolla,

we are in shock.  my husband had green light nov. 23rd, due to urine stopping completly.  on catheter for one month before. we only heard it was fifty fifty because of his age 86, in excellent condition, and prostate old, his words.  says surgery successful, but now says bladder old, and tested urination on own, and put him back on catheter says he will be on it, nothing he can do.  we are not buying this, something is wrong.  four hour test.  please advise.  this active man is heartbroken. 

 

Ernestine Triplett  wife of harry

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3/26/11 8:23pm

My husband had PVP green light laser surgery 2 years ago and was very incontinent for several months after. One hour after recovering from the anaesthetic he was told to get dressed and go home. He was left on his own and fell over yanking the catheter. He was so ill when I went to collect him that I refused to take him home and they kept him in for the night. Next morning they needed his bed and he had to sit in a chair all day until he could do a normal pee. He is still partially incontinent and although he can empty his bladder and pee quite strongly he dribbles in-between and has to wear pads day and night. He also has to get up in the night. The past few months he has been getting persistent Ecoli bladder infections. Is it possible that some damage was caused during the operation?

 

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8/14/11 6:38pm

I my self got this green light laser  june 22 2011 and got nothing but problemes lots of infections and bleeding  I'm also facing a signifiant leakage  and must be in diapers days and nights   after going to a different uro  he's telling me this incontinence is irreversible and also there is pieces of dead flesh stock inside witch will lead me to 2 operations   the leakage could be fix by ether a sling or a urinary control system  AMS 800 

since then my days are miserable  embarrassed and depressed  homebound and constrained 

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5/15/11 1:58pm

Dave reply

 

Can Green Light be used in almost all cases were TURB has been recommended. I would like to make sure everyone knows how risky TURP can be especially TURP syndrome.

 

Why do most doctor not perform GL?

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8/19/11 4:43pm

green laser procedure: you mentioned about 1/3% of people will get ejaculation, so what factors are influence on this number?  Is it depends on Doctor experience or other factors could be there?

 

Alec.

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12/23/11 5:48pm

I had green light on Nov. 2nd - its now Dec. 23rd - experiencing severe attacks - painful urination - now taking VESIcare and its not working - Help - shamlen@uui-alaska.com

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12/24/11 3:44pm

Thank you, my Doctor is Dr. Gellman, in Denville NJ, right now we are trying Jaylon for about 3 months. See if it works. 

 

I'm been on the net and have read so many problems with the laser surgery, I am getting doubts about it.

 

I get up about 2 to 3 times a night and my psa is .4, I think I could live with this.

 

Joe T

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12/26/11 12:07pm

2 or 3 ain't bad I would hold off as long as possiable. done on 12/13 to many complications. People who make mistakes. in the system. Get the money and run

as 1 DR. stated in the past, it's the healing ARTS. Highest paid artists you will ever meet.

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1/17/12 10:57pm

I guess i am one of those exceptions, had the procedure and was promised no incontiance,well that was a big lie. i am now incontiant and use the clamp and depends. the dr raj patel was suppose to be real good. i also got a terrible infection that took 1 month to cure

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1/17/12 10:57pm

I guess i am one of those exceptions, had the procedure and was promised no incontiance,well that was a big lie. i am now incontiant and use the clamp and depends. the dr raj patel was suppose to be real good. i also got a terrible infection that took 1 month to cure

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1/24/12 9:16am

Hi and welcome to you all who reads this. I had a terp op done as my bladder was getting out of order so I agreed on having it done there is nothing to worry about only if your young as when you have the terp done you would first pee like an elephant which is good you can get your normal erections as long as you keep your powers in training it to rise at any time but you don't ejaculate as you normally would but in some people you can get a bit but the erection is there thats all you need. it's the best thing I had done. keep your self fit your body can do any thing and I'm 65 and still in power. 

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1/24/12 9:16am

Hi and welcome to you all who reads this. I had a terp op done as my bladder was getting out of order so I agreed on having it done there is nothing to worry about only if your young as when you have the terp done you would first pee like an elephant which is good you can get your normal erections as long as you keep your powers in training it to rise at any time but you don't ejaculate as you normally would but in some people you can get a bit but the erection is there thats all you need. it's the best thing I had done. keep your self fit your body can do any thing and I'm 65 and still in power. 

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1/24/12 9:16am

Hi and welcome to you all who reads this. I had a terp op done as my bladder was getting out of order so I agreed on having it done there is nothing to worry about only if your young as when you have the terp done you would first pee like an elephant which is good you can get your normal erections as long as you keep your powers in training it to rise at any time but you don't ejaculate as you normally would but in some people you can get a bit but the erection is there thats all you need. it's the best thing I had done. keep your self fit your body can do any thing and I'm 65 and still in power. 

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12/22/08 1:18pm

I am 63 years old and had Green Light Surgery on Dec 12 after being on Flow Max for serveral years. I was a bit conserned with the comments I had read on several forums but concluded you only see the bad comments . I had a young Dr that had preformed Aprox 700 of these surgeries and I trusted him . I knew it would not be fun but I wanted relief form the constant sense of urgency and getting up at night several times. I was willing to accept retrograde ejulaction with assurance that in would not reduce my pleasure. I was in the hospitial one night as I had alot of bleeding . I had a cather for the time I was in the hospitial. When they removed the cather I was able to go right away with a fair amount of bleeding and moderate discomfort. I was on antibotics and stoolsoftner as you dont want to get bound up at this stage of recovery.I had burning in the head of the penis

 

After the fourth day of taking it easy ( I was kind of tired) the bleeding became MUCH less and only at the end of the stream . The ugrency was worse than before the surgery and I still had a lot of discomfort when going and just after for about ten min. Stream was disapointing

 

One Week out the sense of urgency improved alot as the Dr explained the blatter needed time to adjust and the prostrate is just a little pissed at you (no Pun intended). Bleeding was just slightly at the end of stream and the stream was much stronger . Mornings erections returned and I waas getting friskie.

 

Day 12 Things are greatly improved .Did not get up once last night and stream is very strong. Very little discomfort left and no signs of bleeding. Ask the Dr about sex and he indicated that when I felt comfortable enought doing it it would be ok . I will take the plung soon .

 

I am very happy with the results of this surgery . Any surgery has risk but it is a matter of Risk to reward and So far The rewards are great . Also with any surgery you need to give the body a chance to recover . I still expect some small amount of bleading for several months . Different people recover at different rates . Good luck if you are anticipating this surgery and dont listen to all the Negitive stuff there is lots of good results.

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11/24/09 2:20pm

Can you recommend a doctor?

 

Thanks

Rick, 52 years old with BPH

 

bfly11@windstream.net

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4/28/11 5:31pm

I am 58 and ha trouble urinating for 5 or  so years so I decided to have it done. Also I was retaining urine in my bladder so for me it was a no brainer.Either get it done or ruin my bladder.I had in done last week in Indianapolis and now i can pee again!!! Get a good doctor and enjoy peeing again with good flow .I dont know how long it is good for but for me I am enjoying urinating without have to STRAIN all the time. I am grateful I live in this medical era where we can use modern medicine to improve our life. !! 

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8/ 9/11 9:08am

Hi there,

 

I was reading your comments and literally jealous you.  I am 58 and 2 years post greenlight procedure still having often frequencies (2-3 times at night).  Flow is much stronger, but only in the morning and then slowing down to the second part of the day.  My Dr. said that I have to live with it...Well; I am not satisfied with such as approach.  Beside ejaculation and little flow improvement I did not get anything and I'd like to sleep at night.  I don't sleep many years.  I am an optimistic, but trust me, you are just got lucky!!!   God bless you.

 

Alec.

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5/ 6/10 9:28am

Hello, I am considering the green light surgery as I am on full medication and I am still getting problems. I am 62 years old. Can you tell me if you live in the UK and if so did you have this done on the NHS or privately. If you had it done privately can you give me an indictaion of the cost?

 

Kind Regards

 

Paul

 

 

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10/21/10 7:21pm

Hi My name is Dave I am 60 years old and have the same problem you had. Are you at liberty to give me the doctors name and place you had it done.

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10/21/10 10:37pm

Dave

 

I live in Saint Joseph Michigan . Dr Ben Stockman performed my surgery at Lakeland Medical Center. Hope that helps. Its been two years and still working great only get up once in a while if I have had lots to drink in late evening.

 

Tom

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1/19/11 11:40am

Hi Dave, I had green light surgury eight weeks ago, and every thing went great. Find you a good uroligest, and do what he tells you to do. My urologist is Brian J. Miles, Medical Director of Robotic Surgury, The Methodist Hospital, Houston, Texas, 77030. Good luck.

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11/10/10 12:06pm

I am 66 & had this surgery 9 days ago (Nov. 2, 2010). I didn't have any of the problems you experienced early on after surgery. Went home with catheter, but I took it out the next morning. Initial severe pain with urination(weak stream & dribbles). Had pain meds., which took care of the pain. I am about where you were at day 12. No sex yet, but erections were taking place during night after surgery with catheter in place. Don't know about retrograde ejaculation yet. Dr. said this could occur in 30 to 40% of cases. I would recomend this procedure for anyone having to frequently urinate day & night as a result of an enlarged prostate gland.

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11/28/10 3:18pm

I had my surgery oct 12..  Dr. was veteran who did a great job. Very little pain. I had bleeding for about 3 weeks but not much. Wore the foley for 5 days. Erections began while the foley was still in me. That was scary. Burning sensation for about a month. I am still wearing pampers because of a serious urgency problem. I have not wet on myself like this since I was 4 mos old. That is the most disappointing part of the surgery. I still get up 2 to 3 times per night which is also disappointing but the Dr. says will improve. I was cleared for sex after 4 weeks. It was good with no pain but God only knows where my sperm went because it did not come out. I may have to begin using viagra. By the way, I am 64 years old. The jury is still out on whether I am happy with my decision to have the surgery. I still have not healed completely. I continue to have slight sensation when urinating. Sometimes I will urinate and have to go right back oftentimes not making it mostly at night. My stream is not as strong as I expected but the Dr. says that will improve and that my bladder was emptying. If that is the case, why am I urinating so often. God bless all of you out there. 

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12/15/10 11:59pm

Thank you for yoiur post. i had exackly your experience so far. I'm 68 and had astrong stream before surgery. Now one week out it is weak, but your post indicates it will improve.

 

All my other issues (same as yours) I was expecting but not the weak stream.

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1/20/11 1:35pm

if you had a strong stream before the surgery why did you have the surgery?

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3/31/11 10:03pm

You should proof read your statements befoe posting them.

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8/ 9/11 9:05am

 

Hi there,

 

I was reading your comments and literally jealous you.  I am 58 and 2 years post greenlight procedure still having often frequencies (2-3 times at night).  Flow is much stronger, but only in the morning and then slowing down to the second part of the day.  My Dr. said that I have to live with it...Well; I am not satisfied with such as approach.  Beside ejaculation and little flow improvement I did not get anything I'd like to sleep at night.  I don't sleep many years.  I am an optimistic, but trust me you are just got lucky!!!   God bless you.

 

Alec.

 

 

alecra@optonline.net

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8/19/11 12:41pm

You obviously have not had this TURP procedure. Any PC physician will tell the patient the closest thing to the truth; Retrograde Ejaculation is an almost certainty and it is sexually life-changing, miserable, debilitating, ultra-depressing and "not worth it" doesn't begin to cover the warnings that SHOULD be tattooed on the forehead of any erstwhile urologist that recommends TURP. I hate the bastard son-of-a-bitch and so does my lady. He got his tens-of-thousands-of dollars (also sending a collection agency after us for the few hundred left over) and no longer gave a damn about me, the patient. "Do no harm" is in Hippocrates teachings, but "I will remember that there is art to medicine as well as science, and that warmth, sympathy, and understanding may outweigh the surgeon's knife or the chemist's drug" is actually a part of the oath traditionally taken by both healers and hacks alike. Medicine has become little more than a career for the entitled and those guilty of butchery for insurance money should fall with the bankers. I am presently on far more drugs than may have been needed without this damnedable operation for depression, hormone replacement (another thing they do not mention) ED (again, same), and therapy to keep from blowing my brains out. My advice to all that some urologist has recommended TURP; DON'T!!! They do not care about you, only the money that insurance will pay them. You WILL have retrograde ejack, you WILL end your sex life and endure the consequences of testosterone deprivation which are quite deadly and include; further depression, massive cholesterol increases, obesity, diabetes and heart disease. Dr. Singh, stick to medicine that you know something about, or be prepared to tell the whole truth. Lastly, all patients should know that there is no cure for retrograde ejack; the decongestants and all of that is pure falderal. There are rumors that the hospital in Trinidad, CO is experimenting with the bladder sphincter valve, but it is just a rumor. They disregard "old men" as having already lived their lives and are no longer in need of a sex life, a driving force in keeping a man vital.

 

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9/ 6/11 11:38am

I had my TURP two months ago. I had a very good surgeon with 30 years experience. Sex is still good. The retro-ejack issue... is not a big deal to me.

Some "stress incontinence" has developed but is supposed to away with time and muscle exercise.

It definitely relieved all severe symptoms (could not pee at all). Now I can join the fire department. If you know what I mean.

I asked my surgeon about GreenLight Laser and said he does not do them because they fail to cure BPH and surgery has to be re-done.

He said every few years a new cure comes out but proves not to work well.


I think I made the right decision.

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9/18/11 9:48pm

You are absolutely right! I had the same surgery with the same results and the same after treatment by the doctor! When I asked him why he did not tell me about the retrograde ejaculation and loss of erection, he said " Well you didn't ask me about that. Besides, you dont want to have any more children anyway do you?"

I was so angry that I wanted to murder that sonofabitch right on the spot.

everytime I tried to see him after the surgery I got all kinds of run arounds by the same receptionist who constantly called and urged me to have the surgery even though I was very reluctant to have it. She and He told me the surgery would solve all my problems and said there were no downsides to having it. I was doing fine on flomax, and since the surgery I have lost my erections as well as my ejaculation. The wife has always been a ball of fire and a juice freak and is now screwing around on the side because I can no longer give her what she wants and is use to getting. Now I dont' want to see him any more because I'm afraid that if i do, I will jump him and rip his balls off; cut out his heart and lying tongue, and blow his brains out! I want to rip his ass like a crazed chimpanzee!

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12/13/11 8:24pm

You are right that some surgeons are there for the money - but not all of them. I live in a small town in Australia where there used to be only one urologist. I was referred to this man who made me wait with symptons for six months before seeing me. He could have advised my GP what to do while waiting but I think he wanted my money. When I finally saw the specialist he turned out to be an abusive, unethical man whose incorrect trearments cost me a lot of money. I had a bad feeling about this guy from the start and would have saved myself a lot of stress and money if I had walked away earlier. I put up with symptons and used red clover, saw palmetto extract, zinc and selenium for 10 years. In that time another urologist set up practise - I was referred to this guy and he turned out to be experienced and competent - He has done a TURP on my enlarged prostate and 7 weeks later I am urinating on demand with a good stream as well as having good sex, despite retrogard ejaculation.

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12/ 3/11 7:06am

My husbands" expereince so far is much like yours. He is still up many times during the night to urinate post green light laser surgery. sometimes as much as every half hour. The flow is a little bit better not a whole lot better. He had the green laser two weeks ago. Penis burns very uncomfortably after every urination.

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9/26/11 12:47pm

I had the "green light" surgery about 4 yrs ago. My experience is pretty much the same as yours. However, The last year or so I've had much more of a sense of urgency. Once it starts, it is very hard to hold back the uriine flow. I've not had any serious accidents, but it could happen. Also, I do have the side effect of retrograde ejaculation. I don't have problems with an erection, but I do miss ejaculating. It added to the pleasure. My doctor said it might come back. I don't regret my decision, the alternative was more drugs, and possiby a catheter(which I greatly fear). I do wish there was a way to bring back the ejaculation, maybe one of thoses erection pills?

 

Dennis

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9/30/11 5:00pm

I am 63 too. Had the Green Light Surgery 3 weeks ago. The first four days were hard, as there was pain on urination. But the pyridum helped relieve it a bit, though it makes your urine orange. This is probably good, because it hides the blood a bit. Recommend that you pee sitting down while this is going on, as it is not pretty and the orange/red splashing on the toilet would not be very nice. I was told to drink lot of fluids. So, I was drinking like a fish; but I was also peeing like a HORSE! The first time I peed like that I actually scared myself! So far, the stream is terrific. There are a few drops of blood, which they say may go on for a over a month. Not pleasant to see, but whatever. Saw the Dr last week and gave him a big hug. I think I was in denial over this for many years and wish I had taken his advice sooner.

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10/12/11 12:14pm

NOT SAFE AT ALL IF YOPU ARE AGE 75 AND HAVE OTHER HEALTH PROBLEMS

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11/17/11 9:08am

I am 75 and took flomax and Toviaz. VERY expensive drugs. I worked with my urologist and we decided to try to reduce the size of my prostate with Avodart. Then I heard about the green laser operation. I live in Memphis and haven't found any place which offers this surgery. Searching the internet, I have found only major population centers have it. Places like johns Hopkins in Baltimore, NYC, CA etc. Too bad, I see this procedure has been called the "Gold standard of treatment." Over time I expect to find that this treatment will become more widely used. One must be patient! It takes time for medical advances to be widely excepted.

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12/15/11 8:45pm

Dr. Dave Greenberger in Memphis does the Greenlight. I just had it done last week. I am 60 and I never felt better. I feel like a new man! See info below:

 

Memphis Office
6029 Walnut Grove Road
Suite 300
Memphis, TN 38120
Tel: 901.767.8158
Fax: 901.767.1555

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12/17/11 3:50pm

Contact Dr. John Kirkland at Urology Specialtists in Charlotte

North Carolina

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12/18/11 11:13am

 

I am age 66.  I had to green light laser surgery six months ago.  I can now urinate normally... but I have no ejaculate with orgasm.  Nothing comes out when I have an orgasm.  ALSO... My penis shrank in size when flaccid. I now look like I have just gotten out of an ice bath. I don't know if I will ever experience a normal ejaculation again?  I don't know if there is a fix for my problem? 

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1/13/12 9:08pm

I am 69 yrs. old and had Green Light Laser surgery 12-26-11. After spending a night in the Hospital, the next day the cath was removed and could not void. the cath was reinserted and the Dr. gave me a bladder med. The next day my flow improved and I was allowed to go home. At home my flow improved dramatically, but many little scabs and a little red in my urine. This cleared up after two weeks, and now after three weeks only get burning and a little red at the start of urination in the morning. Flow is great and drinking a lot of water as per Dr. advise. Hope the early morning burning clears up, but was told at least 3 mo. for full recovery. Have not tried sex yet, hope that still works. Am much better off now than before.

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1/13/12 9:08pm

I am 69 yrs. old and had Green Light Laser surgery 12-26-11. After spending a night in the Hospital, the next day the cath was removed and could not void. the cath was reinserted and the Dr. gave me a bladder med. The next day my flow improved and I was allowed to go home. At home my flow improved dramatically, but many little scabs and a little red in my urine. This cleared up after two weeks, and now after three weeks only get burning and a little red at the start of urination in the morning. Flow is great and drinking a lot of water as per Dr. advise. Hope the early morning burning clears up, but was told at least 3 mo. for full recovery. Have not tried sex yet, hope that still works. Am much better off now than before.

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1/26/09 4:13am

Thank you Tom and Dr Jay Matola for your answers.

I did have the surgery on October 19 2008 and all went very well.

I was in hospital overnight and after I urinated twice without the catheter was allowed home.

One thing is worrying me: if I don't urinate when I feel the usual urge to it reaches a point of extreme urgency - not the normal kind that I had before the onset of BPH. In fact if I don't rush then I know that I will be in trouble.

Is this normal?

Apart from that, the flow is far better than it was but the urination is shorter (in time) than it was before BPH, and I do wake up once at night.

Will these symptoms go away (it has now been 3 months) or should I go back to my urologist?

 

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5/23/10 3:40am

I get greenlight operation in Abril 2008 and an bladder-neck-surgery in November 08.  I have still now pain in the prostate and irritation.  No sex is possible because pain increase.  I´m taking antibiotics for relief on long term basis, but it doesn´t help to heal my prostate.  My experiencie was not so good, because it is expensier than normal turp and may be you will recover never.  I'm now 47 years old.

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6/ 1/09 6:52am

I had BPH Green light prostate surgery 8 weeks ago.  I still get up at least twice a night at urinate and I'm still leaking during the day (unless I'm seated) I have been wearing Depends for 2 months.  Will it ever get better?  Is there somewhere I can go for relief??

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3/ 9/10 8:21am

Hi, my father, age 78, had this surgery 6 months ago.  He has been wearing depends ever since.  After surgery, the doctor told him the surgery went "fine", and there were "no problems".  In reality, he found out from a second urologist that my father's sphincter (the valve that turns the flow on or off) was lasered off.  We have gone to several attorneys because my parents are on a fixed income, and the depends are not covered by their insurance and are very expensive- about $150/month, not to mention how his social life has been curtailed because of leakage through the double layer of depends, and the fact that my mom is now washing up to 4 pairs of soiled blue jeans per day.  It's very sad when an active, vital man has something like this happen to him.  So far, the attorneys we've contacted won't take the case because it would require another doctor testifying against the first doctor, so the costs involved to prove the case, outweigh the likely amount of the award. The second urologist installed a device that's basically an artificial sphincter.  It's a mechanicaldevice with a balloon near the bladder, and a button is activated inside the scrotum.  So far, it's been several weeks, and it's not working either.  I don't know if this forum allows the mention of specific doctor's names or the clinic involved, so I will suffice it to say, do your research before having the procedure done if you live in Upper Wisconsin. 

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5/10/10 5:31pm

Hi

My Advice is don't give up there are attys that will take your case Google for a malpractice atty. You will find one!

Good luck

Andrew

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5/11/10 3:17am

Hi, still no luck with regards to finding an attorney who will take the case.  The artificial sphincter corrected the incontinence, however, my father is not able to urinate on his own.  Now he has to catheterize himself 4 to 6 times per day.  This is more difficult than it sounds.  The technique is very important.  The whole process must be done in as sterile a manner as possible.  He is meticulous, but has had two infections.  The first infection he wasn't prepared for (he didn't recognize the symptoms) and he passed out, so an ambulance was required to get him to the ER.  When he got the chills the second time, my mother drove him to the ER immediately, and he was treated for the second infection.  The second doctor has assured us that this is state of the art treatment for my father's current condition.  He said that the reason my father can't urinate on his own is because my father's bladder (muscles around bladder?) are not functioning, and can't push the urine out.  He also said this can be caused by waiting too long to have the prostate treated in the first place (take heed men- it's not normal to pee several times a  night) OR the bladder can wear out with age.  He said the bladder was not damaged by the first surgery.  I'm a bit skeptical because my dad's bladder was working fine prior to the first surgery.

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5/11/10 6:48pm

Hi Jill,

Sorry about the difficulty in getting an attorney. Try calling your local Bar Ass''n. for a recommendaton. If you haven't already go in the Internet and type in medical malpractice and see whar comes up.

Self caterterization is no walk in the park! I know your father's pain. I don't know where you live but are you near a teaching hospital? Perhaps you might try contacting the Cleveland Clinic.

Andrew

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3/ 2/11 7:12pm

> if this forum allows the mention of specific doctor's names or the clinic involved

 

People with positive experience mention the doctors names, and it is even more important to mention the name if you think the doctor did not perform well.    He will hurt more people.   You just describe your own experiance.  If more people have bad experiance with the same doctor for no special reason, it should be known!

   Why people think it's OK to share bad grades/opinions of restaurants, cooks, car mechanics, but not about doctors?!! 

It's sick...

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9/28/09 2:19pm

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10/14/09 4:51pm

Who and where are top practitioners of green light laser surgery for BPH in the Boston area?

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11/27/09 5:39pm

I would not reccomend green light laser to anyone unless it was a mild problem.  My doctor in Connecticut did green light on me because I could not urinate at all.  I was 100% blocked and my bladder had retained 5 times the normal amount.  I was cathetar for 41/2 months.  After the green light I still was only urinating 20% on my own and 80% through the super pubic cathetar.  He told me that it probably would not get any better because the bladder was so distented.  After returning to Florida for the winter, I found a urologist in Daytona that told me the green light had only done 1/2 the job.  He did the rotor rooter surgery and after 5 days I was going 100% on my own and off the cathetar.  From what I have learned over the past months is that the green light laser is a high promotion in New England. 

 

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2/15/10 4:44pm

Hello,

 

I did green laser a month ago and getting worst, however you mentioned about something rotor rooter, so what is the rotor rooter that you mentioned?

 

 

Alec.

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4/18/10 2:20pm

Hello Bill H,

I would be very grateful to you if you take the time to help me out.

I also have an enlarged prostate and I am trying to make a decision on what procedure to use to fix my prostate. Can you tell me the name of your urologist in Daytona Beach and the exact name of the procedure he did on you to correct your prostate problem?

My e mail is: enailios@aol.com

 

Thank you very much for your assistants.

 

Best regards,

Antony

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7/26/10 8:04pm

Hello,

 

I believe the procedure "Roto Router" procedure may be the TURP. I was not aware of the Green Light Procedure that seems to be a new wave. Not all are very promising. My 1st Dr. talked me into the TURP and it was the one this medical center uses. They install a drill bit device that for lack of a medical name, cuts away anything blocking the tube as it goes through the prostate. If you know anything about a desease VD, called CLAPP, this same device was used to clean out the infected penis , and it was so painfull, you wouold pass out.

OK, Let me just say this...we can put a man on the Moon, drop a Bomb down the smoke stack of a house 1/2 way around the world in pitch dark with a sand storm raging, and our medical people can't open up or by-pass  the tube through the prostate.... come on. I bet before I go through another botched TURP operation, I'll try something my self, if not just run a cath half way through the prostate. Think about it.  All you need to do is force the opening, and for a few days you go normal, so why can't a perm tube be installed or even bypass the walnut size organ?

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3/13/11 1:05am

If you've never had a procedure to treat BPH, inquire about TUNA, trans-urethral needle ablation. Just google the heck out of it. I had it 4 yrs ago and it was totally great, but now the prostate's growing again, I fear. I am very wary about green light. Hoping I can use meds to keep things going.

Dr. Stan (psych)

 

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9/ 7/11 11:45am

I'm about 65, and could not pee during day or night. Used catheter for 9 months. It did empty my bladder completely.


I had my TURP two months ago. I had a very good surgeon with 30 years experience. He told me TURP is still the Gold Standard for BPH.

Yes. Recovery is longer. But the results will last a lot longer.

Sex is still good. The retro-ejack issue... is not a big deal to me... depends on the type of sex as to how much of an issue.
My stomach bulge has gone down. I now have a flat stomach. Bladder regaining normal size?
Some "stress incontinence" has developed but I told it will go away with time and muscle exercise.
It definitely relieved all severe symptoms (could not pee at all). Now I can join the fire department. If you know what I mean.
I asked my surgeon about GreenLight Laser and said he does not do them because they fail to cure BPH and surgery has to be re-done.
He said every few years a new treatment comes out, but proves not to as work well.

I think I made the right decision.
I would get a second opinion.
Just remember. No doctor will guarantee the outcome!

 

Smile

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8/ 2/10 5:03pm


I had greenlight ten months ago. I had made the mistake of waiting too long and went into retention and was totaly blocked. My bladder was so full that My stomach looked like I was six months pregnant.

My bladder muscles were so streached that the surgeon only gave me a 20 percent for bladder muscle recovery.

This surgeon had done over 100 of the greenlight. That is important that you find an expereienced one with at least that many.

After surgery it took about three weeks to recover and I was getting up only once a night and good stream and no more drugs that didn't work anyway. I attrbute the sucess to the doctor.

Bill

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11/10/10 11:55am

I am contemplating having this procedure done, but after reading all these negative comments it makes one wonder. But I think the problems are more related to the choice of Drs. I would not go to just any urologist to have this done, but to one who is associated with a teaching medical school. In the Boston area there are several. I am considering Brigham and Women Hospital, which is a Harvard Medical School hospital. I had a major heart op done a year ago at this hospital and can't stop raving about the place and its doctors. They have a first class urological deptment also and I am thinking of having Dr. O'Leary, whose field is BPH and stones. He is an Assoc. Harvard Professor there at Brigham. There are several superb urologists there. Google the hospital and its urologists. Goog luck.

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2/ 7/10 1:43pm

what are the complications of this surgery

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2/15/10 7:30pm

Green light laser is extraordinarily safe when performed by surgeons who are experienced with this technology.  Incontinence can occur both short-term and long-term.   Immediately after treatment, urge incontinence can occur which as a result of irritability of the bladder after the treatment.  If this occurs numerous medications can be utilized.  Long-term incontinence is very uncommon but can occur if the sphincter is injured at the time of the procedure.  This too can be treated if it were to occur however definitive treatment would require additional surgery.

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2/16/10 4:04pm

Great site .Will be very helpful to Men and women very informative. Keep up good work

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5/ 4/10 5:58pm

I had Green Light surgery performed by a competant physician in March, 2008. My results were extrodinary and continued as such until recently when my BPH symptoms seem to be returning. My doctor told me I should get 10 years from the procedure. So far, it's just been two! Can you tell me if this is unusual? Thanks.

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11/ 9/10 9:00am

I am trying to find an experienced surgeon for the green light procedure.  Would you be able to recommend one in NYC or metro area?  I have also heard recently about the Thulium laser and wonder if it is an improvement over green light, and if so, if it has been around long enough that there are surgeons very experienced with it.

 

Thank you for any assistance you can render,

Bob

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8/19/11 9:58am

Should you first have a biopsy of bladder and prostate to rule out cancer?

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1/14/12 3:02pm

I had Green Light done  December 21st. is it reasonable to expect additional healing time? The urge to urinate comes on so suddenly i can't hold back without leaking and the urge to have a bowel movement is mildy present as well. So far the outcome is worse than the symptoms prior to the surgery.

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4/23/10 6:23pm

Would you give me the name of a competant Doctor in the Sonoma County, California area?  I am very interested in having a consult on this surgery.

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5/ 5/10 7:02pm

Here's my 2 cents.

 

Post bilateral nephrectomy and a kidney transplant, my urologist identified a potential risk of infection in an enlarged prostate.

 

He recommended green light laser surgery.

 

It was done on an outpatient basis and lasted about an hour.

 

Everthing went great until the morning following surgery. Taking a pee after removing the catheter was a real experience. It burned like a bitch.

 

Luckily I had my wife get the Vicodin prescription filled while I was in surgery.

 

Trust me, don't not take your pain killer. In fact take it every 2 - 4 hours as recommended for pain whether you need it or not.

 

It takes about 4 days for the pain to go away with an occassion bloody episode every now and then.

 

In my case I had to have the procedure done 2 times, December 09 and February 10. The second time around I knew what to expect and followed the advice given here.

 

Shortly after the 2nd surgery it still hurt to pee. I called the doctor and the nurse said it was normal. I was prescribed levaquin and urelle and told to let them know if I had any more problems.

 

I did.

 

They did a culture to see if I had a urinary tract infection. I didn't.

 

The nurse said to come in and let the doctor check it out.

 

No surprise for the scope to be turned on and inserted up to my eyeballs, or so it felt.

 

In my case the prostate burned off did not pass. It looked like spider webs surrounded by caviar.

 

Now the fun began. The doctor took his scope and knocked the stuff loose until the urinary tract was clear. I about died as it hurt alot.

 

He asked me to get up and go take a pee. He said I should feel alot better. He was right. I hadn't taken a pee that felt that good in years.

 

I looked in the toilet and some of the crap he knocked loose passed. It looked like pieces of dried brown rice.

 

Despite the problems, I'm happy I went with it.

 

Good luck to all of you. My experience was an exception to the rule.

 

And as for sex, you and your spouse will notice it the next day that you are bigger. Please note that you will also notice a smaller amount of "load". Less mess but just as much fun unless you like to plaster the ceiling.

 

My doctor is Dr. David Gould in Ft. Worth. No regrets. He's a great doctor and saved my life.

 

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5/ 5/11 8:45am

Great article.  Thanks

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6/ 7/10 2:26pm

In Februray 2009, I had Green Light Laser Prostate Surgery which caused scar tissue, Peyronie's diease, and retroejaculation. Because I have Peyronie's diseases, I can not have a sexual relationship and am experiencing much depression. I have tried to masturbate, but I can not feel anything.

During the tweleve months following my surgery, I wore a cathetor and leg bag four separate times.

In February 2010, a different surgeon removed my scar tissue. I still need to frquently urinate. My surgeon has prescribed both Aminobenzoate Pot Envule 2 GM (12GM / day) and Transdermal Verapamil 15% Gel for my Peyronie's disease. I will need to be on these medications for several years.

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6/14/10 7:01pm

what are the side effects of Grren LIght Laser surgery

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6/14/10 10:22pm

At the risk of angering the company that makes this laser, there are better lasers out there for this procedure.  I work for a mobile company that brings these lasers to facilities that do not already own them.  The burning feeling most of the gentlemen on this forum experienced is because of the depth of penetration from this laser.  The 532 nm laser energy of GreenLight has an optical penetration depth of 0.8 mm.  The Revolix laser made by Lisa Laser and the much newer, if you are lucky enough to find one of these, Cyber TM made by Quanta.  These lasers are at 2010 nm and 2013 nm respectively and have a depth of penetration of 0.4mm.  The difference in the wavelengths are that the 532nm wavelength is looking for blood in the tissue while the 2010, 2013nm wavelengths are looking for water in the tissue.  The comments I get from the doctors I work with are that their patients are not having the side effects that have been listed here.  There is less scarring involved with the latter 2 lasers and with less depth of penetration, less sloughing.

 

I hope this helps a little for those of you having to face this.  These are the best 2 lasers I have seen for this in the last 5 years.  Just something else for you to think about before having this done.

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6/29/10 8:54pm

hello guys,

I just had green light laser surgery on June 7, 2010. the procedure went will hower it's been almost a month and still have some pevic pain and blood in my urine. my urologist states that still helding and that is to be expected. I had the surgery mainly because i had recurrent urinary infection because my bladder wasn't emptying completely. test used that my urather was narrow and the surgery should correct my problem. I try to have sex a week ago it was very painful and nothing came out if you know I mean. I will update you in a month. 

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3/21/11 7:22am

KP, did the pain completely go away and after how long?

Thanks

Cam

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3/31/11 12:00am

will guys it's been about 9 months since i had my green light laser surgery. no more pain and I have great urine flow and no more uninary infection. yes!!!!!!

 

the down side is I now have dry ejucatulation in which the sperm goes back into the bladder instead exiting out of the penis. I'm 50 years old and I want to have sex but i don't enjoy it because i don't have that lovely feeling any more

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3/31/11 12:18am

KP,

For how many months were you in pain?   It will be 4 months for me mid April.

Thanks

Cam

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9/ 2/10 7:28pm

Hello to all guys. Could you please let me know the SIZE of your prostates before operation? Mine measured by anal ecography is now 109 grams and my urologist has told me that Green Light Laser will not be effective due to the size of my prostate and that the only possibility to be successful is a OPEN operation by opening between the scrotum and the anus.

Thanks

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6/11/11 11:07pm

MIKE,

 

MY PROSTATE WAS HUGE 162 GRAMS.  HAD A VERY SUCCESSFUL GREENLIGHT SURGERY AT NEW YORK MEDICAL CENTER.  IT'S NOT THE SIZE OF YOUR PROSTATE THAT PREVENTS GREENLIGHT, IT'S THE SKILL OF THE SURGEON.

 

PETER

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10/ 2/10 6:42pm

I am post op 7 weeks laser green light prostate surgery.  I am having incontinence all the time.  It is not getting any better.

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1/27/12 11:44am

I am in the same boat. Had GLLS 7 weeks ago and still leak like a faucet. My follow-up doc's app't is in 2 weeks. I am very afraid that is is going to continue indefinitely. I am a health care professional and a semi-professional  musician so this is really putting a srew into my life. Anyone else out there like this in that the incontenence stops after a couple of months??? I hope the hell so that will be the case for me!!!!!!!!!

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10/ 7/10 1:04pm

I am a male of 54 years that has just had green-light laser surgery.  I started to have prostate problems at 51 and at 54 needed surgery.  Medications were working - I was on flowmax - but, the enlrged prostate was huge and pressing o nmy bladder to the point that it did not fully void and I got a UTI that would not go away due to the omni-present urine due to a huge prostate.  I had surgery on a Tuesday that lasted 1.5 hours due to it being abnormally large - 60 minutes is normal.  I was in the hospital for the night with a catheter for the next 5 days.  Some blood was present but was expected due to surgery and catheter insertion.  I urinated fine with minimal bllod and had it removed the following Monday.  I "piss like a race horse" now, the best in my whole life.  There is still some minimal bleeding but none that concerns or scares me.  The doctor said that I would for the next month.  The only pain is due to the "injury" of the prostate pushing on my bladder for who knows how long, but it is starting to lessen.  I no longer need Flowmax; never took it again since before the operation - yea!  I had the typical male erection in the night and have every night since then with little pain or problem.  The erection is as before with no lessening.  I do have a "pleasant feeling" when I tough myself or when stimulating myself.  There is a minimal amount of "precum" discharge when I stimulate myself with no pain and I can feel the the sensation of being able to ejaculate but have not done it since I want a good recovery.  My family doctor said the urologist was a good one and I am happy with hime.  Wished that I had it done earlier.  No more getting up in the night or know the location of every public restroom.  I had a good experience with it.

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10/27/10 4:39pm

I was 54 when I had the green-light laser surgery in Dec 2003 and it has been an on-going nightmare for 7 years. I was totally incontinent for the first 4 months - no control at all. I had 3 collagen treatments in the first 6 months following surgery to try to give me some control - for the first 5-7 days, I had to use a catheter to pee but within 6 weeks, I was back to using 8-10 Depends pads a day. I also experienced erectile disfunction and retrograde ejaculation that contiinue to this day. Over the years, I regained some control with Kegel exercises, additional collogen treaments and a bladder sling. I always sit down to pee. I am still using 1-3 Depends per day. If I exercise, I pee my pants; if I mow the lawn, I pee my pants; if I laugh or cough, I pee my pants; when I try to have sex, I leak urine (not a big turn-on). The original urologist/surgeon told me that my prostate could grow back within 10 years - I can only hope. Until then, I check the web occasionally for class action lawsuits involving green-light laser surgery. I may be in the small minority who have had such a bad experience, but I'd get 2nd and 3rd opinions if I were you!

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10/11/11 11:20pm

Have you heard of any class action suits?

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11/ 4/10 11:31am

I am 56 and had green light laser surgery 6 days ago.  (Friday, 10/29).  After the surgery, I relaxed for a couple of hours before being released with a catheter.  I had some prostate pain that I would equate to a stomach ache that lasted for a couple of days, which was easily controlled with pain meds.  I was able to void right away with a nice (very bloody) stream.  I went back to the Dr's office on Monday, 11/1, to have the catheter removed and for followup, and went back to work on Tuesday.  

 

My urine is now just tinged with blood, and I have a little "debris"- small pieces of prostate or clots-- on occasion.  As the blood has subsided, my stream has become a little weaker, but I attribute that to scabbing/scarring and inflammation which I expect will resolve over the coming weeks.  I can void completely.  No other side effects- no urgency, no burning (well mild, but I think it's due to the catheter I wore for a month before the surgery due to my complete blockage) no incontinence, no ED.  I do not know about the retrograde thing yet, as I am not healed well enough to try.  Another week or so, I think.  If that is the only problem I have, it will have been worth it.  

 

My Dr. used the more powerful laser that is currently available, and he said another even more powerful one will be available soon.  I think that makes a difference; there seem to be a lot of men with problems who had their surgery with the weaker laser.  Just my opinion.  I would do this again in a heartbeat, and if I need one every 5 years, I'll do it.  I have had molars extracted that were more trouble.  If you are faced with this surgery, just make sure you have a good surgeon who has done at least a couple hundred of these, and who uses the latest laser technology.

 

A side note: my father had a TURP in mid-August.  We are close to the same level of functioning; me after less than a week and him after 11-12 weeks.  He wishes he had gotten the green light, which would seem to have made more sense especially considering his age.  (Early 80's).  Good luck out there.    

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11/ 9/10 9:02am

I am looking for an experienced surgeon to do the procedure.  Can you share your doctor's name and location?

 

Thanks,

Bob

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11/ 9/10 9:33am

Sorry, sure-- Dr. Fred Stier, Alexandria Virginia.  Good luck!

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11/ 9/10 4:41pm

Update: 11 days now; I seem to be going through cycles of peeing with no blood, and then some blood returns along with occasional "debris".  Not positive, but I understand that the prostate sloughs off blood that begins to clot to form a scab for a while before it heals.  

 

I was on Uroxatral before the surgery and am still on it; I have a follow-up in a couple of days and will find out if I can stop-- and maybe when to expect the blood to stop.        

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11/17/10 3:32pm

Update: 19 days.  Blood and debris mostly gone, barely a tinge of red.  Stream very good.  On day 16 I found out that I do have the retrograde issue though; it's a little strange but not a big deal (to me anyway) and my wife actually sees it as a benefit.  Expect that it will happen; if it doesn't that's icing on the cake.  So to speak. 

 

This will be my last update unless something noteworthy happens.  I see the retrograde issue as a bit-- not much-- of a problem, and given my alternatives I would opt for the same surgery again.  My advice-- get a good surgeon with the latest laser technology and go for it!  Good luck.     

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11/14/10 4:28pm

hello scot, my father had a 90+ grams prostate and did the green laser surgery 10 days ago...there is minimal burning now but he is urinating every 40-60 minutes and his stream is the same as before. does this seem normal ?

thanks

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11/17/10 3:40pm

I am not a doctor; all I have to go on is my experience, and that didn't happen to me. 

 

Has he tried anti-inflammatories like Motrin/Ibuprophen?  There is typically a lot of swelling.  He may also have some scabbing/clotting getting in the way; the doctor may have to go in again to touch things up.  Just guessing.

 

All the best to you both.

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11/17/10 3:49pm

I thought of one other thing-- was he on medication before, and did he stop it?  I was on Uroxatral, and was told to stay on it for a while longer.  If he was on meds and went off, that could be a factor.  

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12/ 4/10 6:29pm

Scott,

 

How are you feeling about the Green Light prodedure now that it's been a while? Any problems of note or still satisfied with the results and Dr Stier?

 

Jerry W

Olney, Md

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12/18/10 1:28pm

Still happy with it, although I still have (and will likely always have) the retrograde problem which I definitely would prefer not to have.  Still a tiny bit of blood the first pee after sex; I expect that will disappear in another few weeks.  Prostates are NOT quick to heal!  Some urgency on occasion when my bladder is only 3/4 full.  Still nice strong stream.  No other significant issues at this point, about 6 1/2 weeks after surgery.  Although the literature claims only about 1/3 of patients end up with the retrograde issue, I think Dr. Stier's results are more than that.  It could be that the literature is much more optimistic as opposed to Dr. Stier's results being worse that average.  If I had it to do over, I might look for a Dr. who gets better results in that department, although there is likely some trade-off with the strength of the stream.  Just a guess.  Hope this helps.     

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12/19/10 2:28pm

Thanks for all the followup Fred. My research indicates that Green Light's literature is too optimistic and retrograde ejac is more common than they suggest after Green Light. It also seems that urgency even when the bladder isn't full is not that uncommom after Green Light either.

 

Jerry W

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3/ 2/11 1:39pm

Over 4 months now, and I have no lingering issues with anything pee-related.  No urges, blood, debris, nothing-- and a very good stream.  The RE problem has improved from zero to 5 or 10%-- I'm wondering now if things will continue toward complete improvement.  Still satisfied, and I would absolutely do it again and with the same Dr. 

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9/28/11 8:07am

 

G'day from Australia. Your latest feedback on PVC is encouraging. I have been mistakenly booked for TURP on Nov 14, 2011. I cancelled that as soon as I found out it was TURP, not PVC. Now I am searching for an experienced surgeon with PVC. It is very new in Australia.

 

But after the initial rave and glowing reviews of PVC Greenlight laser surgery for BPH, I am comiong across "horror stories" that make PVC sound as bad as TURP.

 

My biopsy a week ago was negative, and I had absolutely minimal bleeding in urine and stool - happened only once while waiting to be discharged. Semen is reddish brown as expected.

 

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12/ 8/11 12:21pm

If green light is fairly new in Australia, try coming to the U.S. But even here you have to be careful who you select. You can contact such reliable institutions as the Mayo Clinic or Johns Hopkins University.

 

Doctors will only tell you what they want you to know, not what they don't want you to know. They don't want to lose a job that they bill insurance companies for about $5,000. Never heard of a doctor that personally underwent this operation. They get most of their info from pharmaceutical reps and other research.

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1/19/11 1:38am

I had my green light lazor surgury 11/30/2010, and I am 72 years old, and have been taking flomax for eight years. I was getting up at night six to eight times, and had a very weak stream. I woke up after the surgury with a cath. in place. I stayed in the hospital one night. The next morning they took the cath. out, and when I could urinate on my own, they let me go home around 11:00a.m. My Dr. said not to drive a car for a week,or lift over 10 lbs, and take it easy for three weeks.I did exactly what the doctor said, but I took it easy for six weeks. I bleed a little for about a week. I called the doctor at six weeks, and he said that I could lift up to 30lbs, and could have sex. Its been eight weeks now, sex is good, no reverse ejaculation, feeling great, and better every day, and getting up twice at night. Very strong stream. I had my surgury done at the medical center in Houston, Texas, and I have a great urologest. I go back to see him in March 2011. He did not want to see me for three months after I had the surgury unless I had problems.I would recommend the green light surgury to any one. Find you a good doctor, and do what he says.

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2/ 3/11 8:56pm

Hi,

 

I live in Houston also and I am looking for the right doctor. Can I ask you who was yours?

 

 

Mark

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2/ 3/11 9:50pm

Hi Mark, my uroligest is Dr. Brian J. Miles

                               The Methodist Hospital

                               6560 Fannin St. Suite 2100

                               Houston, Texas 77030

                               Phone # 713-41-6455

He is the medical director of robotic surgury. I am very happy with the way my surgury as turned out. I go back for my follow up March 3rd.

Good luck

 

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2/ 3/11 9:58pm

Phone number [removed]

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8/18/11 1:44am

Greetings

    I had the green light laser procedure .Iicurrently take 4mg of a flowmax generic. I am curious if you still have to take flowmax after surgery? I tried stopping it because it makes me tired, my urologist said try not taking it [ but continue take the avodart]. But it was apparent I was not able to urinate if I stopped. That was a month after surgery but now it is three months.  I currenly take flowmax 4mg and it makes me very tired  and. I know i have a sensitivity to flowmax because before my surgery they doubled my fiowmax to 8 mg  and i fainted.

                                                             thanks Peter

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8/18/11 2:47pm

Hi Peter, my Dr. kept me on Flomax for about a month after my surgury. I haven't taken Flomax this year (2011). Its been nearly eight months now since my surgury, and every thing is great. I have no pain, get up once at night, and maby twice once in a great while, if fact, I hardly ever thing about my surgury any more. I wish every one could get the great results from Green Light Laser as I have.

Curtis

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1/24/12 9:26am

my friend at 73 you should have had the turp op done nothing to worry about I had it don pee like an elephant and still get the erection even that can make you smile turp is better four days of nurse's then your out feeling great.I'm 65 and pleased.Laughing

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1/19/11 11:32am

My urologest told me that side effects will run about 1%. The main thing, find you a good doctor. I had green light surgury eight week ago, and have had no side effects. I had my surgury done at the medical center at the Methodist hospital in Houston Texas.

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1/19/11 12:27pm

I am posting a rather detailed chronology of my Green Light Laser/Photo-Selective Vaporization of the Prostate (PVP) procedure since I know that the usual case is if something goes well nobody will post anything, but if it goes wrong they will. Before I give you my experience here is a website that I found that is very good since it hits about all of the points that I experienced. "http://www.delawareurologic.com/bph/". Be especially mindful of the "Post-Op PVP Instructions" and what they say about constipation.

Now here is my story. First of all, I had tried a lot of alpha blockers including Flomax, Uroxatral and Rapaflo. All of them made me very tired all of the time and light headed when I got up suddenly, and there were even episodes of what I have called "the life draining out of me." I just had to sit down for a half hour or so until it passed. After several years of this, I tried an Indigo laser procedure, but that was a disaster because the doctor shot the laser into my bladder by mistake, hit a ureter, and I spent 6 months in pain recuperating. There is more to the story, but let me just say that indigo lasers were out for me.

Here is what I experienced with the PVP. I hope that it helps those of you who are thinking about the PVP. Remember that it turned out to be really good for me, but that doesn't mean that it will for you. So get lots of info and ask your doctor a lot of questions. I had a list of questions each time that I visited him.

For the sake of anonymity I will call my urologist Dr. D.

Visit to my primary urologist
My primary urologist referred me to Dr. D since my primary urologist only does TURPs. I felt that that was too invasive, so I investigated the PVP with Dr. D.

First Dr. D Appointment
We had a general discussion of the BPH problem. He told me about the PVP procedure. He had done 100 of them in the last 7 years. He looked at the Indigo laser treatment years ago and rejected it. Among other things, with Indigo laser you have to wait 6 or more weeks to get relief since it takes that long for the dead tissure to be eliminated by the body. With PVP it is instantaneous.

Dr. D said that almost no one uses the Indigo laser anymore. I asked him if it were possible to shoot through to the bladder with the PVP (which happened to me when I had the Indigo laser procedure and caused me a lot of pain for 3 months, a hospital stay with lots of tests and a ureter stent). He said that his skill prevents green light laser from doing bad things. The PVP laser comes out at a 90 degrees angle from the scope so it's like coring an apple. It takes at least 1/2 hour to a little over an hour to do the PVP. A Foley catheter would be put in after the PVP and it should come out after 1 day. About a week for the main healing and for bleeding to stop during urination.

He ordered a bladder scan to make sure all was well there.

Second Dr. D Appointment
Reviewed the bladder scan. It was normal. He did a scope up the urethra and found a restriction at the neck of the bladder. If removed, I would start the flow more rapidly and empty more rapidly.

Third Dr. D Appointment
Quick visit to setup the PVP procedure. I needed some pre-op tests like EKG and kidney.

Day of the Procedure
I went to the Hospital Surgery Unit for the outpatient procedure. I got a general anesthetic at about 8:30 AM and woke up at about 10 AM. It took me about 1/2 hour to fully wake up after which my bed was rolled over to a chair on the other side of the recovery room and I was transferred to the chair. They took some tests, blood pressure, etc. and when all was within the normal limits, I was discharged. This was at about noon. Many people attended me and all were extremely nice and professional. My doctor visited with my wife after the procedure and showed her pictures of before and after. The before picture showed a very small canal. The after picture showed a definite hole. I went home with a Foley catheter and rested for 24 hours. I mean no activity whatsoever. Just sitting in my lounge chair.

Dr. D told me not to drive for 3 days after the operation, not to lift more than 20 lbs. for 6 weeks, and not to do any yard work. However, he didn't say anything about constipation as a result of the surgery, and this resulted in anal pain that I didn't need to have. The website I mentioned at the beginning of this chronology did say that constipation would be a problem, so be aware of this problem.

Day after Procedure
The next morning, I took out the catheter myself (not hard to do at all, just do it very slowly) and that relieved the discomfort a lot, but I was still very irritated from the combination of the catheter and the procedure. Urinating was somewhat painful. On a scale of 1 to 10 with 10 being the worst, I would say it was an 8. The pain was down to a 6 later in the day, and this was without taking any pain medication. Of course there was a little blood in my urine. That night I decided to take some 8 hour Tylenol (double dose) since I was quite constricted while urinating the previous night. I thought that the hydromophone (Dilaudid) that he gave me for the pain might have been the cause. It turns out that it probably was just the swelling from the procedure since I was up every 2 hours during the night.

I was concerned about the night-time constriction, however, so I called the Doctor's office. I wasn't as constricted during the day, and they said that I could go back on the Uroxatral (alpha blocker), so I decided not to make an appointment right away. The Uroxatral solved the constriction problem. (By the way, any alpha blocker would have worked.) For the next two nights I used it along with the Tylenol and everything was fine. The pain steadily decreased and was only mild. Oh yes, there was no bleeding now during urination, but there was still some at the beginning. This continued for 3 days. Per the website above and my doctor, the bleeding will be off and on until I am fully healed. So nothing new there.

5 Days after Procedure
My urine flow started immediately when I wanted it to. Also, there was almost no residual urine left after the initial stream. This is great! Now if this continues after I go off the Uroxatral, then it will be a major success. I have a follow-up appointment this week. I will go off the Uroxatral after tonight. It takes about 2 days for the Uroxatral to be fully gone, so I should be able to tell my Doctor how I am truly doing.

7 Days after Procedure
Took last Uroxatral 2 nights ago. Flow still good even at night. Some residual urination burning. I forgot to mention that I have had anal sensitivity all during my recovery after the procedure. It is not a pain, per se, but rather feeling like I have to go even just due to gas. I expect this to go away with time as the prostate area continues to heal. I took a stool softener and that really helped as the days went by.

8 Days after Procedure
I went to an appointment with Dr. D. I took my camera and took a picture of the procedure pictures. I got an Avodart prescription. Per my Doctor and common sense it will help prevent the need for another procedure and they recommend it for better healing. It has also been shown to reduce the risk of prostate cancer (my primary urologist was part of the study and confirmed this). Dr. D says that I still can't exercise or take Ibuprofin until 6 weeks after procedure. I am still a little constricted when I get up in the morning. He said that this is due to my nervous system waking up. They expect swelling after the procedure, but there should be enough opening to still allow urine flow. Flow should improve as the swelling goes down. The constriction at night should get less and less (and it has).

I have another appointment in about a month after the procedure.

9 Days after Procedure
Anal sensitivity is almost gone. The pain during urination is very mild. There is still some pink at the beginning of urination. Drinking lots of water, tea, etc.

17 Days after Procedure
In the morning the pain during urination was almost all gone and still some pink at the beginning of urination. However, I helped my wife with some (what I thought was) really mild yard work. It was a beautiful fall day and all I did was push down some leaves to compact them while she put them in leaf bags. Well I learned a lesson because when I urinated after that I had some red rather than pink at the beginning of urination. I guess I strained too much although I didn't feel like I was straining. When my doctor said no lifting more than 20 lbs. I was thinking like a suitcase or even the leaf bag after we had filled it. He said no yard work for 4 weeks, so I guess that he meant NO YARD WORK of any kind no matter how mild I thought that it was! I reread the "Post-op" part of the website that I quoted above and now I understand that just about anything can cause a strain in the prostate area. So from here on in I am going to vegetate until there is no more blood and then add a week.

20 Days after Procedure
Bleeding at the beginning of urination stopped for the first time, but the next time it was there. It stopped one other time also.

Something that I have noticed, namely, that I no longer get light-headed when I breath deeply in the morning. Also, my energy level is greater. I don't need caffeine to get me going in the morning like I used to. Also, I am not light-headed after being on my haunches for a while. I am sure that it was the Uroxatral that was doing that. This is good!!!

24 Days after Procedure
All bleeding stopped today. Very little residual pain at the end of urination, so that seems to be getting better.

4 Weeks Post-Op
Still no bleeding. Very mild residual pain still lingering at the end of urination. Hard to tell if it is getting better or not. It seems to be better one day and then a little worse the next. I had not been taking any Tylenol, so I started up again. As a result I only got up once last night and the pain seems less. Will continue to take Tylenol in hopes of not thinking about the problem every time that I urinate.

5 Weeks Post-Op
Follow-up appointment with Dr. D. He did a urine test and there was a very small amount of blood present (I couldn't see any when I went). Other than that all is well and I can start my usual exercising and take ibuprofen if I need it (Tylenol never has been as effective for me as ibuprofen).

2 Months Post-Op
Life is pretty much back to normal and even better since my BPH is gone. My evaluation right now is that (for me) the PVP was well worth the trouble. I still have a minute amount of irritation after I urinate, but it continues to decrease and I expect will be totally gone in a few more months. I thank all of the doctors and researchers who created and use the PVP. Good luck to all of you who will have treatments for BPH.

 

 

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1/25/11 2:59pm

I  have  just had  the surgery in  12/7/2010 ,  surgery went well , never hurt  at all, Had  a cathreda in , by nite  fall , clear  as  water . ( I* stated  rec6ycle it )

 

Nurses  were great , kept  bag empty , till nite shift , theyy fell asleep  an let it  over fill tilol no more could  drain out.  Drove  me  completely out of my mind, not once but 3 times they did such.

Following day , they sentme home, before leaving they put bag on leg . Hr. later there was nothing in bag , 45 min later when they were giving me  the boot. Still nothing in bag. I stated to Nurse , it is not flowing, She stated she had 29 yrs , an it looks  good. SWo I left , 2 hrs later I am in total misery, had to remove Cathrida, insert one over an over to get a flow, an rush back to ER.  With tears a flow , they took me  an inserted a cathidria.   Since  the time of  the  asleep at the helm, I have  been back an forth to EWR 9 times.  I feal it is all from them not  emptying the  bag on time,  I say to anyone  who should have  such , make  sure you have  a  true attendant watching over you .  For in my own mind  this is what has caused me much, pain an suffering an way too many times  , I fealt I was on the way out.

 

Again the  surgery never hurt  PEROID >  It all came after the over fill an blockage.

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2/10/11 10:34pm

What is the success rate of green light laser surgery and what are the complications

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2/16/11 10:05am

I had this procedure on Friday, went home that day with a catither, removed it myself ( under doctors orders) on Saturday.  I have had very little blood, strong stream and very little pain.  Resumed my daily routines on Monday.  I still have to get up twice at night althought my doctor said that it would take time for my blatter to adjust.  From what I have read and from this experience I am convenienced that the complete success of this procedure depends upon the skill of the Surgeon.  I think my surgeon is the best in the country. He practices in Pensacola, Florida..

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2/25/11 2:52pm

Hi

 

Can you share the Doctors name?  - Ed

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2/25/11 3:49pm

Sure, his name is Dr. Brett Parra and his office is in the Woodlands in Pensacola, Fla.  His is also associated with the Sacred Heart Hospital there.  He also removed one of my Kidneys three years ago and I was back to work in a week.  He is the best........

 

Jim Allen

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3/ 2/11 8:54am

AFTER TWO WEEKS FROM HAVING THE GREENLIGHT PROSTATE LAZER SURGERY OPERATION I STILL HAVE A SHARP PAIN WHEN AND AFTER URINATING THAT LINGERS ON FOR 10 MIN OR SO.

 

ALSO I GET A TREMENDOUS SUDDEN URGE TO URINATE AND MUST GET TO A BATHROOM WITHIN 30 SECONDS OR ELSE! I NEVER HAD THESE EXPERIENCES WHEN I WAS TAKING FLOMAX. IS THIS NORMAL AND WILL IT GO AWAY WITH MORE HEALING IF THAT'S WHAT THE CAUSE IS?

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3/ 2/11 1:32pm

It took me about 4 months to return to completely normal functioning-- no pain, urges, debris, etc. 

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3/ 3/11 6:44pm

Thanks for continuing to check in about your progress Scott. You're a bit of an old timer since it's been a good 4 months after for you now compared to most other posters.  -I am particularly glad to hear that the urgency problem is pretty much gone for you now. I have not gone forward with PVP specifically because that's an important symptom to me that I want to get rid of. I hate always having to find a bathroom when I'm stuck in traffic or trying to get to an appointment on time and time is of the is of the esssence and I've got to make a detour and find a bathroom. I don't want to go through the procedure and expose myself to the risks if it isn't likely to get rid of that problem. I guess it's looking like it might be worth it after hearing your experiences.  Thanks for your contribution to the general good.

 

Jerry W

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3/21/11 1:42pm

SCott,

I am on my 3rd month and a week, and I still have pains every time I urinate or I have go #2.   The pain from urination also causes me feeling that I need to go #2.

Were you still in pain in your 3rd and close to 4th month?

I was advised to have a second surgery,  but if you're giving me hope that your pains and issues lasted 4 months, can you confirm and elaborate?

Thanks

Cam 

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3/21/11 9:33pm

Cam--  The only problem I ever had #2-wise was accidently peeing a bit when passing gas.  The pain and problems I had at your point were minor and mostly just bothersome.  Everyone is physiologically different though, and surgeries, pain thresholds, etc. all differ.  

 

It might take you 6 months or even longer to heal, although hopefully not.  Hopefully you are improving a little bit every week at this point, or you will notice weekly improvements soon.  If your symptoms (pain) are serious, and you aren't getting better, you might want to get a professional opinion from a different Urologist.  I'd give it another couple of weeks, though.

 

I hope this helps-- just my opinion.

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3/16/11 1:59pm

On January 21, 2011, I had prostate surgery.  I was suppose to have the green light laser surgery, but when the doctor couldn't stop me bleeding, he had to do the "roto reuter".  A procedure that was suppose to take 1 hour took 3 hours.  I ended up in the hospital for a night.

The first week of recovery was hell, but after the first week I really started feeling better.  3 weeks later at my post op appointment I told my doctor I could do tv commercials for him.  I am so much better.  I can actually hold it for more than 1-2 hours.  I don't have to know where every bathroom is while traveling. 

I drank non caffeine tea for 5-6 weeks before I started drinking decaf coffee.  I have chosen to stay away from caffeine and alcohol.  I think that it will be better for my bladder and prostate.

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3/21/11 7:12am

Hi all,

Anyone out there who had the same issues as me?   is there any hope or am I heading for a second surgery?

I am 50 yrs old,   My Dr told me that I had a middle prostate lobe that is common in 10% of men.   He had recommended over a year ago a surgery, but I opted not to,  this time around I decided to go ahead and do it because the Dr said that in the next couple of years you will be coming to me to do it, that's if you did not have to do it as an Emergency surgery.

 

I had my surgery on Dec 16th 2010, using the Green Light (laser) surgery.

 

Unfortunately,  3 months into it and I am still in pain, every time I have to urinate or even number 2.     Initially the Dr kept telling me that this is normal,  this is part of the healing process.   But after about 1 1/2 to 2 months he decided to go in with the scope again, since I was still in a lot of pain.   He said that I still had tissues that have not come out and are still there that are causing my pain.   While scoping he tried scraping some of them off, but it was extremely painful to where he stopped after 15 min and then he told me that I had 2 options either I would feel better after the scraping and hopefully start getting better or a second surgery to remove those tissues.    I was fearful of a second surgery since the first one has not been too successful.    So I met with him again and explained my concerns, and he said that the tissues should and will come out by themselves,  so we decided to wait another month as he believes that the next time I see him (March 28th),  I will be 100% better.    Unfortunately  I am still in a lot of pain everytime I urinate or go Num 2.   It hurts sitting on the floor,  my rectum ends up hurting a lot.   I still have constant urgencies and at night I wake up every 1 hr to 2 hrs.    Unfortunately it looks like I am heading for a second surgery !!!!

Now I regret ever doing this surgery,  I wish I never listened to him nor to the marketing literature he gave me about Green Light surgery which is a total lie and shows that people are fine after few days or weeks from the surgery, that may be true, but those are only few.

 

Has anyone been through a similar situation?  Did it take you a while to heal up and did you heal it at the end? or the only way to get rid of the pains is via another surgery, which could have its drawbacks.

 

Has anyone been through similar situation? And then had a second surgery and everything went fine after that?

Any information you guys can provide are greatly appreciated.

Cam

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8/ 9/11 9:39am

Hi there,

 

I am 58 and I had greenlight 18 months ago, so little improvement of flaw, but still 2-3 times wake up at night and of course ejaculation.  It is hard to charge, but I think everyone has different experience and I am guessing that this is normal....

 

 

Alec.

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8/19/11 5:10pm

Well. I did the same surgery about 18 months ago.

 

Results: my flow is much better and stronger in the first part of the day and weaker in the second. I still, however, have to wake up from 1 to 3 trips.  I am trying to find out myself what could influence on my night trips...I do have complete 100% ejaculation, but we all forgot our condition before the surgery.  I did not have  any stabilities of my urination prior to surgery, beside so very weak flow, so it could be one trip and I did experience 7 trips in one night as well.  I remembered that after each trip I had remain 1/2 full of my bladder...The other frequencies symptoms are active bladder itself and body evaporation. 

Look, try not to drink anything at all for one day and count down how many trips you'll make for one day.  Trust me, it will help. Remember, what's done is done and we all have to train brain sensors stop thinking about and live normal life as much as we can.

 

I am personally created module to make extra money no matter what and make my life more luxury which gave me mo attractions, opportunities or even to pick Genius doctor in the future.

 

Hope this help...

 

 

Alec.

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3/21/11 10:40am

Hi had green light Laser Surgery about two years ago stream is fine but sometimes i have a double stream that makes it hard to use the toilet standing up without making a mess, has anyone had this problem checked with my doctor and he said he could not see anything wrong.

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3/21/11 11:41am

I had the procedure done on December 7, 2010.  I went throught the usual cycle

of bleeding and some pain.  That passed after a couple of weeks.  However, I am

still  having to wear diapers.   I am dry all night, so that is ok, sexually everything

is fine with the usual retrograde, however the slightest movement during the day

and I leak!   The Dr. told me to be patient is should stop, but man o man, it sure

is uncomfortable and very inconvenient.

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4/11/11 9:14pm

As a laser tech in the o.r. I travel around different medical facilities with a variety of medical lasers including the greenlight as well as other BPH lasers. You have to understand that all lasers are absorbed by a something. In the greenlight's case it goes after red/brown colors (or blood in this case). With that being said, not all BPH patients are good candidates for green light. For example, some prostate drugs will take the vascularity (or blood flow) out of your prostate. Long periods of catheterization will make a prostate less vascular too. You'll get good vaporization on tissue you see right away. However, the less vascular gland will mostly heat up below the vaporized tissue creating a hot swollen gland. Technique is very important as well. The green light is most difficult to use at the bladder neck being that you dont want to hit bladder tissue. sounds like a bad place to be then. But you have prostate tissue that needs to be treated blending in at the bladder neck. A lot of times the patients problem lies in that area. I personally would want a thulium laser or holmium laser if I had BPH. Absorbed mostly by water and its safe around the bladder neck. Not nearly as many irratible symptoms because of the safer wavelength. Hope this helps. 

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4/20/11 2:52am

Please tell me how to find a facility and/or doctor (in northern California) who uses theholium or thulium lasers for PBH. Thanks..J. Harris

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5/ 4/11 3:54pm

I would like to know of a urologist in the San Francisco bay area who uses a holium laser. Kaiser (my HMO) does not do it because greenlight is cheaper, operation takes less time. Alternative is TURP which I am now beginning to think is better than greenlight, judging from horror stories.

 

Mike

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9/ 2/11 10:37pm

Do you know where in the Denver, CO area we would find a Urologist that uses the " thulium laser or holmium laser".

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9/19/11 1:30pm

Did you find any surgeon who performs holmium or thulium laser surgery for bph

located in the Denver area ?

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4/18/11 5:09pm

I am 61 years old and had Green Light Laser surgury 12 days ago and could not be more pleased. I had a series of issues - enlarged prostate, severe "leakage" issues, and a bladder that was stretched and after voiding I had over 800 ML of urine in me. I also have only one kidney and going into renal failure, due to the toxins in my bladder. I was nevrous, but amazed at how everything went for this out patient procedure. I have had zero problems, zero side effects and no pain whatsoever. I woke up from the anestesia feeling fine and began peeing the next day like I did 20 years ago. Of course a little blood in my urine for the first few days, but no burning or anything. My post op visit ultrasound now shows I only retain about 20 ML of urine which is normal. I cannot say enough positive things about my experiences with this procedure. Wonderful doctor and Urology clinic in Atlanta - Malizia Clinic. I had Dr. Raymond Pak, but I believe all the doctors are excellent.

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4/28/11 10:17am

At age 54, I had the TURP procedure 10 yrs ago.  Would never go that again.  Pain during the procedure and problems afterwards.  Even had to take Cipro for an infection with occurred.  Had frequent nightly urination (every 1-2 hours)  before the procedure, and 10 yrs later I am still getting up, every 2-3 hours for urination.  All men need to know that the minute a Dr. touches your prostate, you may never be the same again.  Have to take ED drugs (Cialis) for sex, have "retrograde ejaculation" every time, can't try to "save it" for next highway rest area (have to pull over immediately), have to "watch it" when laughing too hard or straining to pick up a box, and generally am not pleased with the whole affair.  If they can perfect "Green Light Laser Procedure," I might try it.  For now, I just get up every 2-3 hours, like clockwork, to go to the bathroom.  I am pleased that some men are doing better after any type of prostate procedure, but it did not happen to me......

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8/ 9/11 10:05am

Same with me - nightmare experience with the Greenlight laser TURP procedure that I had in 2005. The urologist and his laser took a chunk of my bladder sphincter with the prostate tissue. I've had numerous collogen treatments, a bladder sling, biofeedback (pelvic floor electrical stimulation) and do Kegel exercises daily and still have retrograde ejaculation (never told about that possibility) and use 3 Depends pads a day. The procedure has dramatically altered my quality of life. I'd like to sue the heck out of the company and the doctor. 

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5/14/11 6:51pm

What error  !!!  Show me .....................

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5/16/11 7:12pm

Jonathan,

 

There are some side effects such as incontinence from GH.  There is medication that can be taken to correct this problem. 

 

If your choice is do nothing, TURP or Green Light, Green Light is the only choice to make.  TURB can kill you for real.  It also take much long time to get well.

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7/12/11 3:13pm

there is a newer type of TURP available called button TURP.  It uses bipolar saline irregatiion therefore eliminating TUR syndrome

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6/15/11 12:44pm

how it work. where located

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8/11/11 9:08pm

I had the surgery done in 2004, and wish I never had it done. The urologist took out the whole prostate. It was 3 times the normal size, and totally shut off the bladder. I was on flomax, before the surgery. If I knew then what I know now I would have stayed on the flomax. Was sexually active before surgery, but now after surgery, nothing, No ejaculation out, I feel it, and it goes into my bladder, and I suffer from ED. The urologist never told me the side effects of the surgery. The pee stream is so much better, and basically no pain or bleeding. Had catheter in for 4 days. So be prepared not being able to shoot. If you can deal with that and ED go for it. As for me, wish I never had it done.

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8/11/11 9:08pm

I had the surgery done in 2004, and wish I never had it done. The urologist took out the whole prostate. It was 3 times the normal size, and totally shut off the bladder. I was on flomax, before the surgery. If I knew then what I know now I would have stayed on the flomax. Was sexually active before surgery, but now after surgery, nothing, No ejaculation out, I feel it, and it goes into my bladder, and I suffer from ED. The urologist never told me the side effects of the surgery. The pee stream is so much better, and basically no pain or bleeding. Had catheter in for 4 days. So be prepared not being able to shoot. If you can deal with that and ED go for it. As for me, wish I never had it done.

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9/ 2/11 7:11pm

I am 45 yrs old and had the Transurethral Microwave Therapy (TUMT) in November of last year with no relief. Now I am scheduled for the Green Light laser surgery in 3 weeks. Wish me luck!

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9/ 3/11 8:00pm

I had the Green Light Laser Surgery performed by a doctor that was supposed to be an expert. The surgery didn't go well, and I had a lot of bleeding. The doctor said that bleeding was rare, and I had to spend the night in the hospital. I was released the next day, but had to be re-admitted 3 weeks later for severe bleeding. I spent 3 days in the hospital. On top of that, I've been severely incontinent since the surgery, going on 10 months now. I've seen several doctors since and all have said the external sphincter was damaged, and my only option was to have the artificial urinary sphinchter implant. I too wanted to sue the doctor but couldn't get a lawyer to take the case. He said I'd have to prove the doctor didn't follow standard medical procedure. I wish I'd never had the green light surgery done. I'd been taking finasteride for the BPH, and it was somewhat working, but I was told by the doctor that surgery would be better than taking medication for the rest of my life. Now I have to have the implant done, and will have to live with it for the rest of my life.

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10/ 5/11 10:13am

Had the Geen Light laser surgery last week and can report that the worst part of the recovery was the catheter. (Only had it in for 24 hours) Stream is better and I am only getting up once a night instead of the 4-5 times prior to surgery. I had the burning and blood in my urine but it only lasted 3-5 days. I am glad that I had the surgery done.  

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11/17/11 7:29am

Had PVP at 9AM on 15 Nov 2011.oke  Woke up with catheter but wasn't even aware of its presence until nurse reminded me that it will be removed before I left hospital. Had lunch at 12noon, catheter taken out before 1PM, urinated with sharp burning sensation, took 3 Panadols for the rest of the day, and left hospital at 2PM. By 3PM I was doing my "tourist thing" (had to travel interstate for my PVP in Australia. - taking photos, window shopping, in tropical heat.

 

2.5 days later, it has been blissfully uneventful. Burning sensation disappeared when I woke up the morning post surgery. Blood in the urine has gone from bright red in the hours after PVP, to "cycles of dull brownish red, bloodless, and first debris being flushed out" on day 2 post surgery (Nov 17)

 

 

There has been absolutely NO physical discomfort apart from the transient burning sensation in the first 24 hrs post surgery. I am not resting up in bed. Just doing normal stuff - washing clothes, house cleaning - as I have taken a week off work. Will be off running (and other strenuous activities) for two weeks.

 

I am keeping a detailed log for myself, and will hand it to my surgeon when I see him for my 8-week follow up visit.

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11/28/11 11:21am

I am 73 years old and had green light surgery in July 2011. Since then(4 months ago) I have a weaker stream, wake up every half hour through the night to urinate, have great difficulty completely evacuating and have developed mild incontinence requiring wearing a pad in my underware. I had been advised by my surgeon, a well respected and experienced doctor, that this surgery would cure my urinary problems with almost no chance of side effects. Two months after surgery the Dr. said I had not completely healed and when that happened I would be fine. In my case this is absolutely false and I deeply regret having the surgery. I would caution anyone contemplating it to carefully research all options and question their Dr. as to his percentage of dissatisfied patients. Caveat emptor and good luck to anyone who has this surgery.

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11/29/11 9:56am

Could you Please help the rest of us. By posting at least the Location. Town City ect of the Dr. If not his name. So we can try an avoid the problems you have encounted. The sources for, good vs bad, outcomes on Dr's. are extremely hard if not near impossiable to obtain. Getting experience Numbers on surgeries is almost as bad. 2 of three Dr,s I have spoken to. Have  had less than 20% of what the staff claimed over the phone before making an appointment.

well over min..50. Actually apox 10. manufacture and pub med 50 Min exp.Required. for that size glan.

Have done hundreds of Greenlight, about 60 plasma button .

Actual about 50-60 combined Greenlight/plasma.

Be carefull out their

 

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11/29/11 10:04am

last statement somehow got messed up. The 50/60 is for 2nd Dr. who's staff claimed 100's of greenlight and apox 50-60 plasma button. Dr's statement was apox 50/60 total for both Procedures

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11/29/11 12:47pm

The surgery was done in Columbus OH.

Since this posting I had a visit with a surgeon in Clearwater FL who told me that he no longer does green light since it causes a high percentage(15-20%) of scarring.

He examined me and said I did have significant scarring and I'm now sceduled to undergo a 2nd surgery to remove the scar tissue next week.

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11/29/11 12:47pm

The surgery was done in Columbus OH.

Since this posting I had a visit with a surgeon in Clearwater FL who told me that he no longer does green light since it causes a high percentage(15-20%) of scarring.

He examined me and said I did have significant scarring and I'm now sceduled to undergo a 2nd surgery to remove the scar tissue next week.

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11/30/11 11:20am

Has anyone heard of bipolar procedure for enlarged prostate

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12/ 5/11 5:15am

I am 66 and 18 months ago life was becoming unbearable.  I found difficulty driving down a motorway because I had to stop at every service station, stand for five minutes doing very little and then find the urge return ten minutes down the road.  I was having to get up about 5/6 times a night and even then was having occasional 'accidents' which made me wear incontinent pants.  This, of course, meant that holidays and overnight visits to friends were a cause of great nervousness and concern. Trips to the toilet were lengthy and often, as my flow was very poor.  The specialist (NHS, UK) suggested green laser treatment and like many I immediately 'googled' the term only to find much 'doom and gloom'.  I reassured myself that possibly the only people who wrote were those who had problems with this and researched their problems after the treatment.

 

It is now 16 months since I had the treatment (NHS) and I have never looked back.  I can travel for mile after mile with no urge to stop, I still get up once during the night (I am 66 after all) but have had no more 'accidents' and to put it bluntly I 'pee like a horse'.  Lack of ejaculation is strange but if this is the only side effect, I'll live with it (I was firing blanks anyway)

 

I have perhaps been very lucky but felt I needed to write to put my experiences down, as 18 months ago I nearly gave up because of the reports I read.

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12/28/11 10:30pm

Thanks for this post. I am contemplating the green light and have wondered what the actual percentage of satisfied patients was, but haven't found any statistics. I'm currently on flomax and find the side effects to be almost as bad as the bph. If it wasn't for the urinary retention, I would be looking for other options than the green light or the flomax. I know the flomax is a major annoyance. I only hope I'm one of the lucky ones who gets a good outcome if I go ahead with the green light.

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12/24/11 11:08am

Did it 11 days ago. 12/13/11 At celebration Hospital  Fl.

1. If I knew about vesicare before I would of tried it 1st. the driping leakage was the reason I did it . All else was not great, but I could live and adapt to it.

2. vesicare now handiling increased driping to less than per Surgery level.

Hopeing Groin area fungus goes away with DRY area now.

3. Doctors statement after surgery (It was a Bloodie affair.) Flushed with 48,3 liter bags of saline over apox 15 hrs. Improper flushing of cath ( over inflated ballon 90 cc/ml  instead of 30cc/ml shut it down) led to major blockage next day treated in ER of dif hospital. Following day readmited thru ER of Celebration. Dr cleaned out insides with large Hypo 100cc/ml plus. He pushed it up penius many times to cleand me out. I  was Injected with Drugs for pain. 14 more bags of saline..

Rereleased after 36 hrs. Day 11 unine flow vs before operation  less during day.10-20%  at night increased flow  80-100% up 3x as before. Go to www.Vitals.com for others Hospital eval. pretty building and art work don't make a Hospital.  I agree. Will never go back to that Hospital.

Do it again No. If I had known about vesicare 1st. would of tried it.

Research is good. As much should be on the Hospital as the Dr. it's the Help that does not wash hands, works without gloves,  that will kill you. They spread the infections from patient to patient. Be Carefull out their.  Merry Christmas  

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1/ 2/12 8:23am

I had my laser 10 weeks ago and I have had one infection, continued passage of tissue, painful urination, swollen testicle, and in general, slow progress. My recommendation is to research your doctor and their program well. I did not,; being told by my primary physician that this was such a simple proceedure, that all urologists were taught to do this in med school. That may be so, but the post op care is so important and mine was the minimal 3 appointments covered in the insurance "deal".  Yes, for aprox $700.00, your urologist does one laser and 3 post op visits. Any complications or added visits are out of their pocket. I have what is considered a good insurance (Tricare), and this "deal" is the standard with all insurances. I used up one of my appointments directly after the surgery when I could not void, and had to have the catheter reinserted, so never saw the doctor again for 4 weeks, only to find that my urination pain was not normal, and an infection was present.  I've completed my antibiotics, but not scheduled to see the doctor again for 4 more weeks, so I have no idea if the infection has cleared up or not. They stressed that they will check my urine again at that appointment. I am still in pain.  All of my problems have been because of lack of post op care, including simple instructions for how to ward off complications. I feel left alone to scour the internet to determine what is normal and what is not, and what to do to help myself get better.  Better follow up care would make this proceedure have a much better outcome. Look for a urologist that is not only good at what they do, but have an actual program of post op care, completer with a couple of pages of instructions upon release from the hospital.

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2/ 6/12 12:39pm

I had a UTI recently after a cystoscope exam and was put on cipro and then levaquin. I went on Amazon and purchased a 100 strip container of 10 parameter urine reagent strips for $20.

This let me know exactly when my urine showed signs of infection. It's easy to test your own urine. Just dip the strip in your urine collected in a paper cup and have the results in less than a minute. It's the same strip used by the urologist. That said, the burning urine was an accurate indicator of infection, but the strip confirmed it.

 

 

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1/ 8/12 3:56pm

i am 58. my sex life has been normal until about 2 years ago. that was when i began experiencing prostate problems. my doctor tried me on flomax and rapiflo.  with flomax, i can ejaculate.  with rapiflo, i have retrograde ejaculation.  also, there are times i cannot orgasm.  now the flomax does nothing to relieve my urinary problem. also, i have frequent urinary tract infections. the doctor suggests green light laser.  my readings indicate 33% experience retrograde ejaculation post surgery.  since i already have that issue with rapiflo, does that mean i will more than likely have ejaculation problems after the surger?  in addition, i read that an enlarged prostate can prevent orgasm.  will the green light laser result in attainable orgasm? btw, i take no medications to interfere with orgasm. i can state that no emotional problems would prevent me from climaxing.  are there other procedures that will enhance my chances to orgasm ... specifically ejaculate?

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1/22/12 1:36pm

I am considering Green Light Laser Therapy.  I am impotent at the time, but hope to reverse it sometime.  My concern is: Retrograde ejactulaion.  Is this permanent or temporary?  Also, would this harm my bladder? (the ejactulation going into the bladder)

 

I am 74 years.

 

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1/14/12 12:01pm

12/13/11 operation day. Today 01/14/12 Improvement Not much. Split stream most times. Night down to 1-3x floor walking at night, no more. About only major improvement.

Blood not often. Burning 95% gone. Driping stoped for a while.  Starting back up doing exercises to try and control.

Do it again if I knew what I do now. Hard decision.

Retro yes. Not the CURE ALL they claim.  age 68

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1/16/12 11:42pm

complaints after prostate surgery by green light laser 

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1/16/12 11:42pm

complaints after prostate surgery by green light laser 

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1/18/12 6:10am

Hello, everyone,

I am 68 from Bulgaria, I had a surgery with greenlight one year ago and I feel good!

I decided to go under the procedure because I had urinary difficulties and I was with catheter. In 2009 I had an operation of the heart, 3 heart valves were replaced and a pacemaker implantation was done so the classic operation was not appropriate for me.

I heard about "my" clinic - Hill clinic (unfortunately, in Bulgaria there is only one place, performing this tehcnology) and decided to be treated with Green laser.

 

Before that I was with catheter for 14 months! Can you imagine the pain and the discomfort? It is very irritating and painful, the catheter was replaced every month, sometimes there was blood, it was difficult to urinate.

 

I have done the greenlight procedure more than 1 year ago, and luckily I feel great! I am very grateful to the doctors who have done the procedure in Bulgaria.

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1/18/12 6:06pm

I had the surgery in June 2011. Everything was fine for the the first few months...now I am in a lot of pain. Prostate feels raw and swollen. Back to the Urologist tomorrow...not hopeful as to the follow-up treatment. Are there others having this post surgery problem? 

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1/30/12 3:10am

I'm 57 years old and in reasonably good physical condition. The only medication I take is a small asprin once a day. Prior to my Green Light Laser Surgery I was on a generic Flomax for about 9 months. The medication helped somewhat early on but as time passed became less effective. I had the surgery 5 days ago.  So far the results have been exactly as my urologists has predicted. Out patient surgery. Cath was removed 20 hours after the proceedure.  Moderate pain uriniating for 18 hours arter cath removed.  Some blood on occasion when uriniating.  No pain at this time. I'm still getting up several times at night.  I can tell already that my flow is getting better. I'm also sleeping more soundly at night. I'm comfortable with the results being five days out.   I believe I have an excellent urologists. He spent a good amout of time discussing the the pros and cons of the surgery as well as reasonable expitations of results. I am cautiously optimistic that as time passes I will continue to improve. I live in the Denver area.  Tom

 

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