Connect
Going in for the Greenlight procedre after 2 previous surgeries failed
My story: For 3 years, I saw a urologist who put me on a medication that didn't help, and we decided to do Urolift. That never happened after 3 attempts to secure a facility where he could do the procedure (it was during the COVID time, so perhaps it was a blessing in disguise).
I pleaded with my second doctor to do the Urolift in mid-2021 - the positive results declined after 2 years, so he did the Rezum in mid-2024. It helped at first (much less urgency/frequency), but after a year, results declined rapidly, and NONE of the meds worked (Uroaxatrol, *Cialis, Proscar, Rapaflo, and lastly Avodart). * This urologist preferred Tadalafil over Flomax!
I continued to experience a very slow stream/dribbling, and literally had to force/push my bladder to empty to have a bowel movement, which resulted in hard, painful stools, followed by having a proctologist band 4 hemorrhoids! That same urologist did a pelvic MRI that showed the prostate was still 4cc in size. He explained that Rezum only "vaporizes the inside cells", but the outside shell/capsule remains, and then said, "I told you why I prefer TURP instead."
2025 I went to another urologist for a 3rd opinion, and he insisted on doing a cystoscopy under anesthesia (supposedly to get a better look). There was indeed a blockage, and after discussing the many options, we will do the GreenLight procedure next month (DEC 2025). I relayed to him that the prior Dr said TURP and Greelight were "both the same" (he shook his head). I also asked why this was happening, and he hesitated to say perhaps that doctor did not do either procedure properly. Before scheduling my new GL date, he contacted the manufacturer to learn what type of staples were used with my Urolift (as they will have to be removed).
Once done, I will report back here on both my immediate and longer results (ED, retroE?). I feel so exhausted and simply want to pee like a man again! Fingers crossed, and thanks for listening to the longer story.
Like
Helpful
HugInterested in more discussions like this? Go to the Men's Health Support Group.
Connect
my 47 cents
do a background check
be thorough
do not settle
you deserve better
get referrals
talk to others like you are now
prayer won't hurt
look for surgeon with:
Experience in Laser Prostatectomy: Training in laser prostatectomy techniques, including Greenlight laser procedures, is crucial. This includes exposure to minimally invasive BPH surgery and keyhole stone surgery.
Ongoing Education: Stay updated with the latest techniques and technologies in laser prostatectomy through continuing education and training programs.
Have you considered Aquablation? The results are, according to the research I've read and discussed with URs, long lasting. I considered Geenlight as well as other procedures and Aquablation it fulfilled both my surgical goals and expectations which was to reduce frequency of urination and the preservation of ejaculation. Good luck.
@relieffrompain I did all of that - deep research and finally found a third urologist who will hopefully give me the results I want.
-
Like -
Helpful -
Hug
1 Reaction@jaemiami I mentioned aquablation, and he said it was still "quite new" and that he preferred having more control with Greenlight, since aquablation is a robotically controlled procedure.
-
Like -
Helpful -
Hug
1 ReactionConsider another opinion by a surgeon skilled in Aquablation or HoLEP - even if you have to travel. Greenlight, Rezum, Urolift, Turp just delay the problem of an enlarging prostate. They are not a permanent solution and can have bad outcomes. You are looking for Durability - meaning you won't have to have another procedure in a couple years and minimal side effects. I discovered that no two Urologists are the same and depends on their training and skill level as to what they recommend. Aquablation has been available since 2015 so no, it is not "new". I had HoLEP in July, extraordinary outcome and hopefully will never need another procedure. Please, get another opinion, watch a few YouTube videos about the above and educate yourself...
-
Like -
Helpful -
Hug
2 ReactionsIf there's any ureteral stricter comma maybe ask for optilume procedure
it may help
I have no expertise, but just some knowledge.Thank you
@soor I totally agree. I had one UR offer the only procedure he performed, Greenlight. Then I started to read and watch videos extensively on all the options available. Aquablation has been around for a long time and has some of the least side effects of all. It takes a lot of time and money to learn a new procedure; therefore, many surgeons stick to the one they know well. I am also suggesting seeking other opinions. The one I found most effective was at teaching hospitals that have a lot of different UR surgeons specializing in different procedures. For example, at the University of Miami Hospital I was able to compare quite a few of them and make an educated choice.
-
Like -
Helpful -
Hug
1 ReactionI was much better before my Urolift, Aquablation and 3 Urologists care. Pharmaceutical companies aggressively trying to sell what they got. It is obvious that poorly trained Urologists giving the patients bed results. May be
they should let the salesmen do the procedure for the patients benefit. I am all lost in this mess. There should be something out there to put this mess in a positive order. What I am reading makes me believe that majority of patients are in similar condition like me. I wish good luck to all of us and pray!
-
Like -
Helpful -
Hug
1 ReactionWell, I dug deep to educate myself in this research for all of the options out there, and my main factors are:
- the success rates
- lasting results
- maintaining sexual functions
- and the fact that my older brother is VERY pleased with his GreenLight experience ("pissing like a race horse").
Keep in mind that everyone is DIFFERENT with varying degrees of results, and that comparisons are opinions that can vary so much from man to man. Anyone can compare other forum posts out there and come up with completely different data. Not one procedure is "perfect" with a "one size fits all" approach. Also, prostates keep growing at different rates for every man, so retreatment is not out of the question for any one surgery.
success%.
HYDROS Aquablation - high-pressure water jet / 95% experience positive results after 5 years
PAE (Prostate artery embolization) - tiny beads via groin / 80% (90% in 1 year)
GREEN LIGHT - vaporize with laser / 94% lasting many years (about 10% needing retreatment at 10 years)
TURP - trim the tissue / 75% improvement for 10 years
TUNA - ablation via low radiofrequency waves / 75-80% for 5 yrs
TUVP - heat with electrosurgical vaporization/desiccation (drying out) / 74%
TUIP - incision in the gland / 85-93% (results holding up for one to five years)
HoLEP - laser beam pulses / 90% lasting about 10 years with low re-treatment rates (4%)
UROLIFT - insert staples/bands on both sides / 85% at 5 years
REZUM - water vapor/steam / 85% for maybe 5 years
-
Like -
Helpful -
Hug
2 Reactions@danilo1m
Thank you well done. Amazing work. I am ready for you to operate on me.
-
Like -
Helpful -
Hug
1 Reaction