Going in for the Greenlight procedre after 2 previous surgeries failed

Posted by danilo1m @danilo1m, Nov 11 5:29pm

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.

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islandfrog | @islandfrog | Nov 13 6:33am

I was not having any issues with urination until very suddenly, I was. I did not know what was wrong so I went to the ER. They drained my bladder and told me to see a urologist. The urologist put me on Flomax with no results after several moths. I had the Greenlight 19 years ago, and have had no problems since. The only real side affect has been significant reduction in semen. That really does not bother me.

diverjer | @diverjer | Nov 13 2:15pm

Was on Flomax then I tried the urolift with no improvements. Went back to Flomax. UR kept saying well lets try a TRURP. I asked what about those urolift things still in me, he said no problem, I have done TURP after Urolift. That got me thinking, he was just using me if he had done lots of TURP after Urolift.

So I went to training hospital that has been good for our family, but we had never used the UR dept. I seen a doctor and they had me do all kinds of flow test, sonograms a whole 90 minutes of scoping and testing. Said I should have a HoLEP or Aquablation. Aquablation seem less invasive and he said it would last at least 5 years. HoLEP would never need anymore surgery. I am 78 with 80mg prostate. Read up on Ho:EP seem lots of folks that have leakage issues year after surgery. I choose Aquablation. They didn't offer Green Light and stopped Rezum procedures and they were not effective.
Aquablation didn't work out, flow was okay for a few months then back to Flomax. Found out later my experience doctor didn't actually do surgery, a resident did the surgery. This seems to be an issue in training hospitals. Went back in and the real doctor/surgeon scoped me again and said they was some stuff still in there blocking and I should get a revision surgery. I asked if it was new growth and he said no, just left over from first. I haven't been back! They set me up an appointment for Feb 2026, don't think I will go. Went back on Flomax. I had surgery there before for ankle and wife on back issue and cancer- no resident did surgery.
I have complained about resident doing my surgery and they said it happens at training hospitals. They don't want to talk about that document they woke me up from anesthesia and had me sign a signature block on a tablet, then knocked me back out. I haven't a clue what I signed, but there was a strange doctor there and I didn't see my normal doctor.
If I ever do go back I would make it clear- no resident doing surgery.

jimkellyog | @jimkellyog | Nov 13 10:49pm

Good luck with the green light lazer!
Had it in 2024 and results are GREAT!!
Im 80 and pee like 40
Good Luck

danilo1m | @danilo1m | Nov 14 8:52am

In reply to @jimkellyog "Good luck with the green light lazer! Had it in 2024 and results are GREAT!! Im..." + (show)

@jimkellyog, thanks for the reassurance, as I have been through the ringer, as this will be my third procedure!

relieffrompain | @relieffrompain | Nov 14 9:53am

In reply to @danilo1m "@jimkellyog, thanks for the reassurance, as I have been through the ringer, as this will be..." + (show)

@danilo1m

Betcha this works

soor | @soor | Nov 14 11:28am

Great research on procedure success rates. I hope this works out well for you. Please post back with your post-op experiences

skipz | @skipz | Nov 14 3:44pm

Have been where you are - the choice for the correct procedure is ALL ON YOU - I had a problem with a very large prostate and was on Flomax for 10+ years - What I found out when it came time for surgery it was like buying a car. Every urologist, (like a car dealer) had there own brand and that is what they sold, period. Even the doctors brand was not best for the patient it was all that was presented - As stated earlier by others, it takes years to learn a new procedure and if one is running a successful practice not sure learning a new method would be in the cards - Four (4) years ago I chose Holep, which for me has been great - AGAIN YOU NEED TO CHOOSE WHAT YOU FEEL IS CORRECT FOR YOU.

Good Luck