[livingwith]

Reading the BPH-related experiences on this site (and a couple other sites) has been informative for me. I appreciate all those that have posted over the years. To help others gather info as I did, I’m posting the events that led to me having a TURP on Dec 9.
I’m 64 and my prostate was 78 grams. I’ve been on Flomax 2 years (increased to double dose 10 months ago) and on Avodart for 7 months. My nightly frequency has only been twice per night, but I was diagnosed with BPH leading to...Read the full article

[bob22312]

Apparently your URO is using traditional TURP equipment to cut a channel and then finishing with the more powerful version of the green light lasar. The UROs hear seem to promote only one method.
How prevalent is this method? Is there any issues regarding the probability of incontinance or impotance?
I had a microwave treatment in July 2000 that failed by the fall of 200 and have been on two flowmax and more recently avodart. I am starting to get a little burning in my flow but it improves if I drink more water. I am holding about 100 Mil after voiding right now.
I believe I am approaching the time when mu curent URO will suggest a mechanical TURP. I understand the green light lasar is the way to go to reduce bleeding and promote more rapid healing.
Has anybody had bad outcomes using the green lasar tissue ablation surgery for BPH?

[Mr. B]

When my Uro first told me about his technique of traditional TURP equipment to shape the channel and finishing the job with the laser, I searched on this site and others to see if this was discussed anywhere. I couldn't find any other references to this hybrid approach - everyone simply discussed “TURP vs. laser” as if TURP was obsoleted by laser.

He said he had done 1000’s of TURPs in his 30 years of practice and the main advantage of the laser is cauterizing to minimize bleeding during healing. He doesn’t believe anyone can shape a channel with a laser as good as an experienced Uro with the traditional TURP hot-wire cutter, especially if the obstruction is asymmetrical, which mine was (one side lobe was much larger).

It’s now been 26 days since my operation and I’m very pleased so far. Minor bleeding at the start of urinating has tapered off and now the start of my flow is pink for a fraction of a second. I’m now voiding up to 600 mL each time. My flow rate is very strong and I’m sleeping through the night. (I used to wake twice).

I’m taking it very easy (no straining) and abstaining from sex while healing. I still take one Avodart and two Flomax daily but I’m aiming to eventually get off Flomax completely and reduce Avodart to two or three per week. I have my next appointment with the Uro in 4 days and I’ll report back on my progress.

As far as “bad outcomes” from these surgeries, there are many posted here and on the other forums (Google Groups and Topix) but I believe guys with successful stories are less likely to post, so impressions are skewed by reading. Good luck with your decision.