I have been reading the postings on this site for about nine months and would like to express some opinions in an effort to help others. Most men wait too long, which might be what creates other problems. David Laub in Santa Barbara did my PVP in March and the outcome for me was beyond my expectations. Surgery on a Friday was at seven 30 a.m., out of the hospital at two p.m., and urinating like an 18 year old at six p.m. Minimum discomfort. Drove to a St. Patrick's day party the next day and went to work on Monday. PVP is truly an elegant procedure.

Surgery is like a three legged stool. The legs are: the physical condition and attitude of the patient, the physician, and the procedure. If you are suffering from BPH drive, ride, or fly to a practitioner that has done 50 or more PVPs. If he has done 50 he has a passion for the procedure, is proficient, and is more interested in your well being that in his reimbursement. The docs are paid less for PVP than for the microwave procedures that are not nearly as effective. In making full disclosure I had my PVP done after learning about it when I studied the procedure and purchased the stock. After the procedure I added to my stock position albeit I wonder about the management.

HUH!!!! You got to be kidding. Also, did you require a catheter after the procedure. It doesn't sound like it...Pete

Pete, I had a catheter removed in the post-op room and never ever had it again. Why would I kid? Laub had done 140 when I interviewed him and is over 200 now. Joe

Joe you completely missed my point. I was being kind of sarcastic [no harm intended :-)] about your comment that the doctor is more interested in your well being than his reimbursement. There are no more doctor "Marcus Welby's" anymore (if you remember the classic black and white TV series).

Take care...Pete

Reading these posts has been very helpful. Had my PVP 8 days ago in Chicago. Excellent URO. My experience was similar to what has been described. Very little discomfort. Went home that night without a cathetar. However, I'm a bit disappointed with the flow. It is not significantly better than before, although before I wasn't able to empty the bladder, and the scope definitely showed a restriction on the urethra. And accoring to the pictures, he made a significant opening. My URO says that I have bladder trabeculation from years of pushing through the tight urethra (I'm 48 and in excellent health otherwise). I read all about everyone peeing "like they were 18 again" and I feel cheated. My stream was always weak, but I could always urinate. So, does anyone know whether this just may take some time to kick in? The Greenlight site implies that the flow improvement is immediate, but not in my case. Plus, I've noticed a couple of spots of blood in the urine about 6 days after the PVP, having had no blood before. That freaked me out a bit, but it sounds like it's normal. Hearing from others here is a big relief.

Any longer post-PVP experiences that anyone can share so I have something to look forward to. At least there is no pain, and I'm grateful for that.