Arnold Aigen

I was referred to Dr. Aigen by my internal medicine Dr. at PAMF as I was released from El Camino hospital from an emergency episode of complete kidney failure. My first examination with Dr. Aigen was to determine the root cause for the kidney failure (complete blockage of the bladder) and to determine a course of action. In this first visit, it required removal of a catheter and also re-​catheterization. It was a scary and stressful situation that the doctor made as pleasant and as painless as possible. The doctors calm, friendly bedside manner made an uncomfortable, nerve racking situation, palatable. Dr. Aigen quickly determined that the root cause for the blockage was an enlarged prostate which required immediate surgery that he quickly scheduled. Dr. Aigen suggested and performed a procedure known as TURP. He not only explained what he thought led to my original issue, but laid out a detailed path with potential outcomes that enabled me to feel comfortable with the proposed surgery. The surgery was flawless with minimal recovery time. The pain management was excellent. A real plus is Dr. Aigen’s bedside manner which is the best I’ve experienced in my adult life. Now post-​op, Dr. Aigen has been on top of my recovery — very reassuring — and is advising on do’s and don’ts to ensure a sustained recovery.

Dr Aigen is THE BEST ! My mom has been seeing him for the past 4 years, from big surgery to a small one, from cysto to regular follow ups, he always gave us honest advises with a lot of supports and understanding. Dr Aigen is an experienced and caring doctor whom can be fully trusted!

I first met Dr. Aigen after receiving an elevated PSA screening result. He performed a prostate examination and a biopsy and thankfully no cancer was found. However, Dr. Aigen advised me I had an enlarged prostate and that it could become problematic … I was thankful for his kind and straightforward manner.
Sure enough, about a year later I suffered a fall and broke a joint badly, which required repair surgery under general anesthesia. The surgery was successful, but I after I woke up, I discovered I was not able to pee anymore — I had acute urinary retention — my prostate was blocking the path.
Dr. Aigen and his staff took care of me through the painstaking catheter-​on — catheter-​off — trial process for 5 weeks. They were kind, understanding, positive and always reassuring.
Unfortunately, in the end this process did not work out and Dr. Aigen recommended a TURP. His staff made all the arrangements and asked all my questions. Surgery went without a hitch and I went home peeing again!
Sadly, I did not fully grasped how important the Dr’s advice to REST and NOT STRAIN was … so of course I developed clots on week 2 post surgery, which blocked by urinary function AGAIN.
Dr. Aigen was right there with me in the ER at 3 AM evaluating the problem (never scolding me!), attempting a vigorous saline flush, reminding the nurses to replenish the saline bags when they should, and quickly deciding that this wasn’t enough and scheduling me for emergency surgery to clean-​up the mess inside right there and then.
Surgery went fine, and now, four weeks later (after dutifully following instructions to the T this time), I am happy to report I feel great! All issues are gone and everything functions as it should (and as it did when I was in my 20’s!)
I actually will miss going to my appointments. That is how good it felt! A big thanks to Dr. Aigen and his staff.

5 stars all the way. I can’t thank Dr. Aigen for the kindness and compassion he showed me through a very uncertain time. I went into my first appointment a nervous wreck and walked out with the confidence that I was in good hands and never lost that feeling. Both my husband and I appreciated Dr. Aigens’ positive bedside manner and willingness to spend as much time with us as we needed to feel comfortable. He is professional and direct but at the same time, kind and reassuring. The «hunch» that Dr. Aigen had on my condition in our initial meeting actually was my final diagnosis. I have nothing but positive feedback on my experience

I strongly recommend Dr. Aigen if you are in need of an urologist. Dr. Assign has performed a nephrectomy on me. The surgery went successfully and the recovery process was going by the book. During my three-​week recovery time, all my friends were amazed by my speed of recovery. Occasionally, I have to ask Dr. Aigen regarding some minor issues. Dr. Aigen was able to reply to my concern within 12 hours. Overall, I’m very satisfied with Dr. Aigen’s professionalism!

Dr. Aigen was compassionate, patient and knowledgeable. As soon as I met him I felt comfortable and assured that I was in good hands. He took his time explaining test results and what surgery would come next. Given the length of time I had experienced pain due to an incorrect diagnosis (by other physicians), he attempted to schedule my surgery asap. After the surgery I had pain and called in to his office with questions. He called me back himself and was again patient and took his time to listen to what I was experiencing. I would recommend Dr. Aigen to anyone in need of a urologist.

If you would have suggested to me 4 months ago that I’d be writing a review on a urologist I would have told you that you must have the wrong guy. This was before my GP (Barry Hansen) felt a little something suspicious during my annual physical. He referred me to Dr. Aigen, and thus the catalyst for this review.
Dr. Aigen’s bedside manner has been completely appropriate and appreciated through every stage of my treatment. He was very methodical in his diagnosis; suggesting a biopsy (based on family history) after the physical exam and inspite of a PSA level well within normal ranges. The biopsy revealed prostate cancer, and he was kind enough to accomodate my request to call me with the news since I was working out of town the week the results came back (he had said that he preferred having conversations like that face-​to-​face.)
I came in for a follow up the next week and he walked me through the type of cancer that I had, how agressive it appeared to be based on the biopsy, and ALL of my options. He didn’t try to sell me on one particular route, but after weighing the options I chose the radical prostatectomy using the robotic, arthroscopic approach. He met with me the morning of the surgey and assured me that we were in this together, and to lighten the moment, told me that he’d be «taking his time.» Surgery went well and he met with my family and friends in the waiting room afterwards to put them at ease.
At almost 90 days out I had my first post op blood work and the results could not have come back better. The good doctor and I had a chance to celebrate his good work and my good fortune this last Tuesday. Recovery has had its challenges but I couldn’t be happier with my progress. Not due back for another 6 months!
My experience has been nothing short of amazing, and I would not hesitate for a second to recommend Dr. Aigen to anyone in need of his services.
Having lost a brother to the same disease I want to emphasize the benefits of early detection and treatment.

I had to consult Dr Aigen for a bladder issue. I really did not like the fact he was looking at me as a business and how much money he could make on me by ordering multiple and redundant exams, CT scan, then CT scan with contrast, Cystoscopy and applying mental pressure by suggesting it could be a cancer so I should do it.
Frightening patients and using their fear of sickness to push on medical orders and unnecessary medical costs is almost unethical.
I recommend to have second opinion and will never consult again with him

How do you not give 5 stars to a man who saved your life? My experience with Dr Aigen was excellent. I was diagnosed with aggressive prostate cancer in 2005 and referred to Dr. Aigen by my physician. Even though he’s a surgeon he went over all possible treatments carefully and didn’t push surgery as my only option. He was very complete on my biopsy and follow up. I was impressed with his knowledge and experience in prostate surgery. After one other second opinion, I didn’t feel I had to «shop» anymore. The surgery went well and the recovery, though challenging, went very well. I realize with all cancers there’s an element of luck, but obviously I’m still alive, in good health, not incontinent, so I definitely give a nod to Dr Aigen’s surgical skills – highly recommended.

Dr. Aigen was great. I arrived for a consultation on April 10, 2014. His staff was courteous and kind. I saw Dr. Aigen and he was professional, understanding and he explained the vasectomy procedure. We even had a few laughs.
The day of the procedure April 15,2014, I was greeted by the staff and they were nice. Dr. Aigen entered the private room and greeted me by name. He let my girlfriend stay in the room to comfort me.
Dr. Aigen explained step by step and answered my questions during the procedure. He made me feel comfortable and I would recommend him to anyone I know that is in need for a vasectomy.
Present day: two days later and I am up and about. The swelling is down and I am walking around.

I would strongly advise against seeing Dr. Aigen.
I went in for a vasectomy, and ended up needing surgery to relieve the blood build up. I spent 2 weeks in excruciating pain after the initial procedure. I kept in contact with the doctor, and he repeatedly was dismissive about the pain, and the amount of swelling (non-​normal, blood filled). Vicodin wasn’t cutting the pain. Immediately post surgery for the complication, the pain was substantially less — that’s after major surgery.
Now let’s assume that for argument’s sake the above complication was just a fluke. He’s dismissive to the point of not recognizing a complication. Even during the initial consult he didn’t discuss much with me. I should have walked after the initial discussion given his manner.
He did manage to do something right through all of this. The end result is as was desired.

I saw Dr. Aigen for the first time in early May. I was having bladder issues and I am only 36 years old. I was nervous because I didn’t know what he would suggest. I had seen another urologist 5 years before who suggested surgery but I decided to wait. I’m glad I did because at the time they were using the mesh that has since had several problems. Dr. Aigen explained that I would have to have a surgery to fix my problem. He explained exactly what he would do and gave me the name of the sling so I was able to research it first. I just had the surgery yesterday and 24 hours later I am feeling great. I opted not to have any narcotics during and after surgery so I had a spinal block and I was put to sleep under general anesthesia. I am taking Toradol which is a stronger form of Motrin but and not a narcotic. I am having very little pain.
I am very happy with Dr. Aigen. He came in with with a positive attitude and a bit of humor which made for a more relaxed visit. I would highly recommend him and he is now my urologist for good.
Thanks!

Would never go to him again. I wish I had seen these reviews before booking appt.
He looks competent and experienced.
But, doesn’t seemed to be interested in understanding your problem and mean at times.
So his simple advice with out much going over results or understanding my issue is to drink less water like the other reviewer mentioned.

Avoid this doctor by all means. Please stay away. If you get refer to see him for any kidney stone related issue. Please switch doctor.

wow! these bad reviews don’t make sense to me.
Dr. Aigen performed my vasectomy. at the pre-​visit he took the time to answer all of my questions, pointed out more information on a pamphlet they gave me there, and told me not to hesitate to call the office if i had anymore questions. he was pleasant to talk with and had a sense of humor as well.
the procedure itself was brief and he was very professional.
done deal. i would recommend him to anyone.

I am shocked at the negative reviews regarding Dr. Aigen. He performed a bladder repair for me several years ago. I found him to be caring, listened well, was concerned that all of my questions were answered. The surgery he performed went extremely well, which was the most important thing. I have had no problems since. And I have recommended him consistently to friends.

Aloha and shame on the two ladies who gave Dr. Aigen poor reviews and used vulgar language, etc. However, since your reviews are outdated I will give you my heartfelt thank you to Dr. Aigen. My 80 yr. old father was seen by Dr. Aigen who graciously squeezed us in because my father lives with me 3 hours away but is loyal to PAMC because of the excellent quality of care this facility possesses. Dr. Aigen has the best bedside manners in making any patient feel relaxed and comfortable in a very private situation for any person. We are talking about prostate and urology here people. He asked my father (I was in the room) specific questions, he called for tests, he was sensitive to our travels, he was very clear in the event there were any other problems after office hours to go to ER immediately. At one point he decided to again make time to do a procedure to further investigate the situation with my father. He allowed me in the surgical room behind the curtain and spoke thru the entire procedure and let me know what he was doing with my father. There were no secrets! I could hear everything. After further diagnosis he recommended surgery and that went very well. After the surgery he made hospital visit promptly and followup was excellent. He followed up on my emails and on a Sunday evening he read my fathers urine results and called me at home to tell me my father had an infection and he was ordering antibiotics. As for the top part of the window in the office on the 3^rd floor? I loved it. The lower half of the exam rooms were cloudy and no one could see so as far as the comment about seeing your buttocks… that is false unless of course you were standing on the exam table… for the love! Let’s talk about Tiffany his assistant and the rest of the crew in the office… absolutely awesome! Very sensitive, caring and listened when I said I was calling long distance, etc… they immediately communicated with Dr. Aigen and gave us clear instructions immediately. Dr Aigen deserves a lot more respect from these two other reviews I read. Dr Aigen listened very well and heard every concern I had… and he answered them and gave us clear instructions. I would choose Dr. Aigen to do my surgery if needed any day!!! At least you are treated with respect and made to feel like you will live!!!

It’s my second time around with a kidney stone and the 1^st time being treated my Dr. Aigen. I was examined by him and «sat» the best I could in his office for well over a half hour, reviewing my films and finding out the different treatment options.
I’m a nursing mother, he listen to my concerns, and immediately got on the phone with the anesthesiologist to see what the side effects of going under would be and when I could nurse again.
He knew I was having a hard time making a decision, and asked me to think out loud so he could help me process. I had lots of fears from the last time I went through this.
He was able to get me into surgery that evening, adding me on as his last case. He went over everything with me and my husband. I’m feeling so much BETTER! He is an awesome doctor with a great bedside manner.
His assistant Lauren returned my calls quickly and was super reassuring.

Hey Bernadette you are right on!
This guy is a real piece of work. He is intimidating, rude, does not listen, doesn’t seem to care about or want to hear about what brought you to his office. He seems to have great disdain for both women and Californians and made comments such as «you women» and «you Caifornians» when assessing my situation. Ordinarily I can handle myself when being treated in a less than respectful manner, but this guys behavior was so shocking I just sat there with my mouth hanging open. Only good thing about this visit was his suggestion to cut down on caffeine has improved my problem. Good advice dished out in a less than professional manner. Not only will I avoid this guy, I will advise all others to avoid him and put a bug in my doctors ear about what a jerk he is.

Hmm. A urologist that’s kind of a dick? Ahh, the irony.
Well, that’s not nice. And perhaps that isn’t a fair statement either. I am sure that Dr. Aigen is a completely competent and fine surgeon… as long as you know what procedure you want and he agrees. If speed and precision without a lot of discussion are what you’re after, then he’s your man.
If you need to truly consult with someone that will fully listen, answer questions, quell fears and discuss the pro/​cons of all available options… go elsewhere. He can be dismissive and abrupt, which aren’t highly valued qualities when you might be feeling at your most vulnerable.
And his examination rooms have huge open windows which make you feel like you’re showing your bare ass to the entire El Camino/​Route 85 interchange. Which some of us might secretly like. but, well… that’s an entirely different conversation.