I was thinking, if it is a real trend, or just CLL coming into the scope of many people (mainly after internal, safer approach - precise - is available). However I don't think, and would never call anyone STUPID, because of being - overly - dedicated to this type of surgery, only would be necessary a psychological assessment before IMO to filter out unrealistic, not objective decisions. Usually when someone spares money (mainly for long-long) years, sacrifices private life, family temporarily and makes thoughts for long months, reads diaries, understands the possible consequences, plus before the operation (in an ideal case) there is a serious anatomical, physiological assessment of candidacy from the medical part. I'm an MD as well, and considering it in the near future and I can see quite objectives the cons and pros. It is still a matter of bilateral personal decision considering both sides are using their best mind (normally the doctor won't risks his 20+ years for 10-20k, but the patients side should be supported with psych in my opinion). Long story short I wouldn't think there is a trend, only with the technical advancements people realise, they could change a deeply consuming (otherwise a clear mind wouldn't consider an invasive operation as LL) psychological burden. I think the main aim of a forum like this should be to inform each other objectively, and give support, not to panic, or frighten anyone. There are already statistics of the relative- and absolute contraindications, plus %-chances of PE, nerve sheat inflexibility, direct nerve damage, superficial- or intramedullary infection, possible joint destruction (however this one seems quite rare if done correctly), anaesthesia-induced complications etc... People should measure all these, and make an objective decision, this forum is here to easy it out, or warn against. And one more thing: trying to filter people, who are present for some possible benefit from an emerging industry..