Question:
Any one had a laparoscopic radical prostatectomy? I was reading online about how this procedure spares the nerves so you still have bowel/bladder control.
Can anyone share any thoughts/experience with this procedure?
My husband is saying he will not do any treatment for prostate cancer because of the incontinent factor.
Answer:
I had a traditional retropublic prostatectomy, though I learned a bit about the laproscopic procedure first. Unfortunately it was unavailable anywhere near where I live and the cost was out of the question for me. However my udnerstanding is that the main advantage of the LP is that it is less invasive and healing time is much reduced. I am not sure that it is more successful at sparing nerves. In fact in one account I read it suggested LP may be less successful depending on the patient's anatomy, due to reduced visibility for the surgeon. The traditonal nerve-sparing procedure, done by a skilled surgeon, should be able to preserve the nerves (assuming cancer has not spread there of course). You didn't mention your husband's age or cancer stage, and both would have an impact. I'm 47, my RRP was 5 and half months ago and I have had no big problem with incontinence. By all means do lots of research and don't be afraid to ask for a second opinion. You could also call your local cancer society and see if there's a good prostate cancer support group in your area. They can put you in touch with men who have had all kinds of experiences. For all the pain and frustration, hearing that all signs of cancer are gone makes it all worthwhile, believe me, so urge your husband not to put off treatments that could save his life. Good luck.
Answer:
Is your husband ready to help you plan his funeral? At age 50 I had RRP surgery/ My highly regarded urologist did not do laproscopic and he did not recommend it. Better to see first hand he said and I agreed.
Bone cancer - secondary metastatic sites are next! Don't mean to scare but that's where I would have been in another year had I not had the RRP surgery.
By the way - continence is not an issue - never was an issue. I used ONE yse, one depend brief. Part of it is about wanting to be well - I wanted it and I am.
Your guy is the typical guy - nothing is bothering me so why do anything. I had a simple PSA test at a health fair and it all went from there -
Answer:
Hey...I have, I have. You don't hear laparascopic mentioned much on this board. I had it done by a Mayo surgeon on Dec. 1st. I got full bladder control 8 weeks after the catheter was removed. But i've heard of less time. I am 48 and had both nerves saved. With this surgery, the catheter is in only 12 days rather than 3 weeks with the conventional surgery. Also the inscision is basicly 5 slits less than an inch long except for the one they take the prostate out through. I'm still working through erectile problems but things weren't working perfectly to begin with. Probably the best thing is to make an appointment with a surgeon that does the procedure and talk to him directly. There's a chance you may be a good candidate for this. You have to meet certain cryteria to be eligible. Whats his name Roberts on the PTL club had his done this way and was back on the tube in less than a week. Let me know if I can answer any questions. Burmashave
Answer:
Hey Burma...
Was that Mayo Clinic in Rochester?
Positive4U