I had a laparoscopic prostate removal (robotic assisted) on the 24th of April. I am truly amazed at the speed of my recovery. I had the privilege of being a Guys hospital London under Declan Cahill. The operation went as planned and was discharged the following day. I had nerve sparing surgery on one side of the prostate. My Gleason was 3+4 and a T2. I am a reasonable fit 55 year old.
The catheter was removed after a week along with my clips. During the catheter period had several mild erections which was exciting but also a bit frightening. Now it is removed me erections are more regular and getting stronger. No sexual relations yet don't feel confident enough for that.
The incontinence is getting better. I have control during the night and only mild leaking during the day. I continue with my pelvic floor exercises.
I believe My progress todate is down to two things. The great surgical team a Guys and my fitness programme leading up to my operation. Knowing that an operation was the likeley outcome and already attending the gym 3 time a week for general fitness doing a 30 minute are aerobic session with some weights. I asked my gym what exercises would be best leading up to the operation. I was advised to do some interval training which I did on a exercise bike building up to a 30 minute session follows by some work on a hand bike 10 minutes and 5 minutes on the treadmill ( don't like running.) These are all low impact. I combined then with some general weights and stretches to finish. As my stomach muscle area was the site of the operation I tried to strengthen my core as much as I could.
I would stress I am not a fitnes addict just do some general exercise to keep,me fit for my work as a surveyor.
Having read so much on the side effects. I was prepare for a uphill battle. The hill currently does not seem that big. Thank you to all at Guys.
For those of us who have benefitted from robotic surgery we need to fly the flag for this procedure so that it is available to everyone throughout the country. Whilst more expensive than a conventional operation the speed of recovery puts much less strain on our national health service therefore making it a cheaper alternative in the long rum.
Hi Mike,
Good to read that things are going well for you 10 days post op. Quite a coincidence as I might have met you on the 24th if my surgery hadn't been bumped a week on due to a more urgent case. I was 'done' by Declan (using the robot) at Guys on 1st May so I'm a week behind you recovery wise. My diagnosis was the same, I'm the same age and did a similar amount of exercise pre op. I'm four days into recovery and keen to get to the TWOC stage. Feeling pretty good apart from a bit of constipation. No pain anywhere now although a day or so of bladder contractions.
Like you I think the excercise thing pre op has a big influence on the outcome. Along with aerobic/gym I have been doing two 90minute yoga session per week for around five years and that has helped too.
the Guys team are great and Declan's positive enthusiasm is fantastic. I hope to be where you are in 6 days so.
all the best Nick
Nick
good to hear from you. Things will really move once you have the catheter removed. The day of the catheter removal for me went well but was caught out by the number of times I needed to pee once I left the hospital. As I come from the midlands had a fair drive back thank goodness for the pads! Let me know how you get on.
Hi Mike,
I'm new to the site. Glad to hear you're doing so well, pleased for you. I am awaiting the results of my biopsy but my urologist seems pretty certain it's there. My Brother had the same op as you and Nick, he also is recovering well, thankfully. He has recommended surgery as has my urologist. It sounds like things can return to near normal relatively quickly. Do you mind me asking why you chose it?
Hi Mike,
I had the catheter removed yesterday and the TWOC went well. I had a bit of a panic on the train home as there wasnt a toilet and I had drunk a lot of water at the hospital. Managed to hold it ok and only a few small leaks yesterday and today and a completely dry night! Admittedly I did get up to pee three times. Hope things are still going well for you.
Hi Mike,
I had the catheter removed yesterday and the TWOC went well. I had a bit of a panic on the train home as there wasnt a toilet and I had drunk a lot of water at the hospital. Managed to hold it ok and only a few small leaks yesterday and today and a completely dry night! Admittedly I did get up to pee three times. Hope things are still going well for you.
Hi I seem to have messed up and sent a reply to you that was intended for 'Beachy' but as you've read my earlier post it should make sense.
If its helpful my choice for surgery took a few weeks to decide on but it was very much based on the biopsy results which were the same as as Mikes T2, Gleason 3+4 contained. Active surveylance didnt appeal and my numbers were borderline for that option so it was between surgery, radiotherepy and brachytherapy. After talking to a few guys who had gone differnt routes and also going to a local support group I decided that for me cutting it out was best and if there was any form of recurrance I still had the option of radiotherapy down the line. Clearly the side effects of surgery need careful consideration but on balance I think I made thebright decision.
I hope things work out well for you.
Thanks Nick, that's very helpful. It appears to me that all of the other treatments have side effects also, some potentially permanent. I have been a little concerned about the incontinents, how long it would last and does it come back earlier as a consequence. My urologist tells me >90% of men are continent within a year. Any thoughts?
Great news. Yes I get up several times in the night. Last night only once. Hope this a sign of things to come. Stil some minor leakage in the day but this is improving.
Hi Beachy. The incontents is an issue but I took the view that with the robotic assisted removal, this reduces this as much as you can. Unfortunately it is one of the unknowns until you have the procedure, both Nick And I have only recently had the op so it's still early days but the current signs are good.
As Mike says the incontinents thing is really unpredictable and you'll only really know post op. I only had my catheter removed a day ago (7 days after the operation). First night was dry but 4 visits to the toilet. Just a few small leaks during the day. I do think general fitness helps a great deal. Pelvic floor excercises before and after surgery help a lot.
Hello, my husband has very recently been advised to proceed with either surgery or radiation (Gleason now 3+4) and he is seriously considering surgery using robotic aid etc. Can you advise us what you did to be referred to Guys and did you by any chance consider any other centres of excellence? Any advice would be very much appreciated. Many thanks.
Hi,
After deciding on robotic surgery I did a fair bit of research into surgeons. My diagnosing hospital was East Surrey and I was referred to The Royal Surrey (Guildford) for a surgical consultation. While waiting for a date I had heard good things about Declan Cahill at Guys and had spoken to a few people who had been 'done' by him so I went to my GP and asked for a referral to see him which she was glad to do. I had also read about another very good robotic surgeon called Krishna Patil and by coincidence the consultation at Royal Surrey was with him. I saw both surgeons and it was a difficult decision on which to go with. They know one another and they are both highly experienced. I went with Declan as he has more experience and I felt more comfortable going to a London hospital but I honestly think either would have been fine. An oncologist friend of a friend advised me to find someone who had done 300 or more procedures. Pretty much any of the team at Guys have this level of experience. When you meet with the surgeon that you like I think it is important to have them assure you that they will be doing the surgery and not a less experienced member of the team.
good luck.
Hi
i am from the midlands and took my time to research the best surgeons. I have a friend who knows a leading orthopidic surgeon. He recomended Declan Cahill.
I can only speak as I find and mr Cahill is a very nice gentleman. He is enthusiastic about his work. I felt very confident in him.
i did research other surgeons and saw one other in London.
I am just over 4 weeks since my operation. To say I am pleased with my progress is an understatement. I did get my self fit for the operation but I am sure Mr Declan and his team had as larger part to play in my recovery to date.
Your husband must go with a surges he feels confirm able with
Hi
i first researched they type of procedure I wanted I felt Robotic was the way forward and looked for the best surgeon with my own research and friends, another surgeon recommended Mr Cahil. Met him and another surgeon. I felt at ease with Mr Cahil and I liked his enthusiasm for his work.
I am now just over 4 weeks since my operation and I am very pleased with my progress so far.
i feel it is important your husband selects a surgeon he feels comfortable with. That's how I did it.
I did have issues with my GP who did not want to refer me but I persisted and the Consultant from my local hospital refered me. I am Persueing my doctor to understand why this was a problem.
I hope all goes well.
Nick
how are you?. I am now back at work full steam, after two weeks of easing myself back. My contenence is a getting much better with only a small amount of dribble in the afternoon. I put this down to muscle fatigue. I back at the gym first time on Friday. Felt good just to do some light excerise.
Hi Mike,
thank you very much for taking the time to respond with so much information. Clearly your research and persistence enabled you to be referred to the surgeon of your choice. My husband has had his initial consultation with our local consultant, whom we like very much and we are confirming next week if going ahead with robotic surgery with him (and his team). However, we do not know how many operations he has performed, or his success rate etc and have not as yet managed to find anything on the internet.
We now realise there are some very skilled and experienced surgeons working in other regions/hospitals. We are interested to see that your request for a different surgeon came via your GP to Mr Cahill - is this correct? Appreciate your thoughts..... Thanks.
Morning
I having read up on the referral process, if you wish to get to a particular consultant. You need a referral to that hospital rather than the consultant in the first instance. As I understand it, it is your NHS right to have treatment is a hospital of your choice. If possible you doctor should use Choose and Book' if not a letter referral is possible. Not all doctors will make this referral as the local CCG may not allow it. It is this area I am trying to get to the bottom of as it conflicts with your NHS rights.
I was Mr cahil's 1,000 protectomy at Guys hospital. I am sure there are many very good surgeons around the country and it is up to you both to find the consultant you are happy with.
When I get to the bottom of the referral system I will post it here.
all the best.
Hi Mike,
I'm doing well thanks. I will be going back to work this coming Tuesday. I also have a slight 'dribble' in the afternoon so I am still using one L2 pad a day. I'm keen to get back to the gym or yoga. I might try a gentle class at the end of the week. I had a US motorcycling trip booked before I was diagnosed which I haven't cancelled yet. It starts 10th June which is 2 days short of 6 weeks post op. I'm very tempted to do it but Guys say they "wouldn't recommend it" also insurance is a bit of a minefield.
Good to hear you are doing so well.
BTW on the referral thing when I asked my GP she said she could direct it to a specific surgeon/consultant at Guys.
all the best Nick
That's good news Nick.
i hope you get on your motorcycle trip. I got a trip deferred due to operation they were most understanding. I would try that approach. I've always wanted to go coast to coast across America, what route are you doing.
there does not appear to be any clear guidance for doctors when referring patients, they all seem to be different. If anyone else has had difficulties would be interested to know
regards Mike