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Doctor Consultations - Conclusions

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Prostate Cancer
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Posted 5/31/2011 8:08 PM (GMT -5)
I met with the two top prostatectomy doctors in Chicago today - one who has done nearly 2,000 robotic procedures and the other who has done more than 5,500 open procedures. Very interesting day to say the least. After much conversation with my wife, we have decided to pursue the open option.

It boiled down to a matter of various studies and data. It seems that most broad, prospective research has been done in an attempt to show that robotic is as good or better than open. It is very difficult to find studies that conclusively show that robotic is better. At best, robotic is as good as open and at worst, it's inferior.

There is much discussion about the shorter hospital stay and the reduced time with the catheter with robotic. However, I'm OK with a second day of full care in the hospital and studies have shown that with catherizations of 7 days or less there is a greater chance of needing the catheter re-insterted (ouch!).

So, in my very simple mind it boils down to a simple equation. I have found a very experienced and successful open surgeon with the promise of results as good, if not better than robotic. Similar recovery times and well-documented surgical margin, continence and erectile function data.

I plan to schedule the procedure for mid-July and will post info on my path leading up to, and after the procedure.

Wheeler
Posted 5/31/2011 8:35 PM (GMT -5)
Wheeler - It definitely sounds like you have done your due diligence, learned everything you possibly could, weighed your options, and made a decision. I certainly commend you for doing so as I know that it isn't an easy thing to do. I wish you the best and I hope you will report back here with your results. The information found on this forum serves to help others that will inevitably embark on the same journey.
Posted 5/31/2011 8:47 PM (GMT -5)
John - I see that you have a DaVinci procedure scheduled very soon. Please don't take my conclusions as anything but my own findings. The doctor I met with who specializes in the robotic procedure was terrific and I would have been quite comfortable having him do my procedure. I was presented two compelling cases and simply went with my gut. Best of luck with your surgery and let us know how it goes.

Wheeler
Posted 5/31/2011 9:30 PM (GMT -5)
After over two years of watching this forum I would agree that open and robotic are in pretty much of a tie and in this case the decision goes to the doctor in whom you have the greatest confidence. Good for you for studying your options and reaching an informed decision -- that is what this site is all about.

Keep us informed of your progress
Posted 5/31/2011 9:59 PM (GMT -5)
Wheeler,

I spent four days in the hospital after my DaVinci, so averages didn't count much for me. Every case is unique.

The doctor and quality of care at the hospital are the keys.

Posted 5/31/2011 10:02 PM (GMT -5)
Good luck windy, I went down a similar path.
I assume 5,500 is Dr C
I went with open in the end, with another doc
Posted 6/1/2011 7:45 AM (GMT -5)
You are correct about Dr. C. Very thorough and very experienced with a database of statistics on all of his patients.
Posted 6/1/2011 8:08 AM (GMT -5)
Wheeler,

I had my DaVinci surgery on a Friday morning and stayed in the hospital until Monday morning.  I think the extra time was a result of some extra work he did on some bowel adhesions, and wanting to make sure the digestive system was working OK.  So, as 142 said above, averages can be misleading, and every case is unique.

I've never envied the guys who go home 24 hours after DaVinci surgery, though.  The insurance companies may like that, but the hospital seems to me the best place for initial recovery.  I felt so much more ready to go home Monday than I would have on the day after surgery!  The idea of a speedy discharge sounds attractive, but a restful couple of days in a hospital setting was right for me, even though I'm not fond of hospital settings.

Posted 6/1/2011 10:05 AM (GMT -5)
Wheeler: You have done your homework and made a decision. That is one of the difficult steps and you have made it. I had open and must say I agree with you conclusion. I have friends that had the robot and did just a bit better and I did but I have done much better than many that have had the robot. Not sure there is much of a difference. Best of luck with surgery.

Cajun jeff
Posted 6/1/2011 10:13 AM (GMT -5)
Just for the record, I was only in the hospital overnight with my open. Out of surgery by 12 noon, and home by 5pm the next day. I had no better or worse recovery period than did any others who were posting here during the same period.
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