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Posted 12/16/2014 11:42 PM (GMT -5)
Met with an RO and the RALP Surgeon. Decided on RALP and got on the schedule for February 4th. The surgeon did say that there is an outside chance he will be unable to do the RALP, due to my prior kidney surgery (potentially too much scar tissue, etc.) I'm not thrilled about that prospect. As we move forward, if it looks like RALP is out, then I might reconsider in favor of the RO. I still think surgery is my best option, but I'm not thrilled with any of it, frankly.

Has anyone else had to scrap their RALP?
Posted 12/16/2014 11:55 PM (GMT -5)
Eric, good luck hope you get the RALP. What's the plan? Sounds like he goes in and depends what he sees? Or are they doing tests to determine if you can go ahead?
Posted 12/17/2014 1:33 AM (GMT -5)
I was kicked off the surgery table with my first meeting with a surgeon. I've got heart/lung issues and the position they use for RP isn't good for that so the surgeon called in the RO.

and it worked out fine. 3 years later, near Nadir and few SEs.

don't stress too much if they can't do it. The alternatives work fine.
Andrew
Posted 12/17/2014 7:20 AM (GMT -5)
My understanding was that he could only determine that at the time he goes in. I am going to clarify that at my next appointment. I have two pre-op appointments, in the middle of next month, so it's also possible they can make a decision before then.
Posted 12/17/2014 7:36 AM (GMT -5)
Pre-DaVinci I had three inguinal hernia repairs; therefore, I had a bunch of mesh in the way of the robot. Doctor said that if it became a big problem during surgery he would switch to an open procedure. As it turned out he found a way around the mesh and was able to use the DaVinci. My results have been very good.

For some reason I was thinking the scar tissue from kidney surgery was on your back (?) and that it would not be in the way of a RALP?

Best wishes and good luck as you move forward!
Posted 12/17/2014 8:01 AM (GMT -5)
Eric, just curious - with that type of concern, why still focus on surgery when there are other options?
Posted 12/17/2014 1:56 PM (GMT -5)
RCS - as for kidney surgery, nope, they go through the front door. wink It's good to hear that your surgeon was able to work around those obstructions.

Yooper - Surgery is my first choice. Given everything I know, and have learned, surgery is still option #1 for me. If we get into the surgery prep, and RALP is definitely not an option, I might reconsider, but given what I know right now, this is the best path for me.
Posted 12/17/2014 2:16 PM (GMT -5)
Eric, I think Yoop understood that surgery was your choice but think he was asking "why" you are choosing surgery, when other treatments should cure you just as well w/o the "scar tissue" issue...

Jim
Posted 12/17/2014 9:59 PM (GMT -5)
If I where you I woke try beer therapy..the new studies I have seen are looking very good for this and then any option that you chose should be fine...as your brother I can only assume that we can talk your wife into driving and paying for all the beer...guess I need to book a plane ticket and cone out to discuss this in person over multiple beers from various breweries throughout the great PDX and NW area...love you man talk to you soon...and yes begone someone comments about beer therapy, and never heard of this Ichy is my little yet taller than me brother and I am a brewer and been dealing with my own PCa for some time now, this is not what I wanted for anyone but especially not my baby brother...love Ya man

PJ
Posted 12/17/2014 11:42 PM (GMT -5)
I am all for beer therapy, brother. Anytime. Maybe with a side of Scotch.

As for why I would opt for surgery, even if there is a chance it won't happen? I think the odds are small that my scar tissue will be an issue, based on the fact that at the surface, you can barely tell that a kidney came out of there. If things change, I will reconsider. I was mainly just curious if others had run up against this issue.
Posted 12/18/2014 7:36 AM (GMT -5)
Scotch...that sounds like a reason to visit Scotland!
Posted 12/18/2014 7:49 AM (GMT -5)
I had nearly the same stats as you, Ichabod. I was 41, but the other numbers were virtually the same. I opted for openRP from the beginning because I read somewhere that for younger guys it was better so the surgeon could get a better look in there. I think the better look has been discussed here and debunked by most posters, but my surgeon still adheres to that idea. Hopkins seems to have their own way of doing things. The open RP at Hopkins was complication free for me, if that's any help to you. I had very mild incontinence for a week and erections with meds within about 45 days altho the wife and I waited a full 90 days to really try it out. I was worried, probably without merit, of tearing something. I would argue to just find the best surgeon you can with either or the two RP methods and all will likely be well. Good luck.
Posted 12/18/2014 9:32 AM (GMT -5)
Thanks, dude. That's an interesting take on open RP. My URO, who can do an open RP, actually said he feels that the RALP provides a better view of things (less bleeding, etc.), which is why he referred me to someone else. If, I end up considering an open RP, I will ask to go back to my regular URO.

Paul - I need to renew my passport, but then we are going. We've got some distant relatives in Aberdeenshire.
Posted 12/20/2014 9:27 AM (GMT -5)
I have my passport in my pocket, since your not home now, I will pick you up at the turn off to the Northfolk as I gave no idea where your cabin is...you will have to walk out to meet me!

Merry Christmas love ya
Posted 12/20/2014 10:26 AM (GMT -5)
My surgery wasn't scrapped, but the Uro said the procedure took longer than usual because he encountered scar tissue from inflammation of the intestine that proved challenging. He never indicated if there was a point that would have caused him to stop surgery but he did say it was unexpected and took a lot of extra cutting to get to my Prostate and added at least an hour to the surgery time.
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