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Colonoscopy after Radical Prostatectomy

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Posted 4/25/2010 7:23 PM (GMT 0)
My last colonoscopy took place about five years ago.  Last week I received a phone call from the colonoscopy doctor's office for another colonoscopy test. 

Does anyone done colonoscopy test after radical prostatectomy?  If yes, at what time frame colonoscopy was perfomed?

Thank you,

Sharp

Posted 4/25/2010 7:54 PM (GMT 0)
You must make sure your surgeons talk to each other.

It's a long story, not appropriate for this board, but I had to have six colon surgeries (not just a colonoscopy) after my radical prostatectomy. They thought I had colon cancer - fortunately, I didn't, just a lot of large but ultimately benign colon polyps.

If I remember correctly, I had to wait 30 days after the RP AND have the colon work done by the chief surgeon at the hospital. And at that time they thought I had colon cancer, I am sure they would have waited longer if they thought that I didn't. That part of my life is just a blur, just one surgery after another for about a year.

The key point is that there is a significantly greater risk of colon perforation for a while after an RP. If this is a routine five-year follow-up, I would be in no hurry to do it. But again, this is one time that you have to get the two doctors together, at least on the phone.

Zen9
Posted 4/25/2010 9:20 PM (GMT 0)
Coincidence for sure. I had my prostatectomy 2/10/10 and my colostomy notice (three years as they always find something) got the OK from my surgeon who had no problems with it and I had it done seven weeks after the prostatectomy but yes it's best to check it out.
Posted 4/25/2010 9:40 PM (GMT 0)
My Uro gave me the ok when I asked him at 9 months, I never asked him about it sooner so it may have been ok to do sooner

Ask your Uro to be sure
Posted 4/25/2010 10:52 PM (GMT 0)
My John was notified that he was due for his colonoscopy 3 months after prostatecomy. He asked the urologist if this was OK - doctor said "go for it." Definitely speak with your medical team - if you're not "ready", I'm sure it's not a problem if you put it off a month or two.
Posted 4/25/2010 11:01 PM (GMT 0)
Sharp,

I really dont know the answer to your question, but agree with the others the 2 Dr.s should discuss the colonoscopy. But what I can tell you with certainty, is that I wont do one until I am "real ready" for that procedure. If I had a hx of problems related to colon cancer that would be another issue. Good luck, and someone posted a link to Dave Barry's coulmn on a colonoscopy, which puts a little humor to the situation.

Michael

Posted 4/25/2010 11:13 PM (GMT 0)
Thanks to everyone - I'll probably take an additional 3-5 months to take my scheduled colonoscopy
Posted 4/26/2010 2:01 AM (GMT 0)
Had mine about 3 months after RP, did check with URO surgeon before.
Posted 4/26/2010 3:00 AM (GMT 0)
I asked my uro and he said three months after RRP is a safe timeframe.
Posted 4/26/2010 2:59 PM (GMT 0)
I had a colonoscopy done 6 months after my robotic surgery. No problems.
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