POST CYSTOSCOPY AND DILATION

Well went went back to the surgical center on Monday for this darn stricture and the surgeon dilated and cut a very small amount of scar tissue from the anastomosis site. He seemed pleased with the outcome but time will tell. We talked before the procedure and he said there is no medical reason for this to happen especially after robotic surgery. Certain people heal differently and with the lack of blood flow to the area scar tissue forms naturally. It happens to about 5% of the surgeries he preforms. He is one of the best in the nation and chief of robotics in the hospital. We came to the conclusion that it was probobly a result of the initial surgery as I fought an infection for about 2 months post op. Before the procedure I thanked him for what he had done back in April to rid my body of cancer and I realized this is a small price to pay and I am extremely fortunate. So the catheter is back in until tomorrow. They also said I can remove it myself, never heard of this have always gone back to office to have it taken out. If anyone has any insight on removal please reply.

Keep on truckin, Steve

I had stricture issues with dilation treatments before (and after) my PCa and RP. These treatments required catheters as in your situation. I've many times removed the catheter myself at home.

Here's what I do (suggest) to remove a catheter at home:

Place a pair of scissors in the shower
Prepare for a hot shower. Remove leg bag,tubing or overnight bag from catheter tube.
Start shower, to get yourself warmed up and relaxed.
Cut the short nib tube(with the valve) running off the main catheter tube, with the scissors.
This will release saline solution which in turn will deflate the catheter balloon in the bladder.
Wait a minute or two to ensure the balloon is fully deflated, by this time gravity and light tug should allow for a quick and easy withdrawal of the catheter.

Hope this helps with your situation .

TG