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Obesity and Prostate Surgery

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Prostate Cancer
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Posted 10/14/2009 5:46 PM (GMT 0)
I was diagnosed with PC in July 2009.  I suffered from a serious E-coli infection/prostatitis (resistant to several antibiotics) from the biopsy resulting in catheter insertion and IV antibiotics for a week.  Additionally, I have a huge stomach. Because of the infection, my surgery has been delayed and will occur on October 22.  My urologist, who is proficient in both open and DaVinci surgery, will do open surgery based on all of the above.  Because of my desire for DaVinci, he referred me to a urologist who specializes in DaVinci and he too told me I was not a candidate because of the size of my stomach and thickness of stomach wall.  My surgeon has told me it will be a complicated surgery which of course has my apprehension level way up.  Has anybody else gone thru open surgery because of obesity?  I would imagine the healing time is significant because fo the big stomach and large wound. I read the outcomes of those who had successful DaVinci surgeries and only hope that I can have some of the same success with open. 
Posted 10/14/2009 10:01 PM (GMT 0)
My reading of the literature is that obesity definitely complicates robotic surgery, so a Doctor who judges that robotic is not a good choice for you is probably in the mainstream.

On the other hand, open surgery is still considered the “gold standard” of PC treatment so as far as getting rid of the cancer it is the best that you can do. Further, all available data suggests that the side effects are lower for open. Yes, recovery may be a bit longer, but remember that what happens inside your body is the same no matter the technique. We have had many members who had open surgery whose recovery seemed nearly as fast as those with robotic.

Overall, I would say, go with a very experienced surgeon and consider the open-robotic as a minor detail.
Posted 10/14/2009 10:22 PM (GMT 0)
You may also have longer incontinence issues because of the pressure on the bladder. Better start kegeling now.
Posted 10/14/2009 10:32 PM (GMT 0)
I've been doing the Kegels for two months.  Hopefully it will help.

Posted 10/14/2009 10:42 PM (GMT 0)
Yes, if you are large as you say you are, you wouldn't want to have the robotics done. Sounds like you are getting good medical advice. You may or may not have a longer healing time, but your weight/size alone isn't the sole reason. A good experienced surgeon with lots of open procedures under his//her belt will be able to take care of you fine.

Good luck to you.
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