Posted 9/28/2013 10:07 AM (GMT 0)
Hi Mo Mo,
I had a da Vinci prostatectomy at Mayo Clinic (Rochester, MN) almost 2 years ago. I HIGHLY recommend that you try to schedule a consultation with my surgeon, Dr. Matthew Tollefson. He is a younger, and very brilliant, surgeon whom everyone there raves about.
He is also very likeable. The last time I saw him personally was in 2012 for my 1-year visit. I actually was slated to see one of the doctors on his team. When I was talking to that doctor, I asked if I might be able to see Dr. Tollefson also just to say hello & ask a couple questions.
I know that, at that exact time, he was in some sort of meeting. But, after I made my request, he left the meeting and came in to see me. He is very nice and inspires a lot of confidence in his patients. Although he was probably pressed for time to return to his meeting, he very patiently chatted with me, answered ALL of my questions and made me feel as if I was his only patient.
He gives you the feeling that he would sit and discuss things with you all day long -- never shows any urgency to leave, end the visit, etc. He gives you all the time you need -- and then some.
So if you're looking for a good urologist/surgeon, even if it's just to consult with him for now, I would highly recommend Dr. Tollefson. I've had other posters that went to see him on my recommendation and they were very happy that they did.
Best of luck to you!
Chuck
Resident of Highland, Indiana just outside of Chicago, IL.
July 2011 local PSA lab reading 6.41 (from 4.1 in 2009). Mayo Clinic PSA Sept. 2011 was 5.7.
Local urologist DRE revealed significant BPH, but no lumps.
PCa Dx Aug. 2011 at age of 61.
Biopsy revealed adenocarcinoma in 3 of 20 cores (one 5%, two 20%). T2C.
Gleason score 3+3=6.
CT of abdomen, bone scan both negative.
DaVinci prostatectomy 11/1/11 at Mayo Clinic (Rochester, MN), nerve sparing, age 62.
My surgeon was Dr. Matthew Tollefson, who I highly recommend.
Final pathology shows tumor confined to prostate.
5 lymph nodes, seminal vesicles, extraprostatic soft tissue all negative.
1.0 x 0.6 x 0.6 cm mass involving right posterior inferior,
right posterior apex & left mid posterior prostate.
Right posterior apex margin involved by tumor over a 0.2 cm length, doctor says this is insignificant.
Pathology showed Gleason 3 + 3, pT2c, N0, MX, R1
adenocarcinoma of the prostate.
Prostate 98.3 grams, tumor 2 grams. Prostate size 5.0 x 4.7 x 4.5 cm.
Abdominal drain removed the morning after surgery.
Catheter out in 7 days. No incontinence, occasional minor dripping.
Post-op exams 2/13/12, 9/10/12, 9/9/13 PSA <0.1. PSA tests now annual.
Semi-firm erections now happening 14 months post-op & VERY slowly getting a bit stronger.