Choosing between: da Vinci surgery, regular surgery or radiation???

I chose Da Vinci for some of the reasons that the others chose open surgery. My research indicated that da vinci caused less bleeding which actually improved visual inspection of the surgeon. I also chose because of recovery time. I own a business and needed the quickest possible recovery. I went back to work the day following my surgery. The statistics that I have seen indicate little or no difference in results (meaning being cancer free). The daVinci procedure is newer procedure so there are not as many long term results available. My original doctor was a highly respected urologist, but his hospital had not invested in the 1 Million dollar robat and so he did not offer the Da Vinci option. He actually tried to convince me against it- remember its just business to them  - Once I chose the Da Vinci procedure I searched for the right doc. The Henry Ford clinic in Detroit is considered by many to be one of the top Prostate Clinics in the country and offer cutting edge protate treatment . There recently published results show better results with Da Vinci than with conventional open surgery.I encourage you to visit :http://www.henryfordhealth.org/19085.cfm

I actually ended up selecting a doc in Kansas City David Emmott. He had experience at the Ford clinic and had completed several hundred Da Vinci procedures prior to my operation. In selecting the doc I talked with my personal doc, who is a social friend and he stressed experience as you have seen on this site.  He said there's an old saying about selecting a doc and a procedure - "you never want to be a doctors first first or the last patient". 

56 year old male. 02/06 PSA 5.5  Subsequent Gleason 3+3=6 DaVinci Surgery 7/06 fully contained, returned to work (desk) the following afternoon, clear at 3 month check up, no pad 1 week after cath removal, but still occas. leaks after long day. No ED prior to surgery. ED since without improvement. Able to orgasm with help from wife and vibrator, but no sense that erection is returning. Drugs, no effect. Going to try the pump.

Scott--My urologist, after delivering the news that surprised both me and him, said three important words:  "You've got time".  That was a real help to me to have the time to do the research we needed to do to make a decision my wife and I felt was the best option for us.

The  first decision was whether to have surgery or brachytherapy or another option.  We spent a long time researching and thinking about our choice, and settled on surgery.  It was not a black-and-white decision, but one we knew was right for us after weighing all the factors that were important for us.

Then it was a question of open vs. robotic.  That, too, was a personal choice based on a number of factors.  I believe that robotic prostate removal will be the surgical treatment of choice in the near future.  We went with open RPP because we trusted our urologist and his expertise with this surgery.  That was the most important aspect to us.

I was in top physical condition before surgery and came out of it in good shape and recovered rapidly.  I may have recovered a little sooner with robotic surgery, but that wasn't the most critical piece of our decision. I don't regret this decision, although I might have gone with robotic under different circumstances.

To repeat, the most important three words are "You've got time." Make your decision based on research, talking to those who have gone thru different approaches, and you will feel comfortable with the decision you make.  Best to you, Scott! 

Hi Scott, sorry to welcome you to the club, but better here than not.

As you will have noticed, all the guys here have chosen one form or another of surgery.  I have chosen radiation.  I think you choose the option that frightens you the least and that's the way you go.  There are a bunch of high quality people here and I assure you that they want the best for you.  To that end they strongly recommend their choice of treatment.  For them to do otherwise would be dishonest and they are honest to a fault.  In my opinion, you should research thoroughly and then make your own decision.  I say this because my choice is different than most, but I think the world of these fine people.  I am truly sorry that you must make such a decision.

Illigitimi non bu carborundum,

Bill

56 year old male. 02/06 PSA 5.5  Subsequent Gleason 3+3=6 DaVinci Surgery 7/06 fully contained, returned to work (desk) the following afternoon, clear at 3 month check up, no pad 1 week after cath removal, but still occas. leaks after long day. No ED prior to surgery. ED since without improvement. Able to orgasm with help from wife and vibrator, but no sense that erection is returning. Drugs, no effect. Going to try the pump.