I would like to try to avoid general anesthesia, and I am wondering if anyone has had robotic laproscopic surgery and a spinal. Thanks.

Mo,

Thre have been a few reports on using a spinal for the lap but the surgery itself is rather long. I have only read articles, not spoken with anyone who has had a spinal for a prostatectomy. The patient is put into a trendelenberg position (table tilted, head down) for the robotic procedure. Not sure about a lap. In a lengthy surgery requiring trendelenberg positioning there would be a need to have good control of a person's airway.
Hope this helps.

Modog..... this is just my opinion... I cannot imagine in any way doing this surgery without being out cold under general anesthesia. My surgery took 7.5 hours, I expected to be coming to at about 1PM after being put out at about 8:30AM and I opened my eyes at nearly 6:30PM!!! All in all, I was fine with not a very high degree of discomfort. Unless there is some compelling reason you cannot tolerate general anesthesia, take it. Just one man's opinion.......... Jay

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• 56 year old male, divorced
• Diagnosed: 10/12/06
• Two of twelve samples contained malignent cells, Gleasons: 3+3=6, 3+4=7
• Last PSA as of 11/5/06: 2.3
• In control, but partially terrified about the future
• Click (or paste) this link to watch the DaVinci Procedure: http://www.or-live.com/ShawneeMission/1664/event/webcast.cfm?
• Davinci surgery took place on 12/12/06
• Post-op report shows zero malignancies in surrounding tissue, zero malignancies in lymph nodes and the prostate had one malignancy at 3+3=6.
• Regained continence 3 days post-surgery.
• Regained a full erection 8 days post-surgery!! Yippee!!!

Wow, Jayman56!!  Who did your surgery and where? Your recovery is the quickest I have ever heard of...

Markus

Hi ~Modog,

 

On your 1^st Thread *** Doctor Feedback...there were a few postings.  I was hoping you’d come back on with some specifics, age, PSA, Gleason, etc… so we could get to know you a little better.

 

I’m glad to see you’re back with us! 

 

In response to your question…. I can only comment on the Radical Prostatectomy… anesthesia from information gained from reading Dr. Walsh’s book.  He states the two best options are spinal or epidural anesthesia.  Page 222 Dr. Walsh’s Guide to Surviving Prostate Cancer…

 

I haven’t heard of anyone having either of these…  We had general anesthesia…but it’s something to look into if you decide to go the RRP route.

 

We will continue to keep you in our thoughts and prayers as you search for answers.

In Friendship ~ Lee & Buddy

 

 

***Doctor Feedback 

(direct link ~ just click on the title!  

Reminder to click on the REFRESH icon/button on your computer..... once you get there)

---

mama bluebird - Lee & Buddy… from North Carolina

Link to our personal journey…>>>     Our Journey ~ Sharing is Caring 

April 3, 2006  53 on surgery day

RRP / Radical Retropubic Prostatectomy with "wide excision"

PSA 4.6   Gleason  3+3=6    T2a   Confined to Prostate

June 29th ~ PSA Less than 0.1 Non-detectable

Modog   &  Loved Ones,

  

           A   “Special”  Warm Welcome  to  You!

 

I know we can “all” make Your Journey smoother just by being here for you! 

This is truly a great forum!!! ~ You have joined! You are now part our forum family ~ a group of wonderful individuals who are so willing to share their journey with you! 

 

It helps “all of us” ~ to help you ~ if we know where you are on your path.

So ~ Please stay with us and take our hand when you need it!  Keep posting.... OKAY!!

 

KNOWLEDGE IS POWER... and POWER conquers fear

YOU MAKE THE DECISIONS… YOU HAVE OPTIONS…

~ and ~

Your decision will be the right decision for you!!!

 

We invite you to visit our personal thread listed in our Signature below…

Our thoughts and prayers will be with you as you continue your search for answers…

 

In Friendship ~ Lee & Buddy

 

“God Bless You”

 

It's a little prayer  ~  "God Bless You"

...but it means so much each day,

It means may angels guard you

and guide you on your way.

 

 

(Direct Link ~ just click on the title below and a new window will open!  

Reminder … click on the REFRESH icon once you get there)

Helpful Hints for New Members... Hope this helps you! :) Updated 02-05-2007

---

mama bluebird - Lee & Buddy… from North Carolina

Link to our personal journey…>>>     Our Journey ~ Sharing is Caring 

April 3, 2006  53 on surgery day

RRP / Radical Retropubic Prostatectomy with "wide excision"

PSA 4.6   Gleason  3+3=6    T2a   Confined to Prostate

June 29th ~ PSA Less than 0.1 Non-detectable