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Do you need DRE's post surgery

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Posted 7/9/2007 9:01 AM (GMT -8)
After surgery, do you still need to have a DRE performed during an exam?  If yes, what would the doctor check you for once the prostate is removed?

Thanks.

AEG

 

Posted 7/9/2007 9:34 AM (GMT -8)
AEG,
I'm scheduled for my second post-op exam tomorrow afternoon, and my Doctor told me that this time a DRE would be part of it. I'll ask him tomorrow what he is looking for, and if nobody has answered you by then, I'll report back.
Best,
Mike
Posted 7/9/2007 9:58 AM (GMT -8)

I had the same question, and will be interested in the reasons.  My followup is schedule in August and Dr said he would do a DRE at that time.

Thanks for any feedback

Posted 7/9/2007 11:29 AM (GMT -8)
 

Today's thought is that a DRE is not necessary however, many Doc's still prefer the old tried and true exams. The DRE is mainly to check for any palpable signs of recurrence. More and more Physician's today believe the PSA is a such a reliable test (yes, there are a few rare exceptions), there is no need to palpate in the absence an elevation or other signs/symptoms.

Swim

Posted 7/9/2007 1:30 PM (GMT -8)
A DRE post-op is not unusual. Typical recipients are those with climbing PSA'a post-op. Though unusual it is possible to detect a tumor recurrence if still in a positive margin area. So I've read. But I had 4 positive margins post op and a negative DRE pre-op for what that's worth.
Posted 7/9/2007 6:50 PM (GMT -8)
    Last time I went in for a PSA the P.A. did a DRE on me.  Afterward he said that it was all clear and the he expected it to be!  I was thinking he might have just been doing it for the fun of it!!!!....;)

    KW

Posted 7/10/2007 2:33 AM (GMT -8)
AEG,


My physician did DRE's at two exams post surgery to make certain I was doing my Kegel exercises properly.  The physician had me contract while he felt the area where the urethra passes through the pelvic floor muscles.  I still benefitted from six more visits to my bio-feedback therapist to learn more kegel exercises.

CCedar

Posted 7/10/2007 9:24 AM (GMT -8)
Just had my annual physical, which included a DRE. When asked, the doc said it was also done to check the colon.
Posted 7/10/2007 10:01 AM (GMT -8)
Yep,

Every woman over 40 knows the routine...DRE is part of an ann^ual gyn visit. Beats the alternative.

Be Well, Swim
Posted 7/10/2007 11:41 AM (GMT -8)

dawgfan said...
Just had my annual physical, which included a DRE. When asked, the doc said it was also done to check the colon.

Never heard of this, is the DRE to check for colon cancer independent of prostate issues, or is there a higher incidence of colon cancer in prostate cancer patients? I wondered before if having prostate cancer predisposed me to colorectal, testicular or bladder cancer, but my urologist said no.
Posted 7/11/2007 5:30 AM (GMT -8)
Hi AEG,
I had my six month post-op yesterday. I asked about this, and according to the Doc it's to check for any signs of tumor, especially along the pelvic bone, where Prostate cancer likes to metastasize. She also said it's a matter of some debate in the medical community, and not every Doctor does it. BTW mine was normal!
Best,
Mike
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