FR Wilkinson MBE, from Cambridge
Following diagnosis of prostate cancer I was given a choice of treatments together with the likely side effects of each. Being a Teacher of Technology, I asked whether there was a “Technology” option and was informed about a new robotic procedure at Addenbrooke's hospital. This procedure fitted my situation as it appeared to have the least side effects.
The operation
I was impressed by the detailed information given prior to the operation and was extremely grateful for the support given by the specialist nurse practitioner. The procedure was carried out on a Tuesday and I was discharged two days later on the Thursday. The anaesthetic took effect before going into theatre and I awoke in recovery with a dedicated nurse sitting at the end of the bed tending to my every need. There was little pain except when I moved and I was encouraged to get out of bed and stand up. Later I was able to walk from the recovery room back to the ward with two nurses carrying the catheter bag and drain tube.
After the operation
I was constantly being asked whether I needed more pain relief but I found I could do without it. Pain was experienced when I tried to sit up as the abdomen was very tender but keeping still I needed no pain relief. I was able to get up and was encouraged to walk the length of the ward 10 times with a nurse in attendance. A day later (on Thursday) I was able to get up and shower unaided and went home with a catheter in place. The catheter allowed the urethra tube to heal and was in for a week. I was given Paracetamol to take home but I never needed to open the box!
At home
The catheter bag was strapped to my ankle so it was a simple job to empty by resting my foot on the loo seat and turning on the tap! I found that my music stand was a convenient place to hang the bag by my bed at night so I did not step on it when I got up!
A week later I attended clinic to have the catheter removed (painlessly). I was given pads in case of leakage. I was encouraged to drink about 2 litres of water to see if I could go on my own. When I found I could, I was allowed home. Towards the end of the one hour journey I felt a strange but intense pain. This was because I needed to wee badly after drinking so much! I was able to go without leakage. In the next 2-3 weeks I found tiny amounts of leakage when I got up from a sitting position but not enough to have to wear pads. The amount of leakage varies from patient to patient but I found I was ok without pads.
Summary
I had very little pain after the initial day after the operation. Very little leakage occurred and I had full bladder control within 3 weeks. I was able to function sexually as normal within days. I had very little scarring (a few tiny red spots in the lower abdomen). I found that I was informed at every stage and was able to contact the extremely helpful Specialist Nurse Practitioner by telephone or e-mail if I needed advice. I went back to work in 3 weeks. I can highly recommend the robotic procedure.
