From Russ K.
This history of my da Vinci robotic prostatectomy experience is being written 3 ½ weeks after my surgery. I visited my family doctor in December for a routine annual physical exam at which time he ordered a PSA and believed that my prostate had changed since my previous exam. My doctor referred me to Dr. Colton for a prostate biopsy and ultrasound to rule out prostate cancer. My PSA was 5.3 which, while outside the normal range, was below some previous PSA results I had. Dr. Colton performed a biopsy and ultrasound in January and, after waiting a week for the results, it was discovered that cancer existed in my prostate. Dr. Colton reassured me that the cancer seemed to be at an early stage and made a follow up appointment with me and my wife to discuss my treatment options. We spent about a half hour with Dr. Colton during which time he sensitively explained all the radiation options available to me as well as the fact that I was a good candidate for robotic assisted prostatectomy. He also encouraged me to seek a second or third opinion on what was best for me if I felt more comfortable in doing so. Our consultation with Dr. Colton filled us with confidence and hope and after considering all the treatment options I decided on the surgery and Dr. Colton as my surgeon of choice. The hardest part of the process was the waiting, since the earliest possible surgery date would be the first week of April. Dr. Colton followed up with me during my wait, reassuring me that all would be well and on the day of my surgery he also assured me that I would do fine. The surgery took about 3 hours, after which I spent the night at St Clares Hospital. The following morning Dr. Colton visited me, got me up on my feet and after telling me all went well, told me I could go home that afternoon. After receiving instructions in the care of the catheter by St Clares staff, I was discharged from the hospital the day after my surgery. That was a Friday, and by Sunday I had already resumed a limited walking exercise schedule. Dr. Colton called me about a week post surgery to let me know that all indications from the pathology tests of my prostate and surrounding tissue was that the cancer was totally contained within the prostate. As you can imagine, was great news! I received a follow up call from my health insurer the week following the surgery asking how I was doing. My response was that I was feeling great and except for the catheter tube, the 6 small incisions in my abdomen and some minor abdominal discomfort, it was hard to believe that I had undergone major abdominal surgery. I had even discontinued the pain medication given to me after my 3rd day at home. My catheter was removed 10 days post surgery at which time Dr. Colton advised me to be patient with the incontinence which all men experience after the catheter is removed. He told me it could take from several weeks to a few months before all the incontinence symptoms clear up. He was right, since I still am experiencing some incontinence but can see a noticeable improvement as the days go by. One of my friends asked me whether I would have chosen any other treatment alternative now that I have lived through the surgery and it's aftermath and my answer was an emphatic "NO." Thanks to the expertise of Dr. Colton and the caring and supportive staff of Morris Urology, I feel totally confident that I made the right decision in undergoing the operation and choosing Dr. Colton as my surgeon. I feel blest that I was led to Dr. Colton and all those of Morris Urology who cared for me in such a sensitive and professional manner.