Post by Rick Redner on Jul 28, 2013 15:44:55 GMT -5
If you read this link:
How to Choose A Robotic Surgeon
In the link above the recommendation you'll receive is 15 surgeries. In the link below the number given is 80 surgeries:
Q&A about Robotic Surgery
Dr Walsh in one of the best out about prostate cancer, Guide to Surviving Prostate Cancer 2nd Edition (pg265) suggests more than 300 surgeries is a good answer.
In addition to the number of surgeries performed, there's a second, just as important second factor to consider. I was also interested in post-surgical outcomes. Remember what's at stake here. Whether you regain urinary control and whether you'll regain erectile functioning is in great part dependent upon the skill and experience of your surgeon. Other questions to ask is what percent of your patients have positive margins, and how often your patients require radiation or treatment with hormones.
Dr Walsh suggests the answer should be less than 15% (page 265)
It's my personal belief you'll obtain better results going to a treatment center where hundreds if not thousands of surgeries are performed every year. I realize not everyone has that opportunity. If you don't make sure your surgeon can talk to you about the number of surgeries they've performed as well as their post surgical results. If your surgeon doesn't know this information, find a surgeon who does.
Here's a thread to discuss your questions and concerns about choosing the right surgeon.
How to Choose A Robotic Surgeon
In the link above the recommendation you'll receive is 15 surgeries. In the link below the number given is 80 surgeries:
Q&A about Robotic Surgery
Dr Walsh in one of the best out about prostate cancer, Guide to Surviving Prostate Cancer 2nd Edition (pg265) suggests more than 300 surgeries is a good answer.
In addition to the number of surgeries performed, there's a second, just as important second factor to consider. I was also interested in post-surgical outcomes. Remember what's at stake here. Whether you regain urinary control and whether you'll regain erectile functioning is in great part dependent upon the skill and experience of your surgeon. Other questions to ask is what percent of your patients have positive margins, and how often your patients require radiation or treatment with hormones.
Dr Walsh suggests the answer should be less than 15% (page 265)
It's my personal belief you'll obtain better results going to a treatment center where hundreds if not thousands of surgeries are performed every year. I realize not everyone has that opportunity. If you don't make sure your surgeon can talk to you about the number of surgeries they've performed as well as their post surgical results. If your surgeon doesn't know this information, find a surgeon who does.
Here's a thread to discuss your questions and concerns about choosing the right surgeon.