Three weeks ago to this day I underwent a robotic-assisted laparoscopic radical prostatectomy at Wesley Hospital in Brisbane. The surgery was performed by Dr Charles Chabert assisted by Dr Troy Gianduzzo.

I have had such positive outcomes following the trauma of being told you have prostate cancer that I have been moved to post this record of my experiences in the hope that it might:

(a) encourage other men to undertake surveillance programs to lead to early detection of the presence of prostate cancer, and

(b) demonstrate that it is possible with less invasive laparoscopic surgery (at least it was in my case) to return to a significant level of normal functionality in a short time span.

I am 64 years of age and a lawyer by occupation. I have practiced on my own account for more than 40 years and continue to do so. As my income continues to be driven by my personal endeavour recovery time from surgery was an important factor in weighing my options after biopsies identified the presence of a small area of cancer in the prostate. A number of factors contributed to the positive outcome of the robotic surgery performed by Dr Chabert on the 13th November 2010.

  • My GP Dr Jim Abrahams commenced an annual monitoring of PSA levels as part of an annual medical check after I turned 50.
  • Dr Abrahams referred me to a locally based Urologist in early 2009 when PSA levels started to elevate.
  • Following an elevation in PSA from 3.6 to 5.6 between October 2009 and July 2010 biopsies then revealed the presence of a small area of cancerous cells at Gleeson score 7.
  • Early detection left me with a number of options and following discussion with Dr Abrahams I requested referral to Dr Chabert to discuss and consider the option of keyhole or robotic-assisted surgery.
  • Following consultation with Dr Chabert and discussion with my wife I elected to undertake the robotic-assisted laparoscopic radical prostatectomy in the hope that the surgery would confirm the level and confines of the cancer within the prostate and the less invasive nature of this type of surgery would allow me to return to work in a shorter timeframe than might result from open surgery.

In recording the following positive outcomes I am in no way critical of other treatments including traditional open surgery. Different factors weigh differently with each person in making decisions which best suit their circumstances. Cost may be just one of those factors. Age, employment, relationships and detection stage may be others. In other circumstances I may have made different decisions. In recording the outcomes for me I only say that the decision I made best suited my circumstances and was vindicated by the results achieved by Dr Chabert and his skilled and dedicated team which included Dr Gianduzzo, Sharon, Donna and David Hughes

  • The operation was performed by Dr Chabert (assisted by Dr Gianduzzo) on the afternoon of Saturday the 13th Nov.
  • I was discharged from Wesley and resting comfortably at home on the Gold Coast by 3pm the following day 14th Nov.
  • Following discharge I experienced very little pain (easily managed by panadol) and minor discomfort from the catheter.
  • Following a cystogram on the morning of Thursday the 18th Nov the catheter was painlessly removed.
  • Pathology on the removed prostate revealed two further small areas of cancer one at Gleeson 7 and the other at 6(in addition to that detected by biopsies). All cancer was confined within the margins of the prostate confirming the benefits of the testing regime and early detection.
  • Dr Chabert was able to achieve significant nerve saving on both sides.
  • I have minor incontinence easily managed and expect that to disappear within a short timeframe. I am already out and about without any inconvenience or embarrassment.
  • Erectile function started to return in the second week following surgery and had returned to normal by the end of this the third week.
  • The small incision wounds in my abdominal area are healed.
  • I can exercise comfortably as long as I am sensible in what I undertake and rest when my body tells me rest is required.
  • I have worked lightly from home over the last week and can confidently make a substantial return to my practice next week. In saying that I am always minded to rest when I feel it necessary. I can say that I drove to Brisbane yesterday, conferred with a barrister for two hours, and drove back to the Coast. Following a good nights sleep I feel fine this morning. If I was engaged in manual work I would not be suggesting I would be up to this level of activity.

If, by recording my experiences, I encourage others to engage in a monitoring program (such as that directed so professionally by Dr Abrahams) and to approach treatment in a positive frame of mind my time in providing this post will not have been wasted. Passionate and dedicated surgeons such as Dr Chabert can assist you see out normal life expectancy and return to quality of life with early detection and advances in prostate treatment. I thank all those who have been involved.

Jeff