AF and Prostate Surgery

[Trident3]

I have been in permanent asymptomatic AF for the last five years, and the only meds that I take are Apixaban. Last year I was diagnosed with localised prostate cancer and have been on Active Surveillance since then, but I have been very proactive during this time researching all the potential treatment options.  While looking into the surgery option I found that this procedure involves tilting the body backwards , for 3 to 4 hrs on the table so that the internal organs move away from the prostate to allow more room to manoeuvre. My concern is that this doesn’t seem like a good idea for someone in permanent AF.Question is as anyone out there been through a similar experience or have any informed comments on this?

[BobD Volunteer]

I had radical prostatectomy in 2011 three years after my third (succsessful ) ablation for AF so it never became and issue. My surgeon did say that had I still AF he would not have operated and found how far it had spread so I always believe my ablations saved my life. Otherwise I woukld emremlyhave had radiotherapy which would have missed some of the cancer. As it was they took part of my bladder and some other bits i could live without and three yearsw of hormones meant six monthly PSA tests shsow no response.

[Trident3 in reply to BobD]

Hi Bob, thanks for the prompt reply, and I’m glad to hear that all went well for you. An individuals own experience is always interesting and informative.

Unfortunately I was told way back that an ablation was not an option for me. I have spoken to a surgeon about a prostatectomy and he seemed quite happy to just temporarily stop the Apixaban and go ahead with surgery. I am not so sure!!

[john-boy-92]

When you mention localised cancer and you are on active surveillance, do you mean that you've had guided biopsy but no Gleeson numbers and, you are on Finisteride? That's were I am, but I haven't heard about being tilted backwards. I've had keyhole surgery too for three simultaneous hernia, one of which was a femoral hernia that would have been in the area of the prostate.

[Trident3 in reply to john-boy-92]

had mri scan and gated biopsy 3 out of 34 pos 3+3 and 3+4 small volumes. PSA stable over the last twelve months. But I’m sure it’s probably just a matter of time, so I want to research as much as possible now while I have the opportunity.

[mav7]

news.yahoo.com/too-many-old...

Just read the above article this morning. Treatment and surgery options for prostate cancer have changed over the years based on the level of the cancer.

Certainly need to discuss with your urologist and perhaps a second opinion.

Should you elect surgery the doctors will do everything to monitor your afib.

[Tryfan]

Thanks for raising this. Having had an MRI I'm due next week for a oProstate biopsy. After no Afib symptoms for over 3 years I've had to resort to PiP Flecainide. My BP also being elevated. I know the natural thinking would be concern over prostate. But to be honest can't say I'm unconcerned, but genuinely feel not unduly Stressed. Maybe I'll be more stressed once I get results. Just going in positive. Best wishes going forward.

[Trident3]

Fingers crossed, hope all goes well……

[Hms03049]

In 2013 prostate cancer was discovered (Gleason 4/5) and I had surgery. PSA was zero till 2015 when it crept up to 0.11, I had 4 weeks of radiation and have been on ADT and Zytiga since. PSA is still undetectable. I had anesthesia for 2 colonoscopies, a cardioversion, and other things. During all of this I was in AFib. They took it into account but didn't seem concerned.

I have been AFib free since my ablation a year ago.

[Trident3 in reply to Hms03049]

Hi, thanks for the reply. Could I just ask, we’re you in permanent af at the time of your surgery? Did you have open surgery or laparoscopic?

[Davidpeaty]

I have had AF for some time with limited symptoms and take Apixaban but to date I haven’t had an ablation. I recently underwent a hernia operation prior to which I discussed this with both my cardiologist and hernia surgeon and agreed when to stop and restart the Apixaban and other “worries “ I had. All went well…..good luck