Out of town prostatectomy

[Starr15]

For those that have had a prostatectomy out of state, who did most of the follow-up? Did you have a local urologist too? I suspect a local urologist would be hesitant to follow up on a patient whom had his surgery done by someone else.

[CarverD]

I underwent HDRBrachy out of town and all of my follow-up has been done through my local urologist and local GP. I've had all records sent to my out of town RO but apparently he got a bit PO'd that I wouldn't make the trip for a follow-up exam. Drive all of those hours for a 10 minute consult where I'm going to be asked "how are you doing"? I don't think so. My local docs had no issue with this plan.

[tarhoosier]

My local urologist at diagnosis was recognized as one of the top local men in the field. I was a high risk patient due to biopsy results. He suggested that I seek a second opinion about treatment from a surgeon/uro about 160 miles away. He said that the man was "tops" When I saw the second opinion man he was confident of his skill and promised nothing other than his best efforts. I was convinced he was the right man for me. Surgery went smoothly. I could have stayed in hospital another 24 hours but was anxious to return home. I should have stayed. That was a mistake. Upon return my local man provided continuing care including removal of catheter, psa and hormone treatments. The surgery was not successful in the sense of cure but I was continent from the moment the catheter was removed and have had no surgery related issues at any time. It has not been my experience that uros turn away patients as long as there was some prior relationship. I stayed with my local man for 18 months then transferred to an oncologist.

I went with a man recommended to be the best available by my professional. The pre-surgery protocol with a GI cleansing agent and some time over the toilet was less comfortable in a hotel than it would have been at home. I should have stayed in hospital another 24 hours. (It was allowed by insurance). The drive home was uncomfortable and put me at some distance from assistance during a sensitive recuperation time. I should have stayed in the hotel another night. As I reflect, the local care issue was far less concern than these I mention above.

[twostrats79]

I had my prostatectomy 2 hours away. The only urologist I used was the one that did the surgery. For the first couple of months I would drive up to his office if I needed anything. Now I telemed our appointments every 6 months or so