Anyone had a prostatectomy after age 70? Recommended or not?

Posted by erkbiz @erkbiz, Oct 6 2:12pm

My brother in law is planning on having a prostatectomy at age 75. I was diagnosed at age 73 and was told that having a prostatectomy at my age could prove to be problematic. Recovery takes longer and other health issue may arise.

I am asking is there someone out there, older than 70 years, that have had the surgery and will share their experience?
Thanks

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edinmaryland | @edinmaryland | Oct 8 4:40am

Had mine at 71
tolerated the surgery well (spent the night in the hospital). The surgery was not hard ( I was certainly feeling it for a few days. Incontinence, ED, Lymphocelle and other 'gifts' that followed were/are no treat However . I would do it again. RARP was recommended
My brother had radiation and I hope it holds for him. In my case if the cancer returns radiation should be on the table

I was not jumping around dying to get back to work a week later. However, I did go back to work two weeks later and could have handled it except for the incontinence. I can do most physical things but the leaking can be mortifying .It is much better now but not where i was per-surgery.

Still, I would pay this price to maybe get ten or 20 more years

diverjer | @diverjer | Oct 8 10:09pm

I was 78 when I had mine.

oommen | @oommen | Oct 9 9:39pm

I had a radical prostatectomy (DaVinci) at age 73. I was pretty fit at the time and no major co-morbidities. The operation itself went pretty smooth - the biggest hassle for me was the urinary catheter that was put in for two weeks. It was uncomfortable and it leaked and was miserable for the two weeks. After the catheter got taken out after two weeks, urinary incontinence was the main problem. It gradually improved (with daily Kegel exercises) and was pretty much under control by about 3-4 months after the operation. Except for the two weeks when the catheter was in place, I maintained my regular gym schedule and did daily walks of about 2-3 miles. I think it all helped.