Robotic prostatectomy and lymph nodes dissection

My surgeon took my right pelvic lymph node for testing since my cancer seemed to be on the right side of my prostate. I don't think there was any issue at all. If he hadn't told me before he was doing it I doubt I'd know.

When we discussed it prior, I asked what were the "ramifications" of removal. He read the litany of things they have to tell you about any surgery (I call it the public service announcement LOL). I asked again emphasizing the word "ramifications", his response was that there would likely be nothing I'd notice. He was correct.

The testing on it turned out to be negative. Yay.

My surgeon took eight lymph-node biopsies. Seven were negative; however, one was positive. Ugh.
Long story short, I’m doing well. It’s been two-years now. I’m grateful to God and to the medical community.

Last November, my Mayo-Rochester surgeon removed 9 lymph nodes while performing the radical prostatectomy. Biopsy results were Gleason 7 (4/3). I was very happy with this decision because it allowed for post surgery pathology to be performed and a better understanding of my situation. In the end, margins were negative for the prostate and no spread to lymph nodes. As I always say, you never know if cancer has spread, but technology of today shows I should be good to go.

Based on my experience and what I have heard from others, this non-medical lay person would recommend having a sample of lymph nodes removed for pathology.

Good luck!

Jim

I had this done 6 months ago. All nodes were negative. I have had some lymphedema in my right leg since then...water retention/swelling in the ankle and lower calf due to the change in the lymph drainage from the leg. I manage it with exercise and compression stockings.

Before I retired, I was a gynecologic surgeon. With that knowledge, it was inconceivable to me that I would undergo the risk of major cancer surgery without removing the lymph nodes which drain the prostate area...that's how cancer starts its spread through the body. Not having the information obtained (cancer present in the nodes or not) precludes knowing whether further treatment might be needed in addition to the surgery. Removing the lymph nodes is part of why they call the surgery "radical".

Compared to the after effects of 3 months of improving urinary incontinence and on-going erectile dysfunction, the lymphedema was the least of the surgery's impact on my life since.

I had my RALP a year ago. 15 lymph nodes removed. All clear. Thank God. I thought removing some nodes near to the Prostrate was standard practice. If any of them come up with cancer inside the Surgeon would probably recommend seeing an Oncologist. Radiation after the urethra heals up may be required. The lymph nodes being removed are measured in mm, they're not large like the ones under the arms, etc. He'll never miss them. 😊

Husband had 23 removed during his RARP. One positive 😔. He has had no issues at all after the removal of the nodes.

Had 13 pelvic nodes removed with RLP in July at Mayo Jax. All negative. Had first post op PSA yesterday. Hallelujah! < .1. Surgeon termed this “undetectable!” Will continue PSA’s at three month intervals. Feeling very blessed.

Had 35 removed 6 positive during laparoscopic removal 11 mos ago can t identify any side effects. Bigger worry is what to do after Adt fails.

I had robotic surgery 4 months ago. No lymph nodes removed. All is good. 0 PSA

I concur with hammer. I had almost the exact Stage of PC as you, it was 3 months ago and all the LNs taken all negative. Go back for my first blood work in 3 weeks and hope Gleason is 0. I pee 200 times a day and now on two pills called Minapine and Betmiga 50 mg 3rd day on adding this Betmiga. Pee count is cut some but not normal at all. I stay home and do things, exercise hard againg 2.5 hours a day. Do the Kelgel and also the Pelvic one, lay on your back with legs up so you can hunch in the air and hold it a minute pushing up hard and a 1,000 cruches as it all builds back your core. The whole was the dreadufl and awful thing to happen to me. My dinky is dead, little and can't roll on my right side as it hurts too now. I am optismic and joke about it all as
what choice does one have. God Bless all of you