Any experiences with pelvic fascia-sparing prostate surgery?

@nicholasn, I found a current clinical trial that is being conducted at Weill Cornell and Northwestern as well as John's Hopkin's.
- Study protocol for a prospective, multi-centered randomized controlled trial comparing pelvic fascia-sparing radical prostatectomy with conventional robotic-assisted prostatectomy: The PARTIAL trial https://clinicaltrials.gov/study/NCT05155501

It sounds like this surgical approach is still be studied to see if "PFS-RARP is non-inferior to RARP in terms of cancer control and has better functional outcomes," it could become the surgical standard of care for men with localized prostate cancer.

Are you considering the clinical trial?

Hi Colleen,
Yes, I’ve been in contact with them and am considering becoming a participant. I’ve also located a surgeon at Fred Hutch that performs the pelvic fascia-sparing surgery. We’re in the process of scheduling consults now.
Thank you for taking the time to research it and reply.
Nick

Good to know about Fred Hutch using this type of surgery as well. Is it standard of care there or part of a clinical trial?

There’s only the one surgeon who uses that technique at FH and I believe it’s on a case by case basis. I’ll post more about it after the consult. As far as I know, they’re not part of the clinical trial.
I understand that only about 10% of the surgeries performed today are pelvic fascia-sparing. According to Dr Schaeffer, it adds about 45 minutes to the procedure and the surgeon’s workspace is smaller. So, it’s more difficult and there’s an increased risk of not getting all the cancer out, but the results appear to be worth it. It’s definitely worth the time and effort to find the best surgeon you can!
Dr Peter Attia has a great podcast (paid subscription) with Dr Edward Schaeffer that has a segment about the procedure. Dr Schaeffer is also participating in the clinical trial and has been using the technique for about 2.5 years now.
Nick

I went to Dr. Schaeffer for a consultation he brought this procedure up but I think I'm against surgery for myself. I'm headed to Dr. Woodrum for a clinical study Tuesday on Tulsa procedure under advanced imaging. I don't know if anybody knows about Dr. woodroom. When I look at the incontinence and ED rates, even in the hands of the best surgeons, calling life issues to me or everything being a 3+4 and a Polaris score of 3.3 my thought is at the very least kick the can down the road and deal with 2030 technology versus 2024.

Hi, I'm wondering how your interview with Dr. Woodroom re: Tulsa went? I'm trying to sort out my treatment option. Thanks!

My Mayo surgeon used the hood technique which I think spares the anterior facsial structures. I was continent after catheter removal.

Welcome, @jonathancairns. Which treatment options are your considering?