Is there a downside to a Urologist scoping you at one year post RALF?

Posted by oldoz @oldoz, Mar 23 10:16pm

One year post RALF still at < .01. Never had leakage after surgery just urinary retention issues, which I handled by avoiding eating or drinking anything that was listed as a bladder irritant. The retention has gotten worse. They want to scope me to see if there is a restriction and take a look inside my bladder. The PA told me that the doctor is careful, but if something is overstretched or cut to ease the restriction there is a potential risk of leakage in the future. He didn't tell me the odds, but did confirm that I am not emptying very well, and that can eventually damage the kidneys. Anybody have any thoughts or experience on this.

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No worries! I was scoped 6 months after RARP because they found bladder cancer during the surgery. It was a non-event.
Phil

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I had a cystoscopy about three months ago. It was as simple a procedure as I’ve ever been through. I was able to watch as they used the camera to look inside my urethra. Never really felt anything. They did use a little bit of a numbing where they go in.

I had this done in preparation for having an AUS (Artificial urinary sphincter ) installed. I’ve had a lot of incontinence problems after surgery and radiation and this can resolve it. Not the same as your problem. If you have leaking as a long-term problem, this is the solution if you haven’t had radiation.

I don’t expect there is a risk of injury. You should ask them what the likelihood is of that happening.

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Thanks for the info guys. That would be great if I could watch it on a screen.

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Profile picture for Jeff Marchi @jeffmarc

I had a cystoscopy about three months ago. It was as simple a procedure as I’ve ever been through. I was able to watch as they used the camera to look inside my urethra. Never really felt anything. They did use a little bit of a numbing where they go in.

I had this done in preparation for having an AUS (Artificial urinary sphincter ) installed. I’ve had a lot of incontinence problems after surgery and radiation and this can resolve it. Not the same as your problem. If you have leaking as a long-term problem, this is the solution if you haven’t had radiation.

I don’t expect there is a risk of injury. You should ask them what the likelihood is of that happening.

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@jeffmarc Sorry that you have to go thru yet another procedure because of this crap, but it’s got to be better than clamps!😳
Wishing you the best on a fantastic outcome!
Phil

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Profile picture for Jeff Marchi @jeffmarc

I had a cystoscopy about three months ago. It was as simple a procedure as I’ve ever been through. I was able to watch as they used the camera to look inside my urethra. Never really felt anything. They did use a little bit of a numbing where they go in.

I had this done in preparation for having an AUS (Artificial urinary sphincter ) installed. I’ve had a lot of incontinence problems after surgery and radiation and this can resolve it. Not the same as your problem. If you have leaking as a long-term problem, this is the solution if you haven’t had radiation.

I don’t expect there is a risk of injury. You should ask them what the likelihood is of that happening.

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@jeffmarc Good information Jeff. I will be having a cystoscopy in the next few days. Your comment helped relax me as to the potential for injury.

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Profile picture for Jeff Marchi @jeffmarc

I had a cystoscopy about three months ago. It was as simple a procedure as I’ve ever been through. I was able to watch as they used the camera to look inside my urethra. Never really felt anything. They did use a little bit of a numbing where they go in.

I had this done in preparation for having an AUS (Artificial urinary sphincter ) installed. I’ve had a lot of incontinence problems after surgery and radiation and this can resolve it. Not the same as your problem. If you have leaking as a long-term problem, this is the solution if you haven’t had radiation.

I don’t expect there is a risk of injury. You should ask them what the likelihood is of that happening.

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Are we supposed to show up with a full bladder or try to be as empty as possible for the scope procedure? I failed to ask and don't the PA telling me that.

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They wanted a urine sample before it, but I had already peed so I couldn’t give them one.

They do inject water into your bladder

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Profile picture for Jeff Marchi @jeffmarc

They wanted a urine sample before it, but I had already peed so I couldn’t give them one.

They do inject water into your bladder

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@jeffmarc
"They do inject water into your bladder "
Now THAT is a strange sensation!
LOL.

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Profile picture for sanDGuy @sandguy

@jeffmarc
"They do inject water into your bladder "
Now THAT is a strange sensation!
LOL.

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@sandguy
As the scope goes in, they inject liquid down with it, to ease the movement. Not sure if it’s distilled water or a saline solution or what. Definitely clear liquid.

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