Surgeon appointment for Robotic Prostatectomy: Questions to ask?

my condition was very similar. gleason 3+3 , one of twelve with cancer, but my PSA was 1.2. Margins were clear. Mine was not considered immediate. I elected for the Robotic nerve sparring surgery. My doctor was with local hospital with his own practice. I started a thread "life after prostate cancer" and many have asked me why the surgery. My Dr said his numbers were 85% success both incontinence and impotence. I had no other issues and active. I fell into the 15% on both. Four and half years later I think maybe I stopped the cancer but I need to figure out the future. so asking now is a good idea. My Dr was a typical I am smarter than you type of guy and bristled at the fact I googled my information. That should have been a clue. I think all the suggestions on here are great ones. I did watch about 5 full surgeries on the internet. I thought it was interesting.

Great comment!

Welcome to our group. Before I weigh in with questions that I’d ask may ask a few things?

1. Are you seeking care at a local community hospital or a center of excellence that utilizes a multi-discipline Tumor Board to review each case?
2. Was an MRI performed before the Biopsy?
3. Was the Biopsy a random 12 core or was it a MRI guided Fusion biopsy?
4. Was there any discussion of having a decipher test or similar genetic test run on the sample to assess the aggressiveness of the cancer?

The reason I ask is because each of these things can make a big difference in outcome, treatment options and quality of life issues like sexual health and urinary continence.

You are asking very good questions. I had my proctectomy at age 59 with a Gleason 3+4=7 (one core) and three 3+3=6 cores. I met with two surgeons, an RO, and a focal expert before deciding on surgery.

I strongly believe the quality and experience of your surgeon is one of the most important factors in maintaining the same quality of life you had before the surgery (specifically, continence and the ability to have an erection). The other important factor is your health going into the surgery (healthy BMI, Kegels before the surgery and an active lifestyle). Dr. Walsh's book on prostate cancer has a section on questions to ask. It would be a good start.

I would ask the following:
1. How many procedures have they done (you want a high number, more than 300 and preferably in the 1000's at a center of excellence IMO)?
2. What is their post-surgery follow up plan and how do they track their patients progress?
3. What is their continence and ED "success rate" (time to regain full function)?
4. Will they utilize the Hood Technique (for continence) and nerve sparing (for ED)?

It can be a scary and confusing time, but a great surgeon will be more than happy to answer any and all questions you have.

Good luck with the appointment!