It was withdrawn through a slightly enlarged incision. Forman had to stay three nights at UMass because of a common problem, anesthesia having slowed down his intestinal function. But Thursday he happily went home, saying he was in no pain and needing no painkillers. A second patient operated on the same day went home Wedneseday. Dahl and Dr. Robert Blute, chief of urology, said they are happy with the results of the 35 laparascopic prostates they've done since last spring.
Patients usually go home after two nights in the hospital, and quickly return to work.
It's too soon to determine the rates of incontinence or impotence with the new surgery. Among other concerns, they say they aren't sure the minimally invasive surgery does as good a job of ensuring that cancer hasn't escaped from the tough capsule covering the prostate gland. He says the standard operation has been getting better, with smaller incisions and shorter hospital stays, but he agrees the at-home recovery period is briefer. He said he plans to learn the new technique once he's convinced it provides equal results to the standard operation. The Boston Globe.