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Hi all - are there any guys in the group who are prostate cancer survivors who used Dr. Hakky for your implants? If so, did you have a radical prostatectomy, pelvic radiation, or both? As I understand, the surgery is different for those of us who have had radical prostatectomies because of where the reservoir has to be placed. Did Dr Hakky use the infrapubic or penascrotal incision for your implant surgery?

I had my implant before I Prostate, cancer diagnosis, so I cannot answer your question. But your post prompt me to ask my own question.

How is the reservoir placement complicated by the absence of the prostate? I would’ve thought it might make it easier, but that is just a speculation. Anyhow, I hope your question does not suggest removing my prostate will be made more difficult by the presence of the reservoir, tubing, and implant.

davidwhite08 wrote:Hi all - are there any guys in the group who are prostate cancer survivors who used Dr. Hakky for your implants? If so, did you have a radical prostatectomy, pelvic radiation, or both? As I understand, the surgery is different for those of us who have had radical prostatectomies because of where the reservoir has to be placed. Did Dr Hakky use the infrapubic or penascrotal incision for your implant surgery?

That is not true. The reservoir is usually placed on the left. However, if you have had any surgery that compromises the area he will generally place it on the opposite side. Hakky told me this himself. I have penascrotel incisions. He prefers that approach as well.

Lost Sheep wrote:I had my implant before I Prostate, cancer diagnosis, so I cannot answer your question. But your post prompt me to ask my own question.

How is the reservoir placement complicated by the absence of the prostate? I would’ve thought it might make it easier, but that is just a speculation. Anyhow, I hope your question does not suggest removing my prostate will be made more difficult by the presence of the reservoir, tubing, and implant.

Dr. Hakky told me that in a non-prostate cancer patient the reservoir is typically placed in what is called “the space of retzius” which is a type of vacant space next to a guy’s bladder. In men who have had a prostatectomy that tissue in that space next to the bladder is compromised, so the reservoir has to be placed submuscular in a guy’s abdomen. In your case, I don’t believe you have to worry about a future prostatectomy impacting your implant at all since your reservoir is already in place.

Odecko wrote:

davidwhite08 wrote:Hi all - are there any guys in the group who are prostate cancer survivors who used Dr. Hakky for your implants? If so, did you have a radical prostatectomy, pelvic radiation, or both? As I understand, the surgery is different for those of us who have had radical prostatectomies because of where the reservoir has to be placed. Did Dr Hakky use the infrapubic or penascrotal incision for your implant surgery?

That is not true. The reservoir is usually placed on the left. However, if you have had any surgery that compromises the area he will generally place it on the opposite side. Hakky told me this himself. I have penascrotel incisions. He prefers that approach as well.

Question - Dr Hakky told me that he prefers to use the infrapubic incision on men who have had a prostatectomy because it allows easier placement of the reservoir, but he did the penalscrotal incision with you? Did your surgery & recovery go smoothly?

It is my understanding that the "usual" placement location is within the space of Retzeus which is defined by the prostate gland. Upon removal of the prostate the space isn't as well defined and the skilled highly experienced surgeon will locate reservoir where they deem appropriate within that general area based on individual anatomy. Having had a prostatectomy shouldn't be a concern.. My opinion is again, having a high volume skilled surgeon is the answer. Regards.

davidwhite08 wrote:

Odecko wrote:

davidwhite08 wrote:Hi all - are there any guys in the group who are prostate cancer survivors who used Dr. Hakky for your implants? If so, did you have a radical prostatectomy, pelvic radiation, or both? As I understand, the surgery is different for those of us who have had radical prostatectomies because of where the reservoir has to be placed. Did Dr Hakky use the infrapubic or penascrotal incision for your implant surgery?

That is not true. The reservoir is usually placed on the left. However, if you have had any surgery that compromises the area he will generally place it on the opposite side. Hakky told me this himself. I have penascrotel incisions. He prefers that approach as well.

Question - Dr Hakky told me that he prefers to use the infrapubic incision on men who have had a prostatectomy because it allows easier placement of the reservoir, but he did the penalscrotal incision with you? Did your surgery & recovery go smoothly?

My recovery was NOT smooth. I had a lot of pain after the surgery but it was due to inflating issues on my part. I didn't know how to deflate it properly. He mentioned that my reservoir was placed in a space that would be hard to remove if i needed a replacement. He mentioned I would probably die with it in place. I am not currently having any issues. However, when I am fully deflated I feel a small cramplike ache almost like a intestinal gas bubble. Not really an issue though.