Robotic Prostatectomy Caused Penile Anatomy Dysfunction & Pain

By Mike Wilson

1 min read

This story may not get published, but someone will have to read it. This surgery was life-changing for me. I had it on 3/1/2018. I have had surgeries and salvage radiation, but all of them together pales in comparison. I do not suffer from what the doctors talk about Most of them argue I don't have what I think I do or I'm exaggerating it. I can't tell you how many times I have heard I don't understand anatomy. I had an extremely large prostate, so I don't blame the surgeon completely, except for his response. He admitted to removing 3+" of the urethra.

I lost ALL of my penis. Spontaneous erections at 4 months were 1.5"long. Otherwise pulled inside. I was having good erections presurgery and had nerve-sparing on the left bundle. Even today with aggressive measures using traction and vacuum pump, I have gained very little. Still almost too short to use a urinal and uncomfortable to sometimes painful to sit down because of how it tries to pull inside out. Evidently I either have my bladder adhered to something or something is blocking it from falling down.

Please don't try to tell me again how I don't understand anatomy. I have studied it at length for 2+ years. After radiation, I don't think internal surgery is a good option. Plus, there is no guarantee it will work. I am in line for a urethra reroute. I have switched doctors and finally have one that "gets it." I know I am an anomaly, but realize this is a possibility.

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greyhair Member
I have also experience a large shrinkage after surgery. I wasn't very large to start with (more of a grower). I now have a lot of difficulty urinating and usually sit down to avoid messes. I have not experienced the pain you reported but sex has been almost impossible. Really difficult since my wife and I are still in our early 40's. I hope you have success with your new doctor. Just wanted you to know that your not alone.
1. Mike Wilson Contributor
 Thank you Greyhair, Sorry you are in my club. I have talked with others that have lost almost as much as I have. The only clue I got after 2+ years searching is that something is keeping my bladder from dropping down. You may have the same thing. My problem is the tension mine is under when I sit down. Sex is impossible and not what I am after. I just can't live with it anymore. I have read about and talked to thousands of people including implant recipients. Some of the ones that start out where we are are still not happy after the implant. I found out that some of the transgender surgeons have a modified surgery they do for this, if that tells you anything.
Dennis E. Golden Moderator & Contributor
Shrinkage happens and it is often the one thing that MD's seem to forget when they discuss the benefits of surgery. I have had a similar experience to yours but not to the same extent. I also have found it easier to sit sometimes vs stand as one is never 100% sure which way things will shoot. I have discovered that standing does (at least for me) a better job at cleaning out my bladder. I look at it this way - I am alive and so far all is good. For me it is about adjusting. Suspect not much can be done about erection issues unless one decides on implant surgery. So far I have taken a pass on that one. Looks like you are in good hands with a new MD - keep us posted Dennis(ProstatCancer.net Team)
debtfree2 Member
I'm praying for your mind and your peace brother. You're a warrior. Only a warrior could stand up under this kind of test and write about it to encourage others and use their own experiences as therapy. I just wanted you to know that, and know that you're not alone..
Mike Wilson Contributor
Thanks for your prayers Debtfree. This has been the hardest thing I have ever faced and the only way to fix it is extreme. I really don't have a choice. I just wish someone would have mentioned this possibility before I had the surgery. I want to warn others. From what I have read at least 85% lose about an inch. They don't discuss the 1% or less category that I am probably in. What I am doing will not be a picnic, but at least I can have my life back. I had to get a psychiatric evaluation before they would let me do it. If you dare, you might figure out what it is by my reply to Greyhair.