Business psychologist, 71, undergoes a new treatment to reduce impotence risk

Surgery for prostate cancer may cause incontinence and impotence. Michael Wellin, 71, a business psychologist from North London, underwent a new procedure that reduces those risks, as he tells ADRIAN MONTI.

THE PATIENT

One of my great passions in life is mountain trekking. Last year, I wanted to go on a very demanding break in Bhutan, and my wife Ruth insisted I had a thorough check-up first, which I had in August.

The doctor felt a small lump on my prostate and said I should have it checked by a urologist. I’d had the same rectal examination only five months earlier, because I was getting up two or three times a night to go to the loo, but had been told all was well.

I saw a urologist friend the next day. An examination and MRI scan confirmed the lump and I was told I might have cancer. As I had been going to the loo more often, which I knew was a sign of prostate problems, it wasn’t a total surprise. I also had marginally raised levels of the prostate-specific antigen (PSA) protein, which can be a sign of a prostate problem.

Michael Wellin, 71, a business psychologist from North London, underwent a new procedure that reduces those risks during surgery for prostate cancer

Michael Wellin, 71, a business psychologist from North London, underwent a new procedure that reduces those risks during surgery for prostate cancer

My friend recommended I saw Senthil Nathan, a consultant urological surgeon, privately, at The London Clinic. He did a biopsy and told me that while I had cancer, it was slow growing.

Mr Nathan said in 50 per cent of cases like mine, things do not get worse and recommended ‘active surveillance’, starting no treatment unless more tests show the cancer is growing.

He said I would be fine to go on my Bhutan trek and, distracted by walking eight hours a day and sleeping under canvas in sub-zero temperatures, I didn’t dwell on the diagnosis.

In mid-November, shortly after my return, an MRI showed the tumour had grown from 11mm to 14mm — a dramatic increase in only three months.

I was keen to have the cancer removed and so favoured surgery out of the various options.

Mr Nathan explained that the nerves around the prostate are often removed as well as the gland itself, to ensure all the cancer is taken away, but this can cause impotence and incontinence. However, a new technique can avoid this.

It involved removing the prostate — minus the nerves — and rapidly freezing it. The tissue would then be analysed while I was under anaesthetic, showing how much, if any, of the nerves needed to be taken away.

It meant I was less likely to have lasting side-effects, so I was happy to have it. My attitude was to get the cancer out of my body as soon as possible so I could get on with my life.

There are various treatment options for prostate cancer, depending on the aggression of the disease and whether it is still localised within the prostate

There are various treatment options for prostate cancer, depending on the aggression of the disease and whether it is still localised within the prostate

I had surgery a week before Christmas. I was up and walking the next day and went home the following day.

I had a catheter [long thin tube] for ten days to make urinating easier, but I was in little pain and was driving within a fortnight. I used incontinence pads for two months but my bladder control is expected to return to normal soon and I don’t have erectile dysfunction.

My PSA score is now zero — a sign the cancer has gone and a great reassurance. My goal is to be strong enough go trekking in May with my son

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