AUSTIN (KXAN) — A new study underway at St. David’s Surgical Hospital could help men recover faster and live a better quality of life after prostate cancer surgery.
“One of the biggest side effects of surgery that most men worry about is urinary control or leakage,” said Dr. Eric Giesler, a urologist at St. David’s Surgical Hospital and co-principal investigator for the study. “If we can shorten the amount of time that they leak, or minimize the amount they leak, that would be a great impact.”
David Lynch, a prostate cancer survivor, isn’t part of the study but understands its importance firsthand. He caught his cancer early thanks to a PSA blood test.
“I mean, you’re never ready for this kind of thing, right?” Lynch said. “You think you are, but you’re not. Freaking out that maybe you won’t be able to use the bathroom, who wants to live through that?”
Dr. Giesler, Lynch’s urologist, said the three-year study is focused on improving recovery for men after prostate cancer surgery.
“The study is looking at placing a device that will limit urinary leakage and shorten the time men experience it,” he said. “The goal is to help them return to how they were pre-surgery as soon as possible.”
According to Dr. Giesler, treating the cancer is always the top priority, but regaining quality of life is just as important.
“Number one is to eliminate the cancer,” he said. “Number two is to get them dry, where they have control of their urine. And finally, though we’re not talking about it here, sexual function, the ability to achieve and maintain an erection, is very important.”
For men navigating life after surgery, community support is crucial. Lynch is part of a group called ZERO Cancer and Us TOO, which meets in South Austin on the first Tuesday of every month.
“It helped me tremendously when I was first diagnosed because I didn’t know what was going on,” Lynch said. “Those guys helped me by sharing their stories and supporting me.”
The group offers education about prostate cancer, caregiver resources, and a reminder that no one has to go through recovery alone.
“We’re the guys that can help each other the most,” Lynch said. “There are men there who’ve had it worse than you, and they’re doing great. Just that alone helps.”
Participants in the study will stay in close contact with their doctors and fill out questionnaires tracking their recovery. Once complete, researchers will submit their findings to the FDA for approval.
Dr. Giesler said the results must show clear benefits, including no increased risk of harm, before the device can be offered to patients.
He emphasized that early detection through blood tests remains key to improving survival and recovery.
“Prostate cancer is the number two cause of cancer in men — one in eight men get it,” Dr. Giesler said. “Early on, it’s asymptomatic. That’s why we recommend screening starting at age 40.”
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