02 Apr, 2025
02 Apr, 2025
- Patient Story of Robotic Prostatectomy Survivor, Nikhil Kumar Das
For any cancer patient, the cancer journey is not something that ends with their treatment. So much more comes after, which needs prompt attention and care.
Did you complete your cancer surgery? You need rehabilitation, you need to look out for possible complications, and you need a plan to gradually return to your normal life.
Did you finish your last round of chemotherapy? You need your expert team by your side to help manage chemotherapy side effects and adjust to life after cancer.
Staying in contact with your care team after treatment significantly helps in managing potential side effects, enhances your quality of life, and supports leading a normal life after cancer.
In this patient story, we are talking about Nikhil Kumar Das, who underwent a successful robotic prostatectomy for prostate cancer only to encounter a serious complication from the procedure.
So, how did he manage his complications, and what was HCG’s role in this? Read this prostate cancer story to find out more.
Everything was fine for 60-year-old Nikhil Kumar Das until he learned about his prostate cancer diagnosis. Upon carefully reviewing his case, Dr. Gaurav Aggarwal, HOD & Senior Consultant in Uro-Oncology & Robotics at HCG Cancer Centre, Kolkata, recommended Nikhil undergo a robotic prostatectomy, a procedure where the prostate gland is removed through minimally invasive surgery.
The surgery was successful, and Nikhil was cancer-free. However, the surgery itself came with its own set of challenges. Keep reading this cancer patient story to know more.
Additional Reading: Benefits of Robotic Surgery for Localized Prostate Cancer
Before Nikhil could breathe a sigh of relief after his successful surgery, he began to experience urinary leakage. This complication arose from his surgery. To manage this, he was required to use diapers. This added a layer of physical and mental strain to Nikhil’s prostate cancer journey, as he worried about his condition constantly.
As a leading cancer hospital in Kolkata, HCG's commitment to patient care doesn't end with the treatment. Their approach extends beyond it, focusing on the overall well-being of their patients through diligent follow-up care and effective complication management.
Under the guidance of Dr. Gaurav, Nikhil was introduced to pelvic floor exercises, which became a crucial part of his recovery. He was advised to perform these exercises regularly, sometimes even eight to ten times a day. This personalized follow-up care plan enabled Nikhil to effectively recover and return to his normal life.
The first sixteen days were particularly challenging, with Nikhil using up to ten diapers a day. However, his determination, combined with HCG's continuous support, paid off, and the number began to decrease steadily—first to nine, then eight, seven, and eventually down to just one a day.
The constant anxiety faced by him and his family lifted as they witnessed remarkable progress in Nikhil’s prostate cancer journey.
HCG stood by Nikhil, providing necessary support and resources throughout his journey. Our comprehensive care ensured he received not only medical attention but also emotional and practical assistance during this challenging period, making his prostate cancer experience seamless. Through a multidisciplinary approach, regular check-ups, and personalized exercise plans, we focused on improving the quality of life and overall well-being for Nikhil and helping him return to his normal life with fewer challenges.
Urinary incontinence or loss of bladder control is one of the most common complications of robotic prostatectomy.
Urine outflow is regulated by two sphincters (a type of valve): the internal sphincter and the external sphincter. The internal sphincter is removed during prostate surgery, while the external sphincter can effectively control urine flow. However, this depends on the strength of the pelvic floor muscles.
In most cases, the urine incontinence caused by prostate surgery goes away within weeks to months. It is often managed with medications and exercises. However, if it is severe, surgery may be recommended.
The key to managing treatment complications effectively lies in seeking timely medical attention.
Grateful for the combined efforts of Dr. Gaurav and HCG, Nikhil's message is clear: overcoming such challenges is possible with the right guidance and unwavering dedication. HCG's commitment to follow-up care and comprehensive support made a significant difference in his recovery, improving his prostate cancer experience. Nikhil's patient success story stands as a beacon of hope for others facing similar battles, a testament to human resilience and the power of compassionate care.
