29 of 29 people found the following review helpful:
4.0 out of 5 stars
Thorough coverage with one or two flaws, January 14, 1999
By A Customer
Patrick Walsh, perhaps the best-known urologist in the country, has written a book with very good coverage of the main issues related to prostate cancer. It is readable, and for the most part, treats controversial issues fairly.
My main problem with the book is the discussion on incontinence following a radical prostatectomy. Walsh devotes only two pages to this problem (except for scattered references elsewhere) and tends to dismiss any concern with this subject. "It (incontinence) will go away soon--don't be discouraged" (p. 108). "You will get through this" (p. 111).
I had this surgery at age 62 by a highly competent and experienced urologist. Like Walsh, he dismissed any possibility of long-term incontinence. But after the catheter was removed, I dribbled more or less continually (except at night) for 15 months, wearing four or five pads a day, without the slightest improvement. Only when my urologist installed an artificial sphincter did the condition improve. And while figures vary, I have seen reports that up to 10 percent or more of men may have this problem.
In fairness to Dr. Walsh, he did revise his comments in the second edition of the book, acknowledging that some men may have a problem here. He qualifies his original optimism somewhat.
His discussion of impotence is mostly fair. His estimate of 68 percent of men who remain potent after the surgery seems somewhat high, in that most other studies are less optimistic. Walsh is well-known for having pioneered the "nerve-sparing" surgery that preserves potency for many men." He discusses possible remedies for impotence, but the book appeared before viagra had come out.
There are a number of areas where Walsh's discussion is very helpful, and I do not want to sound mainly critical. I do believe that as we gain more experience with seed implants and cyrosurgery, there will be a shift away from the radical surgery.
All in all, the book is well done and certainly worth reading by anyone interested in the subject.
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20 of 20 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
Highly recommended to all my patients, August 6, 1999
By A Customer
Walsh and Worthington have written a book that explains complicated principles in easy to understand language. As a urologist, I make this "required reading" for all my patients undergoing evaluation for prostate problems; the discussion on PSA and prostate cancer is especially good. When patients come to me confused about prostate issues, this is the book I suggest they read.
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20 of 20 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
The only one I unhesitatingly recommend to others, February 27, 2001
After months of study following my diagnosis of prostate cancer, this is one of 3 books I kept for my personal library, and the only one I unhesitatingly recommend to others. Key feature: It covers the 3 main things that can go wrong with your prostate, not just cancer. It is objective, balanced and thorough enough you may wish to hide your eyes on some pages! It is excellent background, well organized and detailed enough that I continually refer to it. My wife also found it excellent as well.
Worthington is the Science Editor for John Hopkins with an outstandingly clear ability to communicate to the novice or experienced patient. Walsh is the noted prostate cancer surgeon who pioneered nerve sparing radical prostectomy, for those who choose that route.
I did not choose surgery, but this book enabled me to objectively approach that as an option during my study. I wish I had read this book years ago for the understanding of the prostate it contains. All men should have this book for its discussion of prostate problems in general. Face it guys, one or more of these is likely to happen to you. If you are actually diagnosed with prostate cancer, it is an excellent place to start your study and familiarize yourself with prostate anatomy and treatment options.
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