May 9th 2006
Us -Too! Brampton General Meeting 

“The Management of Post-Prostatectomy
Incontinence” Dr. Jonathan Giddens

Around 65 members, wives and guests attended Dr. Gidden's session on a topic
always of great interest to our members. Dr. Giddens explained that a temporary
period of incontinence almost certainly effected everyone following a prostatectomy
but in most case lasted several weeks to perhaps months.

However in some cases, Dr Giddens explained, incontinence may be prolonged or
permanent and of varied degree. As part of his talk Dr Giddens screened a video
produced on this subject by the American Medical Services [AMS] for Us Too!
[The audio track of this video has been retained in our recording of his talk].
He described some of the causes of incontinence, its severity levels, some of its
inconveniences and impacts on life style while citing associated data.

During his talk he expanded on several of the different levels of treatments options
available to manage incontinence. Dr. Giddens stressed how 'Kegel' exercises not
only prevented incontinence often associated with aging but were vital to reduce
the incidence and severity of incontinence following a prostatectomy. He described
the basics of 'Kegelling', the duration and frequency and recommended that they
be done before and after the operation.

Dr. Giddens discussed the use of medications, injectable bulking agents and
supportive devices but cautioned that benefits from many of these could not always
be assured or long term. He then focused on surgical procedures using implants
such as the 'Male Sling', a minimally invasive 45 minute outpatient procedure
with a high success rate for mild to moderate cases and the 'Artificial Urinary
Sphincter' (AUS), an hour long outpatient procedure considered the 'Gold'
standard in managing moderate to severe incontinence. He covered their
operating principles, the likely candidates, the procedures, advantages and
possible complications and how these were managed. He shared statistical
data on their success and re-operating rates.

The talk was followed by what turned out to be a very educational Question
and Answer session. Dr. Giddens responded in depth to the many questions
and concerns posed by our members, guiding them and suggesting the options
for their specific condition. A very informative evening indeed for everyone
- one with a hopeful message that with the technology available no one need
live with the fear and embarrassment associated with incontinence.

The talk ended somewhat earlier than our usual time but the group continued
stay on and intermingle.

Member Jose Palad who had recently come through a very difficult period while
on Chemotherapy shared his story of how he had coped through it with prayer
and music. He touched the group by playing a short violin piece that had given him
hope and solace through trying times. The evening thus closed amidst much
applause from the audience.

Announcements pertaining to the availability of Audio CDs of our talks, the upcoming
Golf Tournament and Relay for Life, the June Pot Luck and the matter of 'suggestions'
had earlier been brought to the group's attention during Fred's opening remarks.

On behalf of the group our thanks to Dr. Giddens
for a very informative, interactive and educational session.
We hope we can have Dr. Giddens back in the near future!

AUDIO & SLIDES DOWNLOADS

AUDIO: 

Part 1: Talk - "Management of Post- Prostatectomy Incontinence"-Talk

Part 2: Q& A Session - "Management of Post - Prostatectomy Incontinence" - Q&A


Library call Number: Audiobook 616.99463 Gid
Availability: Early June 2006

SLIDES:  No Slides Available at this time
We were advised by Dr. Giddens that the slides of this session are proprietary.