When a routine annual physical reveals an elevated PSA, then what?
“I met Dr. Bui because, during an annual physical, one of the routine tests I underwent was a PSA test to monitor my prostate health, and it was slightly elevated,” Andrew explains. After years of normal results, this was concerning, as an elevated PSA level (a protein produced by the prostate) can indicate prostate issues.
“When I received the results, I didn’t want to delay and wanted it checked out immediately,” he says.
Andrew’s physician recommended Dr. Bui, a name Andrew was already familiar with. “I had a friend who had prostate carcinoma several years before, and I remember that he had gone to Dr. Bui and had a very positive experience,” Andrew recalls. “So I was pretty convinced that Dr. Bui was the doctor I wanted to see.
For Andrew, a 79-year-old man who diligently attended his annual physicals for years, one routine blood test changed everything. It began with a test that revealed a slightly elevated prostate-specific antigen (PSA) level and led to a prostate cancer diagnosis. Andrew underwent robotic surgery with Dr. Matthew Bui at Tower Urology and has been declared cancer-free. Now healthy and grateful, Andrew wants other men to know that even scary diagnoses can have excellent outcomes when you find the right surgeon.
Finding out the elevated PSA meant prostate cancer
After meeting with Andrew, Dr. Bui ordered specific tests, including an MRI and a biopsy. “After some of the initial tests, Dr. Bui explained that there was the possibility of a false positive, but based on the results, we were going to pursue further testing,” Andrew remembers. Dr. Bui’s honest admission about uncertainty, combined with his thorough approach, immediately instilled trust.
During the biopsy, Dr. Bui provided crucial but honest reassurance. “He told me that it looked like cancer, but he believed the malignancy was pretty well contained,” Andrew shares. When the results confirmed cancer cells, Dr. Bui walked Andrew through his treatment options.
“We discussed the various courses of action open to me, although he was pretty convinced the best way forward with the best probable outcome was a total prostatectomy,” Andrew explains. For his localized prostate cancer, removing the entire prostate gland offered Andrew the best chance for being cancer-free while minimizing damage to the surrounding organs and nerves, since the cancer was still contained within the prostate.
Why waiting for prostate surgery after biopsy is actually better
The surgery was initially scheduled for February, some weeks after Andrew’s pre-Christmas testing. He admits that he was anxious about waiting and the possibility of the cancer spreading. “I was nervous about delaying the surgery,” Andrew recalls. “I didn’t want things to get worse. I just wanted the cancer gone, and so right away I contacted Dr. Bui and asked if we could do it sooner.”
Dr. Bui’s response demonstrated his expertise and his belief that his patients should be both educated and reassured. “He told me it was actually better to wait to allow the prostate to heal from the biopsy,” Andrew says. “He explained that once the swelling and trauma have subsided, it makes it easier during the surgery to make sure that everything has been removed.”
Still, Andrew did his homework. “I actually looked online about how to best proceed with dealing with prostate cancer following a biopsy, and sure enough, Dr. Bui was right. Everything suggested that you wait four to six weeks after a biopsy before having prostatectomy surgery,” he says, “which was just more confirmation that I was in the right hands.”
What made Dr. Bui’s bedside manner so reassuring during cancer treatment
Beyond his surgical skills, Dr. Bui’s approach to patient care made Andrew’s journey manageable. “I really liked his general bedside manner. He’s very straightforward, obviously very knowledgeable, and very reassuring. Overall, it was very comforting to be under his care,” Andrew emphasizes.
The balance Dr. Bui struck was perfect for Andrew. “Although he was realistic and honest about the diagnosis and the possible outcomes, he was also extremely positive,” Andrew notes. “He took the time to share statistics and experiences with treatments and outcomes at each step of my journey, which only reassured me further.”
Whether discussing testing, biopsies, or surgical options like robotic-assisted laparoscopic radical prostatectomy versus open surgery, Dr. Bui provided information without overwhelming or frightening his patient. “He was just very positive in informing me not only about my results but also possible outcomes.”
When robotic prostate surgery delivers exactly what the surgeon predicted
Andrew opted for robot-assisted prostate surgery, which had been his first choice for treatment from the beginning. The procedure, which uses small incisions and specialized equipment, lived up to every promise.
“Everything went fine. Following the surgical procedure, I remained in the hospital overnight, but the next morning, I was discharged,” Andrew reports. With robotic surgery, there is less blood loss, less pain, fewer sutures, and a shorter hospital stay, all of which lead to an easier, quicker recovery. For Andrew, this meant less disruption and a faster return to normal life.
What impressed Andrew most was Dr. Bui’s accurate prediction of how Andrew’s treatment would progress at each stage. “Dr. Bui had laid out what was going to happen at each step of the way, including what I would likely experience post-op, and sure enough, everything happened exactly as described.”
Andrew’s recovery proceeded smoothly. “There were no complications,” he says, “and once I had the urinary catheter removed, I felt great relief. I had no significant side effects, no erectile dysfunction, no urinary incontinence,” Andrew notes, listing the desired outcomes every man hopes for but doesn’t always achieve.
Perfect test results at every follow-up appointment after prostate cancer surgery
“From that point on, I’ve attended regular visits for check-ups — at three months, six months, and so on — and each time all my results have been perfect,” Andrew shares with evident joy. “All my goals have been attained, and all my tests are absolutely clean.”
His PSA levels remain satisfactory, indicating no return of the cancer. His quality of life remains excellent, with preserved sexual function and urinary control. “Everything is as good as I could possibly hope for.”
Why Andrew’s entire family now trusts Dr. Bui for urology care
The success of Andrew’s prostate cancer treatment created trust that extended beyond him. “My wife was also very impressed by Dr. Bui,” he shares, “so when she had a urology concern, we didn’t hesitate to consult him, and she was just as pleased with the care she received.”
Andrew’s final assessment is unequivocal: “I can’t praise Dr. Bui enough.”
Now cancer-free and grateful, Andrew wants other men facing elevated PSA levels or prostate cancer diagnoses to know that excellent outcomes are possible. With vigilant monitoring, prompt action when PSA levels change, and an experienced surgeon performing nerve-sparing robotic surgery, men can achieve what Andrew did: cancer remission with preserved quality of life.
Why choose Tower Urology for prostate cancer treatment?
At Tower Urology, our specialists combine decades of experience in robotic surgery with advanced techniques that maximize cancer removal and remission while preserving quality of life. Dr. Bui and our team understand the importance of clear communication, realistic expectations, and surgical excellence in achieving optimal outcomes for localized prostate cancer.
We invite you to establish a care plan with Tower Urology. Please make an appointment online or call us at (310) 854-9898.
Tower Urology is a proud affiliate of Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, ranked #1 in California and #2 nationwide by U.S. News & World Report. Our years of experience and access to Cedars-Sinai’s world-class facilities ensure exceptional urological care.
Tower Urology is conveniently located for patients throughout Southern California, including Los Angeles, Beverly Hills, Santa Monica, West Los Angeles, West Hollywood, Culver City, Hollywood, Venice, Marina del Rey, Burbank, Glendale, and Downtown Los Angeles.
Frequently asked questions about prostate cancer treatment
While it’s natural to want surgery immediately after a cancer diagnosis, waiting is actually beneficial in most cases. The prostate tissue needs time to heal from the multiple biopsy punctures. This healing period makes the surgery technically easier and allows your surgeon to ensure complete removal of the prostate with minimal damage to surrounding tissues and nerves for better urinary and erectile function outcomes. Prostate cancer typically grows slowly enough that this wait period doesn’t affect outcomes.
Experienced surgeons such as those at Tower Urology can be remarkably accurate in predicting your surgical experience and recovery. When your surgeon explains what to expect, from hospital stay length to post-operative recovery, these predictions are based on experience from previous procedures as well as research and clinical trials. Many patients report that their actual experience closely aligns with what their surgeon described, including the recovery timeline, side effects, and return to normal activities.
At Tower Urology, satisfied patients often bring their entire families for urological care. Many patients who have successful prostate cancer treatment return with their spouses or family members for other urological concerns, from routine issues to complex conditions. The trust built during cancer treatment often extends to comprehensive family care.
Following robotic prostatectomy, you’ll typically have regular monitoring appointments at three months and six months initially, then ongoing follow-up checks based on your results. At each visit, your PSA levels will be checked along with an assessment of urinary and sexual function. If your PSA remains undetectable and you’re recovering well, your appointments may become annual.
Sources:
Comparison of outcomes of robot-assisted vs. open or laparoscopic of radical prostatectomy: a population-based cohort study https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC12521307/
Impact of time from biopsy to surgery on complications, functional and oncologic outcomes following radical prostatectomy
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/30676305/
