Out-of-Town Guest Questions

Q: Do I need to come to Austin for a consultation prior to my surgery?

A: If you wish to come to Austin for a consultation before making a decision on scheduling your surgery our staff will be happy to coordinate that for you. Many patients decide to have Dr. Giesler perform their surgery before their consultation based on his experience, reputation, or first-hand knowledge of a patient he operated on. For the convenience of these patients, Dr. Fagin can schedule this consultation the day before your surgery.

Q: If I want Dr. Giesler to perform my daVinci Prostate Surgery How Many Trips do I Need to Make to Austin?

A: Anywhere from 1 to 4. The times you will visit with Dr. Giesler include your pre-surgery consultation, your surgery day, the day your catheter is removed (6-8 days later), and at 8 weeks post-surgery to assess your recovery. To minimize travel many patients arrive in Austin, do their consultation with Dr. Fagin the day before surgery, stay in Austin after the operation until your catheter is out, and follow-up with Dr. Giesler at 8 weeks via phone or internet. This allows you only need to make one trip. In addition to your surgery Dr. Giesler would like to see his patients

Q: How Long do I Need to Stay in Austin after my Surgery?

A: Out-of-town patients typically stay in Austin for 2-9 days depending on their preference. Patients typically arrive the day prior to their surgery. If they have not met with Dr. Giesler yet, they will see him that day for an in-office consultation and prostate measurement. Surgery will be the following day and most patients only need to stay in the hospital over-night. Patients may then go home or remain in Austin until either day 6 or 8 after the surgery. On that day, Dr. Giesler will get an x-ray in Austin to determine if things have healed up well enough for the catheter to be removed. Dr. Giesler recommends patients stay in Austin an additional 24 hours to be sure all is well before returning home.

Q: Do I have to come back to Austin for my x-ray and catheter removal?

A: Since the area where Dr. Giesler re-attached your bladder to your urethra is important in your recovery of urinary control, he prefers to view the x-ray himself and have his staff remove your catheter. Although you are welcome to go home in between your release from the hospital and your catheter removal, some patients find it more convenient to stay in Austin for the week. Exceptions have been made for special circumstances.

Q: What do I need to bring with me for my consultation with Dr. Giesler?

A: You will need your insurance card, Dr. Giesler’s history and physical form (which you can download off the web site and fill out prior to your visit), a copy of your most recent PSA, a copy of your biopsy report, and a copy of any CT scans or bone scans that were done. Even if these items were faxed to Dr. Giesler’s office it is best to bring an extra copy with you.

Q: Does Dr. Giesler need to repeat the biopsy?

A: No. You only need to provide Dr. Giesler with a copy of your biopsy report.

Q: Where can I stay while in Austin?

A: Reduced room rates have been negotiated for Dr. Giesler’s out-of-town patients at the beautiful Barton Creek Resort and Spa (www.bartoncreek.com). Dr. Giesler’s surgical schedulers can give you the necessary contact information to make your reservations. The resort is located just a few miles away fromThe Hospital at Westlake. A complementary shuttle is available to take you from the resort to and from Dr. Giesler’s office and The Hospital at Westlake. Rooms at Barton Creek are subject to availability so be sure to make your reservations in advance. If the resort does not have availability be sure to put yourself on the waiting list as rooms frequently become available as your surgery date nears. Certain insurances require that Dr. Giesler perform your surgery at another hospital in Austin and alternate hotel accommodations can be recommended by Dr. Giesler’s staff on an individual basis.

Q: I heard that I need to have blood work, an EKG, and chest x-ray prior to surgery. Can I do these in my hometown?

A: Yes. Dr. Giesler and his staff will assist you in coordinating these tests being performed in your home town. The doctor whose office you have these test done at can fax the results to Dr. Giesler and our office will coordinate getting the results to the Hospital.

Q: How soon can I leave Austin after the surgery?

A: You can leave the day you are released from the Hospital if you wish. However, if may be beneficial to stay in Austin an additional day to be sure you are comfortable getting around and caring for your catheter before you go home.