I was immediately set at ease from my first appointment and have been confident that I was in the right hands from then on. I felt at ease talking about anything and had very clear explanations for all questions (from me and my wife), he is courteous, empathetic and enthusiastic, I did not feel like just another patient but that I was having special treatment. He is to the point, does not beat about the bush and I felt, absolutely on top of his profession. In hospital and at consultations Mr Cahill’s bedside manner is second to none well worth looking forward to. Surgery might be a major experience, but I left from my first appointment through surgery and on to several follow up examinations and consultations that I am very lucky to have had Mr Declan Cahill looking after me.

In 2015 a PSA test showed a higher than normal result (6.59). I was referred under BUPA to a Urologist who carried out a transrectal guided biopsy of my prostate and advised no cancer was present, but I should nevertheless undertake quarterly PSA checks. The biopsy led to ecoli infection of my blood which required two further hospital stays for treatment with antibiotics. I was also prescribed Tamsulosin to help with bladder control associated with prostatitis. Through 2015 and 2016 I suffered increasingly from joint pain which appears to be a rare side effect of Tamsulosin. In any case I stopped Tamsulosin and the join pain went away. To help with the prostatitis my GP put me on Finasteride which reduces the size of the prostate. However this drug also changed the PSA level recorded on testing. A rule of thumb is to double the result to get the real PSA. And so in January 2019 with a doubled up PSA of 9.0 I was referred to my local NHS hospital consultant. A multi-parametric MRI scan indicated areas of concern and so was followed by a transperineal prostate biopsy. 48 cores were taken and only one showed a trace amount of cancer (Gleason 3+4). In a follow up meetings I discussed options ranging from brachytherapy, through radiotherapy and radical prostatectomy. In the end I decided (based on the risk expressed to me) to go into an active surveillance programme with continued quarterly PSA’s and 6 monthly MRI scans. Two subsequent MRI scans on 09.19 and 03.20 led to debates on the findings among my NHS urology team and I enlisted a second opinion from Mr Declan Cahill. I chose Mr Cahill because I decided that if the cancer had grown I would elect to have treatment by robotic assisted radical prostatectomy. On-line research and canvassing other patients identified Mr Cahill as a urologist with one of the most successful outcomes using this treatment. Mr Cahill and his radiologist advised that there was a discrepancy between the January 2019 biopsy and the MRI results and supported another biopsy targeting the suspicious area. This was undertaken under the NHS in early July 2020 and reported to me on Friday 17.07.20. The results showed a lesion with mostly Gleason 4 cancer. That same Friday afternoon I forwarded the biopsy results to Mr Cahill and though on holiday he replied the same day agreeing to treat, and asking his secretary to arrange as soon as possible. With Covid restrictions (14 days of self isolation) the earliest date possible was Sunday 2nd August 2020, and that was confirmed as the date of my prostatectomy! I include the history of my prostate issues, not because they will match those of any other patient, but to show others that there is no single path following a high PSA result. I include the history also because it puts this review in context as coming from a patient who has interacted with a number of urologists. From that emailed reply on 17.07.20 until today 12.08.20 I have been ‘cared for’ in the truest sense of these words by Declan Cahill and the team at The Royal Marsden hospital. Packs of information were immediately dispatched to me, arrangements for pre-operative checks were timetabled, and follow up calls from Mr Cahill, his secretary and the admissions and physiotherapy teams at The Royal Marsden ensured I had answers to all my questions. On the morning of the operation Mr Cahill called to see me before surgery to allay any fears, to explain again what would be involved and to ensure paperwork was in order. The morning after surgery and the following morning (I was in hospital for two nights) Mr Cahill called in and checked on my progress. He asked me to send him updates on progress every second day thereafter and replied to any issues which I raised. It has to be said that I have been fortunate not to have any significant issues. In common with those who referred me to Mr Cahill my wounds have healed quickly, my catheter is out after 10 days and I am continent, and my pain was such that I came off paracetamol after 4 days. I believe there is a strong correlation between my choice of surgeon, surgery team, and hospital and my ‘good fortune’!

Having a sky-high PSA result was a shock. Finding Declan Cahill by recommendation was tremendous and I have been more than satisfied with all aspects of my treatment. He organised a series of tests, including MRI & bone scan, and after sending me to a consultant radiologist to talk through alternatives, it became clear to me that I had been given the fullest information and that surgery was the only sensible option but needed to be done quickly. This helped me enormously to understand my situation. His manner approaching the various issues involved with the treatment and recovery was straightforward and thorough but in a relaxed, uncomplicated way that gave me great confidence that there could be a good outcome. I knew that I would be facing certain crucial PSA tests after surgery to determine how successful the operation had been in ensuring none of the cancer had leached out. Apart from the post-operation healing, retraining my bladder was the big (unpleasant) challenge. He had said that it would take six months. Progress seemed very slow but he was always encouraging and he was right; after six months it was under control. Now, five years on, the PSA is still undetectable and he always interested in all aspects of my health. It could not have been done better. Thank you.

I initially met Mr Cahill as part of the decision making process as to what treatment i should have following my Prostate Cancer diagnosis. He was clearly at the top of his profession and was very clear as to the pros and cons of the radical prostatectomy which was both useful and appreciated. One of the biggest challenges for me at the outset was getting definitive advice as to the best course of treatment for man of my age (early 50's) with my specific diagnosis (Worsening PSA results and elevating Gleeson score). Following my meeting with Mr Cahill, I was very relaxed about the decision we had jointly taken. For me, the procedure was simply about pragmatism; something to get over and done. Physically my recovery was swift and the expected side effects not a severe as i was expecting. That being said, whilst the physical recovery was quick and easy, the psychological impact has bothered me a little over the last year and continues to do so. I am incredibly grateful to Mr Cahill and I remain under his expert supervision, and will do so for another twelve months. I cannot speak highly enough of his skills as a surgeon but his qualities as a person set him apart in my opinion.

Inspired confidence, friendly, to the point and informative Always had a very positive outlook

I found Mr Cahill to be very professional throughout my experience with him. His advice and information was very clear and delivered sensitively. At a difficult time he inspired confidence in me and this was reflected in all my dealings from the outset, through surgery and afterwards. He was also very sensitive with my partner, answering all questions and calling her personally immediately after surgery to advise when I was due to come out of my anesthesia and could be visited. I can say that I was very pleased to have Mr Cahill's professionalism, and am very grateful for all of his considerable efforts.

Declan made me feel extremely comfortable with regard to everything he needed to do for my surgery and treatment. He was 'up-front' and completely honest which was very much appreciated. There was no hidden agenda, either for me or for my family and I felt that I was in very good hands. Post surgery, I was impressed with the care and attention, his bedside manner, which was a positive element towards my speed of recovery. That I was able to return home so quickly was also a huge positive. I would like to note here that the nursing staff were well aware of my particular case, as a result of his consistent supervision and took great care of me. Post surgery, the same degree of care and attention was demonstrated during my regular consultations - in person or by phone. I now feel that I have a very good friend plus a doctor who I would not hesitate to recommend to anyone in a similar situation and I am confident that they would receive exactly the same care as me.

Two years ago, aged 42, I had a robotic assisted radical prostatectomy performed by Declan Cahill. Having researched my condition, the possible treatments and associated risks, I was extremely nervous about the possibility of erectile disfunction, incontinence and the failure to remove all the cancerous cells. Having opted for a radical prostatectomy, I researched surgeons and was impressed by what I read about Mr Cahill's attention to mitigating secondary negative outcomes and his focus on the patient as a whole – rather than just the cancer. This was evident throughout the entire process, before, during and after the operation. Two years on, I am extremely fortunate to have undetectable PSA levels and no erectile dysfunction or incontinence. I'm aware that I went into this as a relatively young and fit man but can't praise enough Declan's approach, skill, tenacity and empathy.

Straight talking, clear explanations....and with a sense of humour. Procedure was carried out superbly and another issue was spotted and dealt with....others may well have missed it. You are literally in ‘good hands’.

Being diagnosed with cancer is quite a shock which was to some extent mitigated by the prompt professionalism of the rapid diagnosis unit. Once diagnosed however and presented with three possible treatments with little, in fact no advice on which was appropriate I felt the system lacked clarity. Of the three specialists to whom I was referred only Mr Cahill was able/prepared to make a convincing case for his particular procedure. Not withstanding that and the extremely informative lecture I attended I have been surprised how very depressing I have found the resulting impotence. The incontinence improves daily. Once I had elected for radical surgery the pre and post op treatment was excellent until it came to the appointment to remove the catheter. Unlike the rest of the Royal Marsden experience this was borderline chaotic and from a patient perspective lacked management. In my case the operation has apparently been successful . Huge thanks to all involved.