Following a positive cancer biopsy I underwent a robotic radical prostatectomy at MUHC performed by Dr. Aprikian. Since the operation, more than two and a half years ago, I have suffered from severe and continuous urinary incontinence. I have no choice but to wear a diaper (not a pad) 24/7. Currently my average leakage is about 600g per day, with a wide variation from day to day. Typically I use 2 or 3 diapers every day.

The incontinence has an extremely negative impact on my life. I have been told that I can expect no spontaneous improvement in the situation going forward.

I am retired and single, unattached. Travel is at best very difficult to contemplate, if not completely impractical. A romantic relationship with a woman is totally inconceivable. My social life has been completely disrupted. Even going out in the evening for a meal at a restaurant is problematic. The whole situation is very depressing.

Looking at previous reviews I note that others have had a much more favourable outcome following surgery with Dr. Aprikian. I have never received from Dr. Aprikian any explanation as to why my result is so much worse than that of others. My understanding, in terms of the severity of urinary incontinence, is that my result is in the worst 1% or 2% of all radical prostatectomies. I am aware that Dr. Aprikian is held in high esteem by other physicians. I certainly expected a better result from an experienced surgeon operating in a modern well-equipped hospital.

I tried physiotherapy but it did not reduce the incontinence. Only further surgical intervention offers a chance for improvement. The options are either an AUS (artificial urinary sphincter) or an ATOMS (adjustable transobturator male system). Both of these options are problematic. Neither can be expected to achieve 100% effectiveness. In both cases the device can wear out and would need to be replaced (further surgery) after a number of years. Both options have a high rate of complications, e.g. infection. The AUS requires manual manipulation every time one needs to urinate.

The first step in having surgery is to have a preliminary urodynamic test. This is required before going on the waiting list for surgery. I have been waiting for over a year at the MUHC to receive an appointment for the urodynamic test. I know that the test is performed by a single nurse and takes about an hour. So not only can I not get onto the waiting list for surgery (which is likely a very long wait) I cannot even get an appointment for this relatively simple preliminary test. I have concluded that the MUHC only gives lip service to a patient’s quality of life.

Fortunately, so far, my PSA remains undetectable, i.e. the cancer has not returned.

As for Dr. Aprikian’s staff, several times I left a phone message for the staff to call me back. Sometimes they returned the call and sometimes they did not.

I face a very bleak future. I am not a happy person.

Submitted Dec. 31, 2023

Restored my faith in social medicine. Very professional and helpful.

Submitted Oct. 14, 2022

Kind and compassionate and courteous. Clearly explains the prognosis and treatments.

Submitted Sept. 29, 2022

Fantastic doc. He operated on me 5 years ago , still in remission great doc., attentive to needs

Submitted Aug. 16, 2022

Dr. Aprikian and his team have my deepest appreciation.

Submitted March 24, 2021

From the start of my third opinion , and final being Dr. Aprikian , to date ,nothing but thanks to Dr, Aprikian and his team for an extremely successful surgical outcome and follow up. He is extremely thorough , precise , and compassionate . If you have Prostate Cancer , he is the Oncologist Urologist / Surgeon you need .
Edward Ellington Jr.

Submitted Feb. 6, 2021

un grand merci au docteur Apikian qui ma surement sauver la vie apres une intervention au rein qui etait atteint d un tumeur cancereux .un homme honnete qui prend le temps nous parler et de nous rassurer. Bravo et qui se preoccupe d un suivi rigoureux tous les ans au plaisir de vous revoir

Submitted Dec. 4, 2020

Very professional, knowledgeable and tells it like it is. Had full robotic prostatectomy. Would not hesitate recommending him.

Submitted July 7, 2020

He is a good listener, had a successful robotic prostatectomy with no side effects, follows-up every 6-12 months with a lot of patience and attention. Very professional and punctual. thank you, doctor.

Submitted May 27, 2020

great doctor, polite and a good listener. I have total confidence after 8 years I know he is the best in his field.

Submitted Feb. 14, 2020