Dr James Thompson is an experienced robotic, laparoscopic, endoscopic and open urological surgeon. He has sub-specialty training in (and passion for) the treatment of prostate, bladder and kidney cancer using the latest robotic surgery techniques and for high-impact cancer research that has the ability to immediately improve quality of life and cancer cure rates for the community.
Second Opinions
“I see men and women for a variety of reasons, below are the four most common reasons:
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Interested in hearing the latest in cutting edge treatments which may not be offered by your current urologist? For example, the latest robotic techniques for prostate and bladder cancer to optimise cure rates and minimise the effect on sexual and urinary function; or the latest focal therapy techniques in prostate cancer; or the latest bladder conserving therapies in bladder cancer; or the latest minimally invasive surgery for benign prostate enlargement causing bladder urinary symptoms.
Confused by the wide range of treatment choices for your condition? (e.g. prostate cancer, bladder cancer, prostate enlargement) Do you need an individualised assessment of your unique circumstances and a detailed explanation of which treatments are and aren’t suitable for you?
Not happy with your current urologist, because they haven’t taken the time to get to know you fully, to explain clearly and to answer all your questions? Or because they haven’t given a balanced view either by pressuring you into ‘urgent’ surgery or not even discussing or offering certain options such as surveillance, radiotherapy or focal therapy for certain prostate cancers or neobladder, radiotherapy, immunotherapy or hyperthermic chemotherapy for bladder cancer?
Interested in gaining access to treatments, scans and genetic tests that will be used routinely a decade in the future, but are currently the subject of our world leading research at The Garvan Institute of Medical Research/ University NSW / The Australian Prostate Cancer Research Centre? In recent years, we pioneered research that gave early access to treatments that were then barely known by most urologists but are now widely considered as standard, for example multiparametric MRI scans of the prostate, robotic surgery, focal therapy and PSMA-PET scans.
Happy with your current urologist, but just want a second opinion to ensure you have considered all treatments including the pros and cons of each before you commit 100% to a big and irreversible decision on how to treat your cancer?
Whatever the reason, I understand and am happy to offer a consultation for advice and a second opinion. If you are comfortable with your current urologist, I will then usually recommend you return to their care if you are comfortable doing so and they are able to offer the treatment you choose.