Hi Swhite,
There are several reasons why a neobladder is not appropriate for your father, if he has been previously radiated in the area for another condition that can render the bowel tissue unsuitable, if the cancer has spread to the bowel area ( which at T1 is not the case) again the bowel tissue would be unsuitable, certain anatomical conditions within the abdominal cavity can make it difficult or impossible to receive a neobladder ( but those conditions are usually discovered during surgery). Barring these 3 circumstances , the surgeon may feel that due to your father’s age, a shorter less rigorous surgery is more appropriate. If your father has no preexisting medical conditions that would complicate a longer surgery(6 or 7 hrs.) and he’s a tough nut , as you suggest, I would want answers as to why. I was 67 and very fit when I had my surgery. I didn’t find it all that tough. I’ve had bilateral knee replacements since the and I found that tougher. Having said all that, having a pulse is an enviable condition and if an RC is the best way to keep one , then any diversion he can get is a miracle and a blessing. All the best the new normal ain’t so bad . Orillia