A BROMSGROVE businessman is planning a trip to the Everest base camp after an operation to fix his incontinence.

Colin Burgess, co-founder of B&L Fencing Services was diagnosed with an enlarged and cancerous prostate, and after surgery to remove the cancer, he developed bladder problems.

He had further surgery on his bladder which left him incontinent, and having to use an external catheter and pouch, which meant he could no longer do the scuba diving, rock climbing and cycling that he enjoyed.

He said: “This really was a major blow to me, I had kept myself fit and active and now it looked like I was going to have to give up nearly all the outdoor activities that I loved.”

However, thanks to a Birmingham-based consultant urologist Mr Zaki Almallah, he’s been able to regain his bladder control.

Mr Almallah, who runs the Birmingham Bladder Clinic at BMI Priory Hospital, added: “Incontinence can sometimes be an after-effect of treatment for prostate cancer and, in Colin’s case, things weren’t helped by the bladder surgery.

“However, I felt he could be helped by having a device known as an artificial urinary sphincter surgically fitted. It is a relatively new treatment with the advantage being that they aren’t as invasive as some other options available.

“They are most suitable for men with less severe stress incontinence, such as Colin, and usually follow an operation to remove the prostate. It will limit or even eradicate the need to wear pads and should greatly improve continence control.”

Now Colin is back in the cycling saddle, and keen to get back to his old hobbies.

He added: “I am a little restricted on my cycling, but I am back scuba diving, I have taken up skiing and I am presently organising a trek in Nepal where I plan to visit the Everest base camp – not bad considering I thought my outdoor activities were just about over before I had the AUS fitted.”