I am not a physician, but from what I understand, neither removal of
lymph nodes related to the prostate nor removal of the prostate itself
should have any effect on his legs.

It is possible to have referred pain in the lower leg from pressure on a
nerve higher up, most often where the nerves leave the spine.  Such pain
is generically called sciatica.  Sciatica can induce muscle spasms from
the back on down the leg even to the toes.  Or it can produce a
sensation of pain in the leg or foot without anything happening in the
muscles themselves.  It is also possible, but relatively rare, for a
nerve to be compressed by muscles spasm or by inflammation any where
along the nerve's paths.  There are also other numerous causes of leg
pain having nothing to do with prostate surgery.

Sometimes such a problem may  have been developing over the course of
time without producing symptoms, but a period of extended inactivity, as
might have occurred after surgery, will cause it to cross the threshold
where it becomes painful.

Sciatica is quite common.  Your friend's doctor is right to treat the
problem conservatively with pain killers and wait to see if it resolves
itself.  Otherwise, he will probably be referred to a specialist who
will diagnose the exact cause.  Most likely, it is something that will
go away by itself or be treated by a regimen involving physical therapy
and exercise.

While I was reading this, I thought, "uh-oh.  blood clot."  But, then you
answered that with, "no blood clot."  I have no other idea what could cause
that feeling.  They are not near enough to the spine or a femeral artery to
nick anything.  I wonder if your friend ever had back problems.  I can see
where getting a man on and off an operating table might provoke a sciatica
flareup.

The loss of lymph nodes causes no pain such as that, that I know of.  Mine
caused my testicles to swell for a couple of days (which was rather
uncomfortable).

    Ernst, a few weeks after surgery I noticed a dead area on my right
leg, above the knee. It is always dead, numb, no feeling at the surface
for an area measuring about an inch wide by maybe 6 inches up and down.
 There is often pain and tingling at the edges of the numb area, and
the area gets much larger with certain activities.

    It was explained to me that 1) this should not have happened, this
should not be a side effect of the surgery, and 2) maybe the spreader
used to hold me open during surgery caused some nerve damage, and 3)
your nerves are not always located where they are supposed to be, and
finally 4) in a nutshell, they do not know what caused this.  Several
years later I had testing done as the numb area was getting larger and
all they could do was document the loss of electrical impulses in the
leg, but still no answer as to why. I have never received any other
answer, so have stopped asking the question.

    I know this is no answer, but I would not be surprised if your question
remains unanswered, as has mine. For me it does not cause any problems,
but if this was pain rather than numbness I was dealing with, it might
be a different matter. Good luck to you and your friend. Bob C

I don't know if this helps but the day after surgery the top of my right leg
from my knee to my groin was numb.I was tested for blood clots and the test
was negative.About a week after surgery the numbness went away.
Good luck   '
Harry

Lymphadema is not uncommon after prostate surgery involving lymph node
removal. Its more common effect is a variety of swelling scenarios, but
it can produce pain, too. Some of the PC books mention it, but you'll
quickly find much more information about it if you Google keywords such
as lymphadema prostate surgery leg pain.

I.P.

These kinds of things happen every so often for no good reason.  One
possibility is your arms and legs are placed in an awkward position
with your belly up, limbs down and out of the way.  If a nerve is
pinched, it may stay pinched during the whole operation which can last
hours.  Usually the problem is in the arms/shoulders but legs are
possible too and the damage is rarely permanent.
Dave Perry

 I don't know of this is helpful, but I had terrible Sciatica and back
again while home cathedered. I think I was lying around on the same side too
long. Soon after the cath was out, I was out walking, and the pain was gone.

A friend of mine had surgery, at Johns Hopkins no less,
and wound up with pain in his leg.  He was unable to sit
for more than a half hour so before he wanted to get up
and walk around.

I last saw him about 2 months after his surgery.  The problem
had not yet gone away and the doctor at Hopkins was unable
to explain it.

I haven't seen him in a long time, so I don't know if this
has resolved or not.

   Alan