Combining Minimally Invasive Urologic Treatments with Expert Care

Can erectile function be restored?

Yes, with the current treatment options, most men who desire to restore erectile function should be able to do so. The treatment of erectile dysfunction depends upon the cause, and is influenced by the patient’s age or other medical problems. Treatment options include medication, testosterone replacement therapy, vacuum erection devices, injections or surgical implants.

What is urinary incontinence?

Urinary incontinence is not having control of your bladder leading to leaking urine and social distress. Urinary incontinence is caused by either the bladder overreacting or the control muscles not being active enough.

How is incontinence or decreased stream diagnosed and treated?

Treatment for urinary incontinence or decreased stream depends upon its cause. The urologist will review the patient history and perform tests to measure bladder function to determine the type of problem. Once the cause of the urinary problem is determined, a treatment plan can be put in place. Treatment ranges from surgery, pelvic floor exercises or medication depending on the diagnosis.Treatment will address the bladder’s over activity (ability to hold urine) or the function of the urinary sphincter (closure valve).

What are the signs and symptoms of prostate cancer?

Early prostate cancer seldom causes any symptoms or noticeable changes in urinary habits. Symptoms could include frequent nighttime urination, a weak urinary stream and strong urges to urinate. Some symptoms are unique to advanced prostate cancer, such as bone pain, which happens if the cancer has spread to the bones. Since there are seldom symptoms, it is important to be checked with prostate specific antigen (PSA, a blood test), starting between the ages of 40 - 55, depending on risk factors, to promote early diagnosis. Elevated PSA levels can indicate prostate cancer. Currently, the PSA blood test is the most important factor in diagnosing prostate cancer. Prostate cancer is highly curable with early diagnosis.

What are the treatment options for a man if diagnosed with prostate cancer?

No single treatment is right for every patient. We believe that prostate cancer treatment should be individualized to each patient.

Treatment depends upon many factors: the patient’s age, tumor characteristics, results of the biopsy, whether or not lymph nodes or bone are involved, the patient’s general health and the patient’s preference for treatment. The three basic treatments are:

• Hormonal therapy is a medication that can be used either with radiation therapy to treat cancer that remains following radiation or surgery, or to treat symptoms of prostate cancer that have spread from the prostate to other sites.
• Proton therapy can be performed by x-rays (proton) or by “seeds” that are implanted in the prostate. It can be used as a primary treatment or to treat cancer remaining after surgery.
• Robotic surgery (the standard) to cure prostate cancer is called a radical prostatectomy. The prostate, the seminal vesicles (which lie along the side of the prostate) and possibly the pelvic lymph nodes are removed. A minimally invasive prostate cancer surgery (robotic prostatectomy) is now available, most patients are able to go home the next day.