Prostate cancer is a condition that, when diagnosed, is graded. The grade of a cancerous prostate tumor is reached by assessing size and other characteristics that indicate potential aggressiveness. When a tumor appears to be on the aggressive side, radical prostatectomy may be advisable. This surgical procedure removes the entire prostate gland. In some situations, the early removal of the affected gland may provide an effective cure as well as a reduced risk of recurrence. Laparoscopic prostatectomy is a minimally-invasive technique that offers meaningful benefits.

Before the development of laparoscopic procedures, men needing a prostatectomy underwent traditional open surgery. Open surgeries require a larger incision to accommodate surgical instruments as well as visual access to the surgical site. The extensive nature of open surgery incurs a longer recovery period. Laparoscopic procedures are conducted with an instrument that enables viewing of the surgical area via a small camera on the end of a tube. No large incisions are needed, only a few small incisions through which tiny instruments can be inserted.

Why More Men are Choosing Laparoscopic Prostatectomy

Virtually any patient who has been diagnosed with localized prostate cancer may be a good candidate for prostatectomy. The benefits of this closed procedure versus traditional open surgery include:

• Less trauma to the abdominal wall
• Smaller, more discreet incisions
• Less bleeding during surgery
• Better visual magnification of the surgical site
• Shorter hospital stay than traditional open prostatectomy
• Less need for pain medication after surgery
• Earlier return to normal activities
• Better nerve-sparing capability

What is Laparoscopic Prostatectomy Like?

This minimally-invasive procedure can last between 2 1/2 and 3 1/2 hours. Before surgery, general anesthesia is administered. The anesthesiologist monitors vital signs throughout the procedure. Small incisions are made to visualize and access the prostate. The catheter and camera are inserted through one and surgical instruments are inserted through the others. Using these instruments, the surgeon removes the prostate gland as well as the seminal vesicles, two fluid-filled sacs next to the prostate gland. After these structures are removed, the urethra is attached to the bladder neck. Depending on the diagnosis, nearby lymph nodes may be biopsied at the time of surgery.

If you are experiencing symptoms of an enlarged prostate or have been diagnosed with prostate cancer, or if you have a higher risk for either of these conditions, contact our Chattanooga office. We can help you navigate your treatment process. Call (423) 778-5910.

According to research, as many as half of the men aged 51 to 60 will develop BPH or benign prostatic hyperplasia. An enlarged prostate. The good news about BPH lies in that one little, yet the uber-important word “benign.” To have an enlarged prostate doesn’t indicate that you have prostate cancer, or that your risk for cancer is substantially higher. It can mean that you have to face a few unpleasant symptoms, though.

The most common symptoms of benign prostatic hyperplasia revolve around urination. Because your prostate gland is adjacent to the bladder, its enlargement can cause the blockage. This may result in frequent urination, difficulty starting urination, a sensation of fullness after urination, dribbling, and weak urine flow. These are the symptoms that most men have been told or experienced for themselves. But there’s more. BPH can also affect your sex life. Here’s how:

• Reduced sex drive and sexual satisfaction. This is related to the loss of sleep that stems from having to urinate frequently through the night more than it does any other aspect of BPH. Additionally, when the bladder feels uncomfortably full due to pressure from the blockage, anxiety may coincide with sex, diminishing the overall experience.

Treatment for enlarged prostate may be the underlying cause of

• Retrograde ejaculation is a side effect that may occur after transurethral resection of the prostate, a procedure called TURP. This does not occur in all men whose BPH is treated with surgery, but it is a potential side effect that we discussed before treatment. Retrograde ejaculation is a condition in which, during the climax, semen enters the bladder rather than exiting the penis.
• Lowered libido. Conservative treatment for BPH may involve oral medication such as a 5-alpha-reductase inhibitor. If you are taking this type of medication and are experiencing a drop in your sex drive, talk with your doctor about potential alternatives to your current treatment plan. Lowered libido may also coincide with erectile dysfunction, which may occur in approximately 10% of men treated for BPH.

An enlarged prostate is a problem for which multiple treatment options exist. The advantages of treatment outweigh the potential downsides for most men. To learn more, contact the Chattanooga office of UT Urology at (423) 778-8765.

Being diagnosed with prostate cancer, or even being concerned about an elevated risk, creates inordinate amounts of stress on the average guy. Here, we want to discuss some of the points of interest from experts in the field. This information is intended to help you navigate your journey through diagnosis, treatment, and recovery.

Food and Prostate Cancer

Many men who are concerned about prevention and treatment of prostate cancer look first to diet and other lifestyle modifications. While there is no single food or diet plan that has magical attributes, the evidence does support the validity of a low-sugar or sugar-free diet that is filled with lean meats or vegan proteins like beans and nuts. Protein sources should be complemented with leafy greens, whole grains, and fresh fruit.

A Look at Genetics

Any person who has a history of any form of cancer in their family has a higher risk than someone without that family history. Prostate cancer is no exception. Just as the BRCA2 gene is implicated in a higher risk for ovarian and breast cancer in women, this gene may also point to a higher risk of a man developing prostate cancer. At this time, however, evidence showing the benefit of testing is inconclusive. At most, men with a family history of prostate cancer are encouraged to speak with their physician regarding the optimal timing of PSA screening, rather than the inherited BRCA2 mutation.

PSA: About that Screening . . .

The recommended scheduling for PSA testing has changed over the years. Men who have never been diagnosed with prostate cancer, and who do not have an elevated risk such as family history, will most likely be encouraged to obtain screening at a later age, rather than on an annual basis. This is because the screening itself is not without risk (false positive). Currently, researchers seem to be discussing the benefits of less-frequent testing for low-risk patients. The diagnostic process is one that is approached carefully in each situation. Even older men with a high PSA may not have prostate cancer, but instead, may be living with an enlarged prostate.

Prostate cancer is a complex condition for which treatment options exist. At UT Urology, our goal is to act strategically with each patient to reach an accurate diagnosis and effective treatment plan. For more information on prostate cancer and your treatment options, call our Chattanooga practice at (423) 778-8765.