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Showing posts with the label Robotic Prostatectomy

BPH and Benign Enlargement of :should you treat it or let it be?

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BPH and Benign Enlargement of or benign prostatic hyperplasia is an enlargement of the prostate gland which is not cancerous as suggested by the word benign written in the disease name. BPH mainly causes an obstruction in the passage of urine and this can lead to a severe problem if the prostate enlargement is of that extent. About 50 percent of males over age fifty usually develop this disease but most of them do not require surgery. Symptoms that you might see in a person suffering from benign prostatic hyperplasia The symptoms that might make you go for the tests are: 1.    Frequent urination: the pressure of the enlarged prostate on your urethra causes more frequent urination. 2.    Difficulty urinating: the bladder muscles suffer the worst in this case and need to do extra work to release the urine as there isn’t much of it to excrete this causes a sensation of difficulty in passing urine. 3.    Inability to pass urine: if the p...

How are penile implants right for you?

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What are these? When it comes to the source of erectile dysfunction, then penile implants are the ones to source out for. It is a discrete source of service and a disc that is inserted inside the penis, and it can cause a lot of other advantages as well. There are so many sources that can come into play here, and there are implants that are there and sourced out for the same here. Thus if you have erectile causes, then the disc which is inserted can cause in for a lot of problem present. How do they work?    Penile implants are straightforward to get around. This means that they are easy to slip in, and at the same time, there are sources for the same. Plus, if you have these, then it will be perfect for you. Because of sexual intercourse, these implants can work, and they outsource for the best type of performance from all around. The sensitivity that you have around your penis cannot be felt if you have the disc and the implant working in the system. It can be ...

6 Must Know Facts Related to Prostate Cancer

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Prostate cancer is an intimidating term for men. Unfortunately, 1 in 7 men will be diagnosed with this type of cancer in his lifetime! Here are some crucial factors you should be aware of prostate cancer: 1. Small Yet Powerful Shaped like a walnut, prostate is a gland inside male reproductive system. The cancer of prostate starts here. Although small in size, the importance of prostate cannot be denied. It regulates flow of urine and produces semen. 2. Healthy Lifestyle can Help Reduce your Risk Following a healthy lifestyle will help you to keep the prostate healthy. In case, you are diagnosed, it will also help you to fight off prostate cancer. So make sure you exercise regularly and maintain healthy weight. Eat a plant-based diet. Restrict animal products as far as you can. Doctors recommend a heart-healthy diet to maintain a healthy prostate. In case, you smoke, stop it immediately. 3. Early Detection Saves Life As with every cancer, early detection is key to c...

6 Prostate Cancer Myths Busted!

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The prostate is a tiny gland positioned beneath the bladder in men. It is one of the parts of the reproductive system. Cancer on prostate gland grows slowly. It may become aggressive in rare cases and spread to other parts of body. Causes of Prostate Cancer Just as all other types of cancer, it isn’t possible to pinpoint exact cause of prostate cancer. In most cases, numerous factors may be involved such as exposure to certain environmental toxins (radiation/chemicals), etc. Here are some myths associated to prostate cancer:  Sexual Activity One of the major myths revolving around prostate cancer is that very high levels of sexual activity or regular ejaculation increase the risk of prostate cancer. However, this is not true. In fact, several studies have revealed that men reporting ejaculations frequently are at lower risk of developing cancer of the prostate.   Medications A number of recent studies have revealed a link between intake of aspirin and a re...

Things You should Know about Prostate Cancer

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Prostate cancer starts within the prostate gland. Advanced stage of this cancer occurs once it spreads or metastasizes from the prostate towards other parts of the body. Prostate cancer can spread to the following parts: - Lungs - Liver - Adrenal gland - Bones Advanced or stage 4 prostate cancer occurs once the cancer of prostate cancer has spread to distant tissues or organs during diagnosis. In most cases, doctors diagnose cancer of prostate at earlier stage. Understanding the Symptoms According to the best prostate cancer surgeons, most men with cancer that is just confined to the prostate will not show any symptoms. In contrast, others may face trouble urinating. They may also notice blood in their urine. Some of the most common symptoms of metastatic prostate cancer including the following listed below: - Weight loss - Weakness - Fatigue Some of the other symptoms of advanced prostate cancer will depend on the extent to which it has spread and the size o...

Prostate Cancer and its Impact on Sex Life

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Usually prostate cancer doesn’t have an impact on sexual function. However, the treatment for prostate cancer may damage sexual function. Here’s what you need to know about the condition and how it affects your sex life: Treatment that Impact Sex Life Treatments for prostate cancer may have serious impact on sexual function. Hormone treatment, surgery (radical prostatectomy), and radiation are the most common treatment options for prostate cancer. In some cases, these are administered to a patient in combination. Temporary erectile dysfunction (difficulty or inability to get an erection) is a common side effect of the treatment. This may improve over time. A skilled surgeon at urology center can spare the nerves adjacent to the prostate during surgery which reduces the chances for side effects. Infertility Since standard diagnosis age for prostate cancer is 66, most men may not be interested in becoming a father. However, if you wish to have children, it is important to know th...

10 Things You Must Know about Prostate Cancer

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Men need to educate themselves about prostate cancer. This is the best way to take a step up against it. There are a number of things you should know about the condition. Understanding these will help you deal with it in a better way. Here are the top 7 things you MUST know about prostate cancer : 1. Common Condition It is sad but true that prostate cancer is the most common non-skin cancer in the United States of America. 2. Diagnosis According to a research, 1 in 9 men in the United States will be diagnosed with prostate cancer in his lifetime. 3. Africans More Vulnerable It is revealed that men of African descent are virtually 2.3 times more likely to die from prostate cancer. At least, 1 in 5 patients will develop prostate cancer. 4. Deaths from Prostate Cancer The latest research has revealed that every 3.3 minutes, a man is diagnosed with prostate cancer. Additionally, every 20 minutes, a man dies from the disease. 5. Age and Higher Risk As men increase i...

Best Treatment Options for Prostate Cancer

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Doctors treating prostate cancer will offer wide range of options. Here are some of the most common treatment options offered: Surgery for Prostate Cancer Doctors suggest surgery after detailed analysis of the stage of cancer and other symptoms. Robotic surgeries are also very popular these days. The surgery is known to offer more precision to surgeon. Hormone Therapy for Prostate Cancer Primary hormone therapy is also known as androgen deprivation therapy or ADT and an integral part of the standard care for advanced stage metastatic prostate cancer. Since testosterone serves as the main fuel for prostate cancer cell growth, it’s a common target for treatment. The treatment is designed to stop testosterone from being produced. It can also directly block it from acting on prostate cancer cells. Chemotherapy Chemotherapy is usually administered before pain starts. It is aimed at preventing the cancer from spreading further to other sites. You need to discuss about thi...

Reasons Prostate Cancers Spread

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Prostate cancer is a condition characterized by cells in the prostate gland growing out of control. However, some times, the cells may spread to other parts of the body and affect healthy tissue. Cancer of prostate may spread for several reasons: 1. Failure of Treatment at Early Stage In case, prostate cancer is discovered early, treatment usually helps. However, in some cases, treatment doesn't work. This usually happens after surgery (radical prostatectomy) or radiation therapy. Also referred to as a chemical recurrence, the cancer may survive inside the prostate or reappears. Thereafter, it spreads to other tissues and organs. It is always better to collaborate with the doctor so that both of you can keep an eye on the cancer as it grows. This way, you can explore prostate cancer treatment. 2. Watchful Waiting Since prostate cancer cells grow very slowly, many men may avoid treatment initially. Doctors may also suggest "active surveillance" or "watchf...

Understanding the Symptoms of Prostate Cancer

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Prostate cancer does not give any warning signs, especially during the early stage. Once the tumor swelling in the prostate gland or spreads beyond the prostate, the individual may experience the following symptoms: - A frequent urge to urinate, especially at night - Trouble starting a stream of urine - Trouble stopping a stream of urine - A very weak or interrupted stream of urine - Leaking of urine especially when laughing or coughing - Inability to urinate standing up - An apparent painful or burning sensation during urination - Burning or pain sensation while ejaculating - Blood in urine - Blood in semen The above listed are not solely symptoms of the cancer. These may also be caused by other conditions such as the blockage from the growth of cancer in the prostate or an enlarged, noncancerous prostate. The symptoms may also be a sign of urinary tract infection. Symptoms of Advanced Prostate Cancer Dull, deep pain or stiffness in the pelvis, lower back, r...

6 Ways to Prevent Chances of Developing Prostate Cancer

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Prostate cancer is known to be the second most common cancer among men in the United States. It is sad but true that 1 in 9 men are diagnosed with prostate cancer in their lifetime. As men age; this risk increases. Prevention is better than prostate cancer treatment . Here are some health tips that can help you decrease the risk of developing prostate cancer: 1. Enjoy your Cup of Coffee Did you know your indulgence in coffee can decrease the risk of fatal prostate cancer? Studies have revealed that drinking around 4-5 cups of coffee daily can reduce your risk of developing fatal and high-grade prostate cancer. Boiled coffee is the best way to lower risk of prostate cancer. Coffee comprises of chemicals such as kahweol and cafestol which have cancer-fighting abilities. 2. No Smoking Abstaining from smoking is a good idea as it can prevent you from developing cancer. According to studies, individuals with prostate cancer who smoke are more vulnerable to have a recurrence...

Things You May Not Know about Robotic Surgery

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Robot-assisted laparoscopic surgery is better than having a traditional open incision. The process has taken minimally-invasive surgery a step ahead. Most surgical procedures are being performed laparoscopically, these days. Tiny incisions pass a camera and small instruments through. The Procedure Conducted by the best robotic surgeons for prostate , this procedure will have the surgeon placing access ports in the surgical site that instruments and camera will pass through. Those instruments are attached to surgical robot. The operating surgeon can have a console in the room with a magnified 3D view inside the patient. He also controls the camera and instruments using requite hand controls. The hand, wrist and finger movements of surgeon are translated to the instruments for completion of the procedure. It is Safe Although referred to as "robotic surgery," this procedure is not performed by a robot. The surgeon is in full control for the whole procedure. The ro...

Your First Visit to the Urology Center – What to Expect?

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Visiting the urologist can be daunting especially if it is your first time! Most patients can get anxious about this visit. In medical terms, this is the first step towards the road to recovery. As with any visit to a doctor, it is better to be prepared for the visit. This will help you to get the most out of your time. Here are some tips to help you to get relaxed and make your initial visit to the urologist at the top urology center a success: Gather Info Make sure you have it all together such as the referral (if applicable), insurance card, results from prior tests (blood and urine), a record for food and drink. Things to Expect Here’s what you should expect on your visit: The Sample – You are expected to provide a urine sample. So make sure you do not have an empty bladder upon arrival. In case, you are unable to hold urine, speak to the staff at the urology center. Share the Records - Share your medical history to the concerned person. You should also give det...

Is it Prostate Cancer? Symptoms You Must Not Ignore

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Generally, prostate cancer does not show any symptoms in the early stages. Some the issues men face early are related with urination. Since these are similar to those related to aging, most men do not take them seriously. Warning Signs to Watch Out For The Early Signs - Frequent urination - Painful Ejaculation - Blood in the Urine - Blood in Semen - Pain or Stiffness in the Hips - Pain in Lower Back  - Pain in Upper Thighs In some cases, one may not experience any of the above listed symptoms and still have prostate cancer. According to experts, prostate cancer is similar to other cancers. It is a silent disease that shows no symptoms at all in its early stages. The only sign they observe is change in urination. Many men start noticing increased frequency. They experience an increases need to visit the bathroom. Some may experience slowing of stream. It is also common to have disturbed sleep due to the frequent trips to bathroom. Men may feel the urge to empty ...

7 Things You Need to Know about Prostate Cancer

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Prostate cancer is one of the most common conditions among men. Early detection is known to be vital for successful treatment. Here are some facts you must know about this cancer: 1. Age Matters As men age, they get more vulnerable to prostate cancer. Men over the age of 65 are at higher risk. 2. Black Men at Higher Risk African-American and African-Caribbean men are more likely to die from prostate cancer. 3. Tests Needed to Confirm Several different tests are needed to confirm the presence of this disease in the body. Some of the most commonly suggested include the digital rectal exam (DRE), prostate-specific antigen (PSA), biopsy,  ultrasound, MRI, or CAT scan may be needed as suggested by medical professional to diagnose the condition. 4. Heredity Men with close relatives such as father, son, or brother having prostate cancer are more likely to develop the condition. A history of prostate cancer in family makes you twice as likely to develop the disease. ...

5 Tips to Recover Better from Prostate Surgery

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Prostate removal or prostatectomy is a major cancer surgery. It may take many weeks for a patient to recover completely from the treatment. Recovery will also depend on several factors such as complexity of surgery and overall health. Patience and keeping a watchful eye on the outcome will help you recover faster. Here are some tips to help you a quicker, faster and complete recovery: 1. Plan Ahead of Surgery Patients are not allowed to drive immediately after a prostatectomy. Hence, it is important to arrange for a ride to and from the hospital. Discuss about the restrictions with your surgeon and arrange for assistance accordingly. You should also arrange for assistance at home for helping you to cook and do other household chores. 2. Abide By Doctor’s Instructions Most prostate cancer surgeons complain that their patients fail to adhere to their after-surgery instructions which delays recovery. It is important to follow all post-surgery instructions carefully. Follow all re...

Brief Information on Robotic Prostate Surgery

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What is a Robotic Prostate Surgery? The procedure is a minimally invasive technology recommended as a treatment procedure for prostate cancer. It deploys the use of robotic instrumentation and 3D imagery of site of operation to help surgeons achieve precision and improved vision when removing a cancerous prostate gland. The process involves surgeon operating through a series of tiny incisions. Why is Robotic Prostate Surgery Popular? Robotic prostatectomy surgery promises a shorter recovery period for the patient. This helps them with a faster return to daily activities. The recovery is faster when compared to traditional open surgical procedures. Things to Expect Once you have had a consultation with your surgeon, and made a decision about the prostate surgery, the hospital will make requisite arrangements for you. Appointments will be scheduled and the staff will assist with any concerns/queries that you may have. Instructions by a Professional The next stage involves meeting ...

Why See an Urologist – Reasons you should not Delay meeting a Urologist

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Personal issues are best discussed with a primary care doctor with who one shared an established relationship. At least, this is what most people feel. However, sometimes what you feel or comfortable at is not the right decision. It is wise to take the professional route regardless of how uncomfortable it may get. Urologists are professionals specializing in issues of the urinary tract of the male and female and male reproductive organs. They also see a variety of conditions ranging from infections of the urinary tract to overactive bladder, kidney stones, and interstitial cystitis. These specialists also handle cases involving cancers of prostate, kidney, and bladder. Knowing your Urologist These specialists hold expertise in treating conditions affecting the urinary tract. According to health experts, you should not ignore urinary issues and must  make an appointment with a urologist on an immediate basis. For instance, if you have been concerned about incontinence ...

Prostate Cancer Surgery – What to Know before You Start the Treatment

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What is Prostate? Prostate is a gland situated under the bladder, in front of the rectum. This gland plays a crucial role in the male reproductive system that produces sperm carrying fluids. Prostatectomy Surgery for removal (partial or complete) of the prostate is referred to as prostatectomy. Doctors suggest his surgery for treating the following: - Prostate cancer - Enlarged prostate - Benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) When it comes to the effective treatment of prostate cancer, you must focus on pretreatment learning as the first step to making a decision about treatment. Prostate surgery of all types can be done with general anesthesia. It puts the patient to sleep. Sometimes, doctors may also give spinal anesthesia, which numbs the lower half of a patient’s body. Anesthesia type will be recommended by the doctor based on the patient’s situation. Prostate Surgery Aims at: - Curing the condition - Maintaining urinary continence - Maintaining erection ab...

Prostate Cancer – Is Surgery the Only Option?

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Cancer of the prostate gland is termed as prostate cancer. A walnut-sized gland, prostate is present only in men within the pelvis and enclosed around the urethra (the tube responsible for throwing out urine from the body). The gland is also responsible for secreting some liquid part of the seminal fluid (carrying sperm produced by the testes). Semen is very essential for reproduction. Prostate cancer is known to be the most common type of cancer among men. Research says that this type of cancer accounts for the second leading cause of cancer deaths among men. The cancer is comprised of adenocarcinoma cells (those emerging from glandular tissue). Treatment Options Surgery is known to be one of the treatment options available presently for prostate cancer. Radical prostatectomy is the most common form of surgery for prostate cancer. It involves removal of prostate gland under general anesthesia. However, not everyone with prostate cancer require surgery. The treatment type rec...