|
Treatment Options
Radical Prostatectomy
Radical prostatectomy is the surgical removal of the prostate gland and surrounding tissues, including the seminal vesicles and the pelvic lymph nodes.
Traditionally, surgeons use one of two surgical techniques, including retropubic prostatectomy or perineal prostatectomy. With these open surgeries, patients typically remain in the hospital for 3 to 7 days after surgery and are catheterized for 2 to 3 weeks.
Another option for clincially appropriate patients is minimally invasive surgery utilizing robotic laparoscopic surgery techniques. Better known as the da Vinci Surgical System, the technique enables the surgeon to be more precise by enhancing the capability to perform complex minimally invasive surgery.
Benefits can include:
Shorter hospital stay;
Less post-operative pain;
Faster recovery;
Quicker return to work.
Cryotherapy
Cryosurgery or Cryotherapy is a minimally invasive procedure for the treatment of prostate cancer. Cryotherapy is an increasingly attractive option for prostate cancer patients who want to avoid major surgery, as it presents fewer potential complications, or who are uncomfortable with "watchful waiting." In addition, when used for prostate cancer, Cryotherapy can be repeated or used as a secondary treatment if other treatments fail.
Cryotherapy eradicates prostate cancer by freezing the prostate cells. Needles, which produce very cold temperatures, are inserted into the prostate gland through the area between the scrotum and anus. The newest Cryotherapy technology uses ultra-thin needles to produce ice balls of extreme sub-zero temperatures. Ultrasound imaging is used to direct precise placement of the needles and monitor the freezing, which destroys the entire prostate, including cancerous tissue.
Cryotherapy is usually performed on an outpatient basis, but may include an overnight stay. In most cases, the procedure takes approximately two hours, and pain and discomfort are minimal. Patients can resume normal activities within a few days.
Some patients experience side effects, including incontinence or urethral scarring following Cryotherapy. Other possible side effects include:
Moderate pelvic pain;
Blood in the urine;
Mild urinary urgency;
Compromised bowel and bladder function;
Scrotal swelling.
In most cases, the symptoms associated with these side effects are resolved in a few weeks, including a return to normal bowel and bladder function.
Image Guided Radiation Therapy (IGRT)
Radiation therapy uses high-energy particles or waves, such as x-rays, gamma rays, electrons, or protons to destroy or damage cancer cells. It is one of the most common treatments for cancer.
Special equipment delivers high doses of radiation to cancerous cells, killing or damaging them so that they cannot grow or spread. Although some normal cells may be affected by radiation, most recover fully from the effects of the treatment. Unlike chemotherapy, which exposes the entire body to cancer-fighting chemicals, radiation therapy is a local treatment and affects only the part of the body being treated.
Radiation therapy treatment is a coordinated, team effort. Your radiation therapy team of medical professionals will care for you throughout your course of treatment.
|
