UNDERSTANDING THE PROBLEM
Prostate problems are common in men after age 50. Prostate cancer is a common disease in which malignant (cancer) cells form in the tissues of the prostate. The prostate is a gland in the male reproductive system located just below the bladder and in front of the rectum. Other Common problems that may mimic prostate cancer include benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), acute and chronic bacterial prostatitis, and chronic prostatitis (non-bacterial). Both conditions are treated medically but some individuals may require surgical treatment.
UNDERSTANDING WHO SUFFERS
According to the US National Cancer Institute risk factors for prostate cancer include increasing age, African American ancestry, a family history of prostate cancer (father, brother) and potentially diet. Prostate cancer is common in men over 50.
POTENTIAL SIGNS AND SYMPTOMS
There may be no visible or noticeable symptoms of prostate cancer while in the early stages. Undertaking a PSA test a valid screening tool to diagnose and subsequently allow treatment of prostate cancer before later stage symptoms appear.
Below is a list of potential signs and symptoms in later stage prostate cancer, but could also be caused by other conditions:
- Weak or interrupted ("stop-and-go") flow of urine.
- Sudden urge to urinate.
- Frequent urination (especially at night).
- Trouble starting the flow of urine.
- Trouble emptying the bladder completely.
- Pain or burning while urinating.
- Blood in the urine or semen.
- A pain in the back, hips, or pelvis that doesn't go away.
- Shortness of breath, feeling very tired, fast heartbeat, dizziness, or pale skin caused by anaemia.
EXAMINATIONS USUALLY REQUIRED
Initial examinations for the prostate normally include:
- Digital rectal exam (DRE): The doctor inserts a lubricated, gloved finger into the rectum and feels the prostate through the rectal wall for lumps or abnormal areas.
- Prostate-specific antigen (PSA) test : A simple blood test that measures the level of PSA in the blood. PSA is a substance made by the prostate that may be found in an increased amount in the blood of men who have prostate cancer. PSA levels may also be high in men who have an infection or inflammation of the prostate or BPH (an enlarged, but noncancerous, prostate). It is recommended that the PSA test and DRE are undertaken together to increase the accuracy of prostate cancer diagnosis and allow prostate cancer treatment to be treated early.
PROPOSING TREATMENT AND WHY AIMIS
Once a doctor confirms the diagnosis, surgery may be needed.
AIMIS is an expert in Robotic Prostate Cancer Surgery (Prostatectomy) involving the best US and International surgeons who are experts in the field.
AIMIS provides Robotic and laparoscopic surgical options providing many benefits over typical open surgery. It performs the latest techniques in Robotic surgery to ensure the best surgical outcomes and owns the superior da Vinci Xi Robot, the latest in robotics technology.
As a result of da Vinci technology, da Vinci Prostatectomy offers many potential benefits when compared to traditional open surgery, including:
- Ability to perform nerve sparring surgery which enables:
- Faster return of erectile (sexual) function: Studies show patients who are potent prior to da Vinci Surgery experience a faster return of erectile function than previously potent patients who have open surgery
- Better chance for return of urinary continence: Recent studies show more patients with da Vinci Surgery have full return of urinary continence within 6 months as compared to patients having open surgery
- More precise removal of cancerous tissue
- Lower risk of complications
- Less blood loss and less need for a blood transfusion
- Shorter hospital stay
- Less pain
- Fewer days with catheter
- Faster recovery and return to normal activities
To see the procedures we undertake with Robotic Xi Surgery, please click here
GETTING MORE INFORMATION BEFORE MOVING FORWARD
YOU MAY HAVE QUESTIONS LIKE:
- Can I get more information before I commit to this?
- Can I get a second opinion from you before I commit to this?
- How can I find out the cost before I have any obligation?
WHAT AIMIS CAN DO:
AIMIS will provide a full review, diagnosis and potential surgical options for your condition, after receiving the relevant examinations and information from you. They will also provide an estimate for your surgical procedure before you decide.
AIMIS’ mission is to the provision of “true” healthcare for those who require it. It provides world leading surgeons using state of the art procedures to optimize potential surgical outcomes, whilst taking care of all arrangements so as to allow concentration on recovery.
AIMIS provide competitive prices for state of the art procedures. We also work with a large range of Insurance companies where your policy allows you to have surgery abroad.
FURTHER INFORMATION ON THE PROBLEM:
A PSA test does not always prove to be problematic if slightly elevated. In general, a PSA level less than 4 nanograms per mililiter (ng/mL) of blood is considered a normal level while a PSA greater than 10 ng/mL suggests a high risk of having cancer. Unfortunately, some men have intermediate levels (5 to 9 ng/mL) and some men can have prostate cancer with PSA levels less than 4 ng/mL. In addition, BPH and prostatitis can increase PSA levels resulting in a false positive test while some drugs may lower PSA levels and result in a false negative PSA test.
If the PSA and digital rectal exam suggest prostate cancer, the physician may suggest that a biopsy of the prostate is necessary, depending on age, medical condition, and other factors. The biopsy with extract small samples of prostatic tissue that can be examined for cancer tissue. The biopsy may detect and determine the aggressiveness of prostatic cancer cells.
FURTHER INFORMATION ON INCREASED RISK GROUPS
According to the American Cancer Society in discussing prostate cancer risk factors outlines that a risk factor is anything that affects your chance of getting a disease such as cancer.
In some cases lifestyle changes may help reduce risk, but a person’s age or family history, can’t be helped. Researchers have found several factors that might affect a man’s risk of getting prostate cancer.
- Age: Having prostate cancer rises rapidly after age 50. About 6 in 10 cases of prostate cancer are found in men older than 65.
- Race/ethnicity: Prostate cancer occurs twice as often in African-American men and in Caribbean men of African ancestry.
- Family history: Prostate cancer seems to run in some families, which suggests that in some cases there may be an inherited or genetic factor. (Still, most prostate cancers occur in men without a family history of it.). Having a father or brother with prostate cancer more than doubles a man’s risk of developing this disease. (The risk is higher for men who have a brother with the disease than for those who have a father with it.) The risk is much higher for men with several affected relatives, particularly if their relatives were young when the cancer was found.
- Gene changes: Several inherited gene changes seem to raise prostate cancer risk, but they probably account for only a small percentage of cases overall. Factors with less clear effect on prostate cancer risk include, diet, obesity and chemical exposure.
FURTHER EXAMINATION THAT MAYBE REQUIRED OR REQUESTED
Other types of examination that maybe requested by a doctor could include:
- Transrectal ultrasound : A procedure in which a probe that is about the size of a finger is inserted into the rectum to check the prostate. The probe is used to bounce high-energy sound waves (ultrasound) off internal tissues or organs and make echoes. The echoes form a picture of body tissues called a sonogram. Transrectal ultrasound may be used during a biopsy procedure.
- Transrectal magnetic resonance imaging (MRI): A procedure that uses a strong magnet, radio waves, and a computer to make a series of detailed pictures of areas inside the body. A probe that gives off radio waves is inserted into the rectum near the prostate. This helps the MRI machine make clearer pictures of the prostate and nearby tissue. A transrectal MRI is done to find out if the cancer has spread outside the prostate into nearby tissues. This procedure is also called nuclear magnetic resonance imaging (NMRI).
- Biopsy: The removal of cells or tissues so they can be viewed under a microscope by a pathologist to see if there are cancer cells and find out the Gleason score. The Gleason score ranges from 2-10 and describes how likely it is that a tumor will spread. The lower the number, the less likely the tumor is to spread.
- A transrectal biopsy is used to diagnose prostate cancer. A transrectal biopsy is the removal of tissue from the prostate by inserting a thin needle through the rectum and into the prostate. This procedure is usually done using transrectal ultrasound to help guide where samples of tissue are taken from. A pathologist views the tissue under a microscope to look for cancer cells.
WHY AIMIS FOR THIS SURGERY
Robotic Surgery is considered a golden standard for Prostate Surgery when in the hands of experienced surgeons. AIMIS has invested in the latest Robotic Technology the da Vinci Xi, providing superior 3D imaging, improved visual definition and clarity, facilitates anatomical access from virtually any position and precise tools providing greater range of motion and operative reach. This provides the technological tools to our leading surgeons to optimise clinical outcomes and provide the best healthcare has to offer. AIMIS strives for excellence in delivering the best surgical outcomes, via the extensive expertise of its prestige surgeons, its technologies, its highly trained staff and superior facilities to provide an individualized and compassionate experience in a comfortable environment. All patients are treated with the individual care they deserve in an effort to provide the best chance of successful treatment.
As a result of da Vinci technology, da Vinci Prostatectomy also offers the following potential benefits compared to traditional laparoscopy:
- More patients return to pre-surgery erectile function at 12-month checkup
- Faster return of urinary continence
- Lower risk of complications
- Less blood loss and need for a transfusion
- Less chance of nerve injury
- Less chance of inuring the rectum
- Shorter operation
- Less risk of deep vein thrombosis (life-threatening condition where a blood clot forms deep in the body)
- Shorter hospital stay
- Less chance of hospital readmission
- Less chance of needing follow-up surgery
- The da Vinci Surgical System is used in 4 out of 5 radical prostatectomies in the U.S
OTHER SERVICES PROVIDED BY AIMIS
In addition to its Innovative Healthcare, AIMIS provides seamless service along the way. From the start of your journey you'll know the best flights to take, where you'll be staying, what paperwork you will need. You will have a personal assistant assigned; from your pick up at the airport, to your accommodation, continuous assistance at your pre-consultation, through surgery and in your postsurgical care. Our Patients have said that they feel they have become "part of our family" and some even asked to stay a little longer! AIMIS is here to assist you in an all you requirements, allowing you to focus on your health and recovery.