News & Media

March, 2008

"ENERGY FREE" LAPAROSCOPIC PROSTATE CANCER REMOVAL

Most men understand that prostate cancer detected early is one of the most curable forms of cancer.

What most men do not understand, however, is that surgical removal of the prostate is more common in younger males…under the age of 65. That's because removal of the prostate offers the surest long term cure and, thus, makes more sense than radiation for younger men.

It's also important to understand the different techniques for surgical removal…referred to as radical prostectomy. Until recently, this was an extensive surgery involving several days in the hospital and up to six weeks of recovery time. Now, however, prostectomy can be done on a minimally invasive basis using a laparoscopic technique… resulting in a far shorter recovery period.

But perhaps the most important decision criteria for men facing prostate cancer surgery are the return of continence and potency following the procedure. The nerve bundles adjacent to the prostate control both functions and can be damaged during surgery.

Urologists at Fatima Hospital are the only surgeons in Rhode Island to adopt what is called an "energy free" laparoscopic prostectomy procedure. Unlike other techniques that involve equipment that generate electrical impulses that can damage the nerve bundles, Fatima surgeons use a laparoscopic technology that is "energy free" and thus, far less likely to damage the vital nerve bundles.

For information or a referral to a surgeon performing this procedure, call 456-3627.