Early detection of prostate cancer and treatment of impotence after surgery

Early detection of prostate cancer and treatment of impotence after surgery are performed by the specialists of HMC’s Urology Department. Innovative methods and cutting-edge equipment allow the urologists of the clinic to detect even the smallest tumors in time and perform radical surgery to treat it. When deciding on a treatment plan our urologists aspire to not only cure cancer but also to prevent possible complications of the surgery, such as erectile dysfunction.

The Importance of Early Diagnosis of Prostate Cancer

Prostate cancer is one of the most common forms of cancer in men. Despite the fact that it is more common in elderly patients, we see more and more cases of prostate cancer in men younger than 60 in recent years. Prostate cancer is not characterized by rapid growth, and during an extensive period of time, the tumor develops within the primary capsule, displaying symptoms, which are identical to benign prostatic hyperplasia (adenoma). This feature often allows the disease to be diagnosed during a routine medical check-up. An early-detected tumor responds to radical treatment, which, in the majority of cases, ensures complete recovery.

However, in advanced stages of the disease, prostate cancer spreads far beyond the primary tumor. In addition to regional lymph nodes, metastasis is often found in the bones, liver, and lungs. Secondary foci are notable for the more aggressive course and they lead to severe symptoms. Metastatic prostate cancer is not subject to radical removal, while the effect of conservative anti-cancer therapy (hormonal drugs, radiation therapy, and chemotherapy) significantly reduces as the metastases advance. Metastatic prostate cancer is considered to be a serious threat to the patient’s life which is why it’s so important to detect cancer early on.

Multifocal Prostate Biopsy at Herzliya Medical Center

Numerous scientific researches regarding the effectiveness of diagnostic methods of prostate cancer have determined a high risk of false-negative findings in prostate biopsies (absence of malignant cells in the examined sample when in fact the patient has cancer), carried out on one (about 40%) or multiple (about 20%) areas of the prostate. The researchers found that the probability of false-negative findings is minimal if a multifocal prostate biopsy method is applied. During a prostate biopsy at HMC samples are taken from 8-12 different locations. This method minimizes the chances of diagnostic errors and allows timely detection of even the smallest tumors.

Complications of Radical Prostate Removal

Impotence is one of the most common complications following prostate cancer treatment. The weakness or lack of erection occur due to nerve damage caused during the surgery, as well as hormonal therapy and radiation side effects. The use of modern methods such as microscopic and robotic surgery has significantly reduced the risks of impotence, however, even after such operations, it is still possible to observe temporary or permanent erectile dysfunction. The researches have shown that the absence of improvement of erectile function during 1-2 years after prostatectomy significantly reduces the probability of its spontaneous recovery and requires special treatment.

Treatment of Erectile Dysfunction Following Prostate Cancer Removal, Performed by Dr. Uri Gur

In his outpatient clinic at Herzliya Medical Center, Doctor Uri Gur practices the most up-to-date methods of treatment of erectile dysfunction after the removal of prostate cancer. It is a well-known fact that conservative therapy with the application of such drugs, like Viagra, Levitra or Cialis, does not always have the desired effect in patients who underwent a prostatectomy. Doctor Gur uses harmless medication for local injection into the penis (intracavernosal injections of prostaglandin), providing a lasting erection even in cases when traditional medical therapy was ineffective.

An additional method of treating impotence after a prostatectomy is with the use of implants. Surgical treatment of impotence has become popular in Israel following the introduction of a new generation of dynamic penile prostheses, which allow for the regulation of the duration and the strength of erection. The implant is placed in the cavernous bodies of the penis, while its size and elasticity can be controlled by the patient with the help of a remote-controlled mechanism.

The application of this method guarantees successful treatment and is considered highly safe, as well as carrying minimal risk of complications. Doctor Uri Gur also specializes in operations aimed at treating erectile dysfunction, resulting from damage to blood vessels and/or nerves.

The extensive experience of HMC’s Urology Department specialists in the surgical treatment of erectile dysfunction will help to completely restore the loss of sexual function and return to normal life.