Evaluation and Treatment of Urological Conditions

RPLND Testicular Cancer

Testicular cancer is a disease of young men. Testicular cancer is a very treatable and curable condition but may require major surgery and even chemotherapy. We are one of the hand-full of centers in this country and the only one in this area offering a laparoscopic RPLND. We perform this complex procedure through tiny keyhole incisions eliminating the need for large incision thus decreasing pain and allowing the patients to go home and return to normal activities much sooner.

Laparoscopic Removal of Kidney Cancer Tumors

Robotic / Laparoscopic Partial Nephrectomy - Remove even large and central tumors of the kidney laparoscopically and preserve the kidney even in patients who were told by other surgeons that their kidney cannot be spared.

BPH (obstructive benign prostatic hyperplasia)

Common Symptoms of BPH are:

1) the sudden sensation of wetting oneself
2) interruption of the urinary stream with difficulty in starting and stopping the stream, and
3) frequent urination during the night.
The most frequently performed procedure for BPH (obstructive benign prostatic hyperplasia) which affects approximately 14 million American men and accounts for one-third of the male population over the age of 5O is the (TURP) transurethral electrosurgical resection of the prostate for urinary incontinence.

Differences between the TURP, and TUNA Procedures:

TUNA procedure:

-- mildly sedated patient
-- with local anesthesia administered to the surgical site
-- outpatient surgical setting
-- Patients usually return to normal activities within several days
-- Costs are significantly less

The procedure works by administering low level radio frequency energy that generates ionic agitation and consequently, frictional heat to the site. The entire procedure usually lasts for approximately 40 minutes and has minimal risks or side effects associated with it. Patients have fewer incidences of sexual impotence, retrograde ejaculation and incontinence than those who have the conventional TURP procedure.

TURP procedure:

-- requires a general anesthetic
-- inpatient hospitalization
-- a longer recovery time

The NO-SCALPEL VASECTOMY PROCEDURE

The purpose of a vasectomy is to prevent the delivery of sperm during intercourse. The vas deferens is a narrow duct that carries sperm from the testicle to the point of delivery. The surgeon locates the vas in the scrotum and then blocks sperm delivery by tying the vas and cauterizing it. This blockage prevents sperm from leaving the body. Fingers are used to gently locate the vas under the skin in the upper portion of the scrotum. Local anesthetic is injected to numb the skin and the vas area, causing a sensation that most patients describe as similar to a small mosquito bite. Numbing is achieved within 10 seconds. Very little, if any, discomfort is felt while making a tiny puncture in the scrotum and inserting a hemostat. Using special equipment, the vas is then drawn out through the puncture, divided and tied off. No stitches are needed to close the small wound.

 

Advantages Of This NO-Scalpel Procedure

Your vasectomy will be performed in our office and will take only 5-10 minutes to complete. Following the procedure, the person who accompanied you may drive you home so that you can recover in the familiar comfort of your own home. Benefits of the no-scalpel procedure versus a traditional procedure are:

• Usually requires less time to perform
  Less traumatic to the tissues
  Less discomfort during and following the procedure
  Less bleeding
  Less risk of infection
  No stitches
  A single, small puncture entry - no incision!

Post Op - Often patients are surprised by how quickly and easily they recover.

Ice packs can alleviate any immediate discomfort, and an athletic supporter may be worn as needed. You may return to work after two days, and to full activity within a week; for this reason, you may find Friday afternoon a convenient time to schedule the procedure.

Vasectomies are A Safe Procedure

Vasectomies have long been regarded as much safer and simpler procedures than comparable sterilization procedures for women. The no-scalpel vasectomy is, in fact, somewhat safer than traditional vasectomies because of all the advantages listed above.

Vasectomy is a Very Effective Procedure

As with any vasectomy, the rate of success is greater than 99%. After a vasectomy, sterilization is not instantaneous. Sperm cells which have already traveled up the vas before the operation will be stored at the upper end of the vas near the prostate gland. You will not be considered sterile until the stored sperm is passed. The staff will help you arrange to have your seminal fluid checked after 20 - 25 ejaculations. You should continue to use another form of contraception until two specimens are found to be sperm free. At this point, it is safe to assume that you are sterile.

Sterilization

A vasectomy should be considered as permanent sterilization. Reversals are possible, though a successful outcome cannot be guaranteed. We encourage patients to consider their needs carefully before electing sterilization; if a reversal is desired, we will be happy to discuss and perform the necessary surgery.

MEDICAL ACUPUNTURE

What is the Difference between Medical Acupuncture and Ordinary Acupuncture?

Medical acupuncture is a term describing the practice of acupuncture by a physician trained and licensed in Western Medicine who also has thorough training in acupuncture. The physician can use either approach or a combination of Western and Eastern approaches to treat illness.

• What is QI (CHI)?
  • The simple translation is –energy or vitality. The body obtains QI from its nourishment and circulates QI to all the tissues.
  • QI is the “life source” that is part of our movements, actions and thinking.
  • QI permeates all of life’s processes.
  
  Acupuncture is only part of the treatment program.
  • Eating well
  • Chinese herbal formula
  • Exercise- physical therapy techniques
  • Relaxation- meditation, biofeedback, yoga, Tai Chi and QI Gong