Member News Releases
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
September 6, 2007
Innovative Treatment Removes Plainfield Man’s Prostate Cancer
At an annual physical provided by his company, Larry (wishes to remain anonymous) of Plainfield received some surprising news.
Larry was told that his PSA levels were elevated in a blood test. "I went to my urologist and asked what it meant," said Larry. "A biopsy showed extensive cancer in my prostate."
It came as a shock to Larry. Although his father died of prostate cancer, he felt very healthy. Furthermore, at 57-years-old, Larry had never been hospitalized or even under general anesthesia. However, Larry said, "Dr. Nguyen was very reassuring."
After speaking with Dr. Thai Nguyen, urologist with Advanced Urology Associates at Silver Cross Hospital, Larry opted for a laparoscopic prostatectomy to remove the prostate and therefore have the best chance of removing the cancer. "The laparoscopic procedure had a shorter recovery time, and there would be less bleeding," Larry said. "As I better understood the technology, I became even more convinced it was the right approach."
Dr. Nguyen performed Larry’s procedure in February at Silver Cross Hospital. A laparoscopic radial prostatectomy (LRP) is performed to cure localized prostate cancer (prostate cancer that has not spread beyond the prostate or the immediate area surrounding the prostate.) "During the procedure, the prostate is surgically removed, leaving a defect in the urethral channel, which must be repaired," said Dr. Nguyen. "The bladder and urethral stump must be sutured together to re-establish this urinary channel."
In the laparoscopic surgery, multiple small incisions are made in the abdomen rather than one long incision. The abdomen is then inflated with carbon dioxide to create room for the surgeon to work. The surgeon inserts a video camera through one of the mini-incisions and long, specialized instruments are placed through the other incisions to perform the surgery.
Having the surgery done laparoscopically has its benefits. The camera used for the surgery has a magnification factor approximately 10 times than that of the naked eye; therefore the surgeon can see small blood vessels more easily. This results in less blood loss.
"Due to the use of smaller incisions, patients experience less pain following surgery, require less pain medications and may therefore leave the hospital sooner," said Dr. Nguyen. Larry spent two nights in the hospital and experienced minimal pain. "I've have 4 tiny incisions that are almost undetectable," says Larry. "I was very pleased with Silver Cross; I felt like I had professional care, and the staff was excellent."
"Prostate cancer is the most common cancer affecting men and the second most common cancer killer of men," said Dr. Nguyen. Current recommendations are for men to undergo an annual prostate cancer screening with a blood test and prostate exam starting at age 50. High-risk men (those with a family history of prostate cancer or men of African-American descent) should undergo annual screening starting at age 40.
It took several months for Larry to get his strength back after his procedure. He says, "I’m glad to have had early detection and such an aggressive approach of removing the prostate."
Silver Cross Hospital and Advanced Urology Associates will offer free prostate screenings Monday, Sept. 24, from 4 to 7 p.m. and Saturday, Sept. 29, from 7 to 10 a.m. in the Brown Cardiovascular Institute at the hospital, 1300 Copperfield Ave., Joliet. The screening includes a PSA blood test and a digital rectal exam by a urologist. To schedule an appointment, visit www.silvercross.org or call 1-888-660-HEAL.
Silver Cross Hospital, a not-for-profit healthcare provider, has been creating world-class health care experiences for the southwest suburban communities for over 110 years. Silver Cross has been recognized as one of our nation’s 100 Top Hospitals by Solucient and as one of America’s Most Friendliest Hospitals by the American Alliance of Healthcare Providers for three consecutive years. Exceptional care. It’s not unusual. It’s simply the way you should be treated.