Prostate Cancer

At the Saint Vincent Cancer Care Center, a variety of treatment options, are available to prostate cancer patients. From conventional prostatectomy to minimally invasive, cutting edge technologies such as brachytherapy and cryotherapy, patients and prostate cancer specialists work together to choose the most appropriate treatment option.

Radical Prostatectomy

At Saint Vincent, the physicians of Allied Urology Associates are entering the next generation of prostate cancer surgery by performing the da Vinci SI™ robotic assisted anatomic radical prostatectomy or da Vinci™ prostatectomy (dVP). The da Vinci™ prostatectomy (dVP) is a minimally invasive surgical technique that provides a safe and alternative way to remove the prostate gland in patients diagnosed with prostate cancer.   The dVP is performed using fine laparoscopic instrumentation inserted through small incisions, in contrast to the conventional open radical prostatectomy where a lower midline abdominal incision is required for dissection and removal of the prostate gland. During the dVP, a telescopic lens is inserted into a small incision, providing a magnified view of delicate structures surrounding the prostate gland (e.g. nerves, Blood vessels, muscles, and bowel) thus allowing optimal preservation of these vital structures. The cancerous prostate gland is dissected free from the bladder and urethra, and the bladder and urethra are sewn together without the surgeon’s hands ever entering into the patient’s body. The prostate is eventually removed intact through one of the small 1-cm incisions. To learn more or schedule an appointment with Allied Urology Associates call 814-452-4214.

Brachytherapy

Saint Vincent physicians pioneered the use of brachytherapy to irradicate prostate cancer. Brachytherapy, implantation with iodine-125 “seeds,” is an extremely effective treatment for prostate cancer. As the iodine decays, radiation is emitted. These radioactive seeds are placed near or in the tumor giving a high dose of radiation to the tumor while reducing the radiation exposure to surrounding healthy tissue. Once implanted, the seeds remain permanently in the body. Fully decayed seeds emit no radiation and are harmless to the body.

This procedure, available at Saint Vincent, is minimally invasive. Brachytherapy is performed in an outpatient setting, and most patients go home the same day they receive their treatment. The seed implantation process takes about 45 minutes to one hour. By comparison, other treatment options, such as external beam radiation may require up to five treatment visits per week for seven to eight weeks.

Brachytherapy Patient Benefits

• No surgical incision
• Shorter recovery time
• Reduced risk of side effects such as impotence or incontinence

"Along with my family and friends, Saint Vincent physicians and staff provided a great support system for me when I was dealing with cancer." - John, Prostate Cancer Survivor

Cryotherapy

The Procedure
The procedure is performed in an outpatient setting under general or regional anesthesia. It is a minimally invasive procedure that involves no incision. Small needles are inserted into the prostate and argon and helium gases are used to freeze the prostate and destroy it entirely. Ultrasound imaging is used to pinpoint placement and application. The patient generally goes home the same or following day, as opposed to patients who receive radical prostatectomies, which require a brief hospital stay and a three- to five-week recovery.

Outcomes
When compared to radical prostatectomy, cryosurgery patients claim a greater quality of life.
Cryosurgical ablation of the prostate should not be considered as the primary treatment choice for all men, specifically not for men wanting to continue normal sexual function. Cryosurgery can be used as first-line treatment in highly selected patients who otherwise would not be good candidates for surgery or radiation. Additionally, cryosurgery can be used in men who have failed traditional radiation therapy.

Cryotherapy Patient Benefits

• Minimally invasive
• Reduced risk of complications
• Shorter recovery time
• Choice of general or regional anesthesia
• Used when other treatments have been unsuccessful or are not feasible

To learn more, talk to your family physician or call Saint Vincent Ask-A-Nurse at 814-452-5500 . 
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