Our laser prostate surgery research is in this month's British Journal of Urology

We're happy to share with the world our work in this month's British Journal of Urology.

Pubmed citation

Full Paper

The paper deals with laser prostate surgery for benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), commonly known as an enlarged prostate.

Our experience with the procedure reveals that it is safe to perform this surgery with a discharge within hours of the procedure. This case series is important because having an ambulatory pathway can reduce hospital resource utilization, allow patients a more comfortable recovery in their home environment, and avoid further exposure to hospital based problems such as infections, errors, and falls.

In a laser prostatectomy, a laser fiber is used to destroy prostate tissue that is blocking a man's urinary flow.  An advantage from a laser based approach is less blood loss due to the sealing action of the laser.  This allows patients the potential for a same day surgery. 

The classic, surgical approach to BPH is the TURP or transurethral resection of the prostate.  As a opposed to a laser fiber, a cutting loop is used to shave away the obstructive prostate tissue.  Due the amount of bleeding postoperatively, patients are generally admitted to the hospital for at least one day with a bladder irrigating catheter.

Our research group is currently studying other aspects of advanced laser prostate surgery as well as the use of mobile apps in urology....so stay tuned!  More abstracts and papers to come...

Sharing our research at the NEAUA Meeting

Entrance to the Meeting at the Westin in Boston

I was at the 81st New England American Urological Association Annual Meeting in Boston last week.  The meeting was well attended with participants hailing from not only New England but also from many other parts of the US.  I had a great time catching up with colleagues as well as former residents I trained who are now colleagues (!).

At this year's meeting, I was also active as a member of the Scientific Program Committee, reviewing abstracts and helping the Program Chairs outline the format for the sessions.

My research group had a podium abstract at the meeting about laser prostate surgery.
Check out this prior blog post for more details about the abstract as well as my meeting involvement.

Drs. Ben Herrick (right) and Ron Yap (left) after our presentation.
See how relieved Ben looks?

Dr. Ben Herrick did a great job presenting our findings in the session.  The abstract was favorably received and marks the 4th time he has been able to share our research at a scientific meeting.  At this past American Urological Association Annual Meeting in May,  Dr. Herrick was first author on three abstracts for my group.  This is no small feat for such a large and competitive international meeting.  So kudos, Ben.  Keep up the good work!

Presidential Proclamation on Prostate Cancer Awareness Month

As a urologist, I'm in the front line everyday with my patients in the battle against prostate cancer.

Despite the controversy regarding PSA based screening for prostate cancer, the fact remains that prostate cancer is a leading cancer for men as far as incidence and mortality.  This disease is also the cause of much suffering in the world.

I'm pleased to see President Obama issue a proclamation yesterday acknowledging the burden of prostate cancer on American men, their families, and the healthcare system.

I urge my readers to check out this statement and spread the word about September being Prostate Cancer Awareness month.

Here are some suggestions for the month:

• Attend an educational event in your area about prostate cancer
• Consider a donation to a prostate cancer related charity
• Raise money to support prostate cancer research
• Talk to your doctor about prostate cancer   
• Talk to a family member or someone you know with prostate cancer and give him your support

If you have any other suggestions to support prostate cancer awareness please drop in a comment!