How Does Dr. Brian Hale Approach Bladder Cancer Treatment?

KEY TAKEAWAYS:

  • Dr. Brian Hale uses a TURBT procedure to treat early-stage bladder cancer.
  • For more advanced bladder cancer, Dr. Hale may need to perform a radical cystectomy to remove the entire bladder.
  • Dr. Hale works closely with oncologists to provide comprehensive cancer care for his patients.

Dr. Brian D. Hale is a board-certified urologist in Tampa, FL, who is part of the Advanced Urology Institute. In this article, we will discuss Dr. Hale’s approach to bladder cancer treatment, including the types of procedures he uses to treat the disease.

Early-Stage Bladder Cancer

Fortunately, most patients with bladder cancer are diagnosed with early-stage cancer that can be cured with a simple outpatient procedure. Dr. Hale will typically remove the tumor using a transurethral resection of bladder tumor (TURBT) procedure. This is a minimally invasive procedure that involves using a cystoscope to remove the tumor through the urethra.

Advanced Bladder Cancer

If the cancer has advanced or is too large to be removed through a TURBT procedure, Dr. Hale may need to perform a more aggressive surgery. In some cases, he may need to remove the entire bladder in a procedure called a radical cystectomy. During this procedure, the bladder is removed along with nearby lymph nodes and the prostate or uterus in men and women, respectively. The urine is then diverted into a bag outside the body or into a new reservoir made from a piece of the small intestine.

Comprehensive Cancer Care

Dr. Hale works closely with oncologists to provide comprehensive cancer care for his patients. He may recommend additional treatments, such as chemotherapy or radiation therapy, depending on the stage and type of bladder cancer. He also provides ongoing monitoring to ensure that the cancer does not return.

Advanced Urology Institute

Advanced Urology Institute is the largest urology practice in Florida, with multiple locations throughout the state, including Tampa. Their team of experienced urologists, including Dr. Brian Hale, is dedicated to providing high-quality care to their patients. If you are in need of urological care, we highly recommend scheduling an appointment with Advanced Urology Institute.

TRANSCRIPTION:

My name is Brian Hale, I’m a board certified urologist working with Advanced Urology Institute.
So fortunately most of the patients that we find with bladder cancer have early stage
cancer that we can cure with a simple outpatient procedure.
If we find the cancer later or the cancer is too large or so large that it’s evading
into the bladder muscle, then we have to do a more aggressive surgery removing the entire bladder.

REFERENCES:

Technological Advancements in Urology

My name is Amar J. Raval and I’m with Advanced Urology Institute.

I love urology. I am privileged to be part of this community of urologists in the United States, and especially with Advanced Urology Institute. I think there are tremendous technological platforms that are available and we’re certainly unique in that field of surgery. From open [surgery] to robotics to laparoscopic to even prosthesis: whether it’s penile prosthesis or Interstim devices in the back to help control urinary incontinence, [and] urethral slings, there’s so much technology available in urology. It’s just a pleasure to be able to treat those patients.

What Treatment Options Are Available for Prostate Cancer – Dr. Amar Raval

My name is Amar J. Raval and I’m with Advanced Urology Institute.

The first is watchful waiting, that’s knowing that you have prostate cancer but you don’t want to really do anything about it.

Active surveillance is when you’re diagnosed with either low risk or low volume intermediate risk prostate cancer, you follow up with PSAs and digital rectal exams every three to six (3-6) months and then biopsies subsequently. If it advances or it’s a higher stage, then you treat it.

There’s also radiation therapy with hormones, brachytherapy, and of course surgery which is a radical prostatectomy that can be done open or laparoscopically/robotically.

So there’s plenty of options out there. It can be a very confusing type of cancer to have and I think it warrants us long conversations with the patients so they know all the options that are available.

What are the Symptoms of Low Testosterone, According to Dr. Brian Hale?

KEY TAKEAWAYS:

  • Symptoms of low testosterone include fatigue, low sex drive, and erectile dysfunction.
  • Testosterone replacement therapy is a common treatment for low testosterone, but it may not be suitable for everyone.
  • Advanced Urology Institute offers a wide range of urological services, including the diagnosis and treatment of low testosterone.

Dr. Brian D. Hale is a board-certified urologist in Tampa, FL, who is part of the Advanced Urology Institute. In this article, we will discuss the symptoms of low testosterone, according to Dr. Hale. Low testosterone, also known as hypogonadism, is a common condition that affects men as they age. It can cause a range of symptoms, including fatigue, low sex drive, and erectile dysfunction.

Symptoms of Low Testosterone

According to Dr. Hale, the most common symptoms of low testosterone are fatigue and a loss of sex drive. Men with low testosterone may also experience erectile dysfunction, or difficulty achieving or maintaining an erection. Other symptoms of low testosterone can include decreased muscle mass, increased body fat, and mood changes, such as depression and irritability.

Diagnosing Low Testosterone

If you are experiencing symptoms of low testosterone, it is important to see a urologist like Dr. Hale for an evaluation. To diagnose low testosterone, Dr. Hale will perform a physical exam and order a blood test to measure your testosterone levels. If your testosterone levels are low, Dr. Hale may recommend testosterone replacement therapy to help restore your levels and relieve your symptoms.

Treating Low Testosterone

Testosterone replacement therapy is a common treatment for low testosterone. This involves taking testosterone in the form of injections, gels, patches, or pellets to raise your testosterone levels. Testosterone replacement therapy can help improve energy levels, sex drive, and erectile function, and can also improve mood and cognitive function.

It is important to note that testosterone replacement therapy is not suitable for everyone, and there are potential risks and side effects associated with this treatment. Dr. Hale will discuss the risks and benefits of testosterone replacement therapy with you and help you decide if this treatment is right for you.

Advanced Urology Institute

Advanced Urology Institute is the largest urology practice in Florida, with multiple locations throughout the state, including Tampa. They offer a wide range of urological services, including the diagnosis and treatment of low testosterone. Their team of experienced urologists, including Dr. Brian Hale, is dedicated to providing the highest quality care to their patients. If you are experiencing symptoms of low testosterone, we highly recommend scheduling an appointment with Advanced Urology Institute.

TRANSCRIPTION:

My name is Brian Hale, I’m a board certified urologist working with Advanced Urology Institute.

Yeah, the men with low testosterone usually have either fatigue or a loss of sex drive. That’s the thing that would prompt me to check a testosterone level. A lot of times they come in with erectile dysfunction and I have to kind of bring that out of them. You’re also having symptoms of low testosterone and if they do, then we try to address that first before we treat the erectile dysfunction.

REFERENCES:

What is Vasectomy Recovery Like?

The no-needle no-scalpel vasectomy is a quick, minimally invasive outpatient procedure that takes 10-15 minutes. It is fail-safe on a majority of patients and highly unlikely to cause complications.

“At Advanced Urology Institute, we conduct no-needle no-scalpel vasectomies with very high success rates,” says Dr. Yaser Bassel, a board certified urologist at Advanced Urology Institute, Tampa, Florida. “It’s basically a 10-15 minute office procedure done under local anesthesia,” he adds.

What does the procedure involve?

During a no-needle no-scalpel vasectomy, you undress from the waist down and cover yourself using a sheet. Your skin is sterilized with antiseptic, and then sterile drapes are placed around your scrotum.

With the surgical site—the scrotum—numbed using an external agent, your urologist uses a device called a hemostat to expose your vas deferens through the skin of your testes. The vas deferens is then sealed to prevent sperm flow into semen. After sealing off your vas deferens, the surgeon bandages your scrotum—no closing of sutures is necessary.

Is the procedure painful?

The sensation associated with the procedure is comparable to a rubber band snapped at the entry site. You will feel some tugging as the vasectomy is done, but you should not expect to have any sharp pain.

Soon after the procedure, you can expect some mild discomfort. The discomfort may intensify as the anesthesia wears off, usually one or two hours after your procedure.

“The tenderness and soreness can be managed effectively with over-the-counter pain medication and cold compresses,” says Dr. Yaser Bassel. “It is advisable that you speak with your doctor about any pain, redness, soreness, or discomfort you may experience after the procedure.”

Likewise, you should make sure to read your urologist’s written instructions, review them thoroughly with your spouse, and ask questions regarding any concerns.

You should also not drive yourself home. Make sure to arrange for your transportation in advance. Your doctor will determine when you are ready to go home, and you should not speed up the process.

Once you leave the doctor’s office, you should go directly home to rest. Wear a snug scrotal garment or jockey shorts immediately after your surgery, and for up to one week, to avoid stretching the wound.

What should you expect during recovery?

You will need to follow basic self-care procedures to keep yourself comfortable and reduce the risk of infection or stretching your wound. Immediately after the procedure, you should take a day or two from work to rest.

“Once you arrive home, lie down and apply some ice on your scrotum, and rest for at least 20 minutes. You’ll then apply the ice periodically for the rest of the day,” says Dr. Yaser Bassel. “The ice will reduce the swelling and block your pain receptors to minimize the pain,” he adds.

A cold compress applied for the first 24-48 hours will minimize your pain and prevent swelling, but you will still need to monitor the progress of your surgical site. Should the pain, bruising, redness, and swelling worsen the first few days after your procedure, you should contact your physician for help.

With good scrotal support, you can ease into regular non-strenuous activity the day after your vasectomy procedure. However, it would be best if you avoid heavy lifting, working out, and other strenuous activities until at least the third day after your procedure. Lifting any weight above 10 pounds may stretch and reopen your wound. Plus, you should not shower or bathe for one or two days after the procedure.

“If any activity causes pain, put it off and rest some more before trying it again,” says Dr. Yaser Bassel. “Likewise, you should avoid having sexual relations soon after your no-needle no-scalpel vasectomy,” he affirms.

Since sperm will not immediately diminish in your semen, you will temporarily have to use external birth control when having sexual intercourse. It usually takes up to 3 months for sperm to be completely absent in semen.

You should also have your semen analyzed for the presence of sperm before you engaging in sex without using contraception.

Why Advanced Urology Institute?

At Advanced Urology Institute, we offer the no-needle no-scalpel procedure that takes less than 20 minutes and guarantees that you will enjoy contraception with the lowest complication rate, least amount of pain, and shortest recovery period.

Our urologists have been performing this procedure for years. Your safe and effective surgery will allow you to enjoy your sex life without worrying about an unintended pregnancy. We will also guide you through the recovery process to help you achieve the best possible outcome.

Are you thinking of getting a vasectomy? Schedule your consultation today with one of our knowledgeable and experienced urologists.

For additional information on vasectomy, vasectomy reversals, and other contraception issues, visit the Advanced Urology Institute website.

Kidney Stones Symptoms with Dr. Brian Hale

My name is Brian Hale. I’m a board certified urologist working with Advanced Urology Institute.

So patients who have kidney stones usually complain of flank pain, which is where the pain would be behind the lower ribs and sometimes it wraps around towards the front [and] down towards the groin area. Those are the most common symptoms, [sometimes] they’ll also have blood in the urine on our testing in the office.

Usually we’ll get an ultrasound or CT scan that diagnoses the stone, it’ll tell us the size and location. If the stones are smaller [about] less than 4 millimeters in size, ninety (90) percent of those times it will pass on their own. So on those patients, I give them a chance to try to pass the stone before we operate on them. When they’re bigger, they’ll be more than 6 millimeters in size, the less of a change of passing [the stone], less than ten (10) percent. For those patients, we look at the scheduling surgery for.

Vasectomy or Tubal Ligation: Which One to Choose According to Dr. Yaser Bassel?

KEY TAKEAWAYS:

  • Dr. Yaser S. Bassel, MD, a board-certified urologist in Tampa, FL, recommends vasectomy as a more straightforward and less invasive sterilization option compared to tubal ligation for women.
  • Vasectomy is a quick, in-office procedure that does not impact erectile function or libido in men.
  • Advanced Urology Institute is the largest urology practice in Florida, offering comprehensive care for patients seeking sterilization options and other urological treatments.

Introduction: Sterilization Options for Couples

Dr. Yaser S. Bassel, a board-certified urologist in Tampa, FL, practices at Advanced Urology Institute, the largest urology practice in Florida. In this article, Dr. Bassel discusses the differences between vasectomy and tubal ligation as sterilization options for couples, and why vasectomy is often the better choice.

Vasectomy: An In-Office Procedure for Sterilization

Dr. Bassel performs no-needle, no-scalpel vasectomies as an easy in-office procedure for male sterilization. He explains that this option is often more favorable than tubal ligation for women, as it is less invasive and quicker. A vasectomy typically takes 10 to 15 minutes and can be performed under local anesthesia. To help patients relax during the procedure, Dr. Bassel sometimes offers a Valium tablet.

Tubal Ligation: A More Invasive Surgical Procedure

In contrast to vasectomy, tubal ligation is a more invasive surgical procedure for women. It often requires general anesthesia and is more time-consuming than a vasectomy. While tubal ligation is also an effective sterilization method, Dr. Bassel suggests that a vasectomy is generally a better option for couples due to its simplicity and faster recovery time.

Vasectomy Recovery and Misconceptions

Dr. Bassel emphasizes that patients who undergo a vasectomy should avoid strenuous activities for one week to ensure proper healing. He also addresses common concerns that men have about the procedure, specifically that it may negatively impact their libido or erectile function. Dr. Bassel assures that there is no correlation between vasectomy and these issues, and that men can expect their sexual function to remain unchanged following the procedure.

Advanced Urology Institute: Leading the Way in Urological Care

As the largest urology practice in Florida, Advanced Urology Institute offers comprehensive care for patients with various urological conditions, including those seeking sterilization options like vasectomy. With a team of board-certified urologists such as Dr. Yaser Bassel, patients can expect state-of-the-art treatment options and personalized care.

TRANSCRIPTION: 

My name is Yaser Bassel. I’m a board-certified urologist with Advanced Urology Institute. 

I do perform no needle, no scalp with vasectomies and that is an easy in-office procedure for sterilization. For men that oftentimes is the better option than for women undergoing tubal ligation. In that case, women oftentimes will have to have general anesthesia and require a surgical procedure. For men this is typically a 10 to 15 minute procedure that’s performed in the office and oftentimes we can give patients a Valium tablet so that they’re relaxed during the procedure and afterwards as long as the patient is compliant with no strenuous activities for one week they typically do not have any issues with regards to healing. Oftentimes men are concerned that a vasectomy can affect their libido or affect their erectile function. There’s absolutely no correlation with that and there’s no effect on erectile function or libido for men.

REFERENCES: 

When Is the Right Time for a PSA Test, According to Dr. Yaser Bassel?

KEY TAKEAWAYS:

  • Men with a family history of prostate cancer or African-American males should start screening at age 40.
  • For the general population, the American Urological Association recommends screening at age 55.
  • The PSA test is an important tool for the early detection of prostate cancer.

Prostate-specific antigen (PSA) test is a common test used to screen for prostate cancer. However, there has been controversy over when men should start getting tested for this type of cancer. In this article, we will discuss the right time for a PSA test according to Dr. Yaser Bassel, a board-certified urologist in Tampa, FL, and a member of Advanced Urology Institute.

Who Should Start Screening at Age 40?

Dr. Yaser Bassel recommends that men with a family history of prostate cancer or African-American males should start screening at age 40. This is because they are at higher risk of developing prostate cancer. African-American men are twice as likely to die from prostate cancer than white men, and they are more likely to be diagnosed with prostate cancer at an earlier age. Additionally, men with a family history of prostate cancer have a higher risk of developing the disease themselves.

What Does the Screening Involve?

The screening process for prostate cancer typically involves a PSA blood test and a digital rectal exam. The PSA blood test measures the level of PSA in the blood. PSA is a protein produced by the prostate gland, and high levels of PSA can be an indication of prostate cancer. The digital rectal exam involves a doctor inserting a lubricated, gloved finger into the rectum to feel the prostate gland and check for any abnormalities.

When Should the General Population Start Screening?

For the general population, the American Urological Association recommends screening at age 55. This is because the risk of developing prostate cancer increases with age. However, if a man has a family history of prostate cancer or other risk factors, such as African-American heritage, he may need to start screening earlier.

The Importance of Early Detection

The PSA test is an important tool for the early detection of prostate cancer. When caught early, prostate cancer is often treatable, and the chances of survival are high. However, if prostate cancer is not detected early, it can spread to other parts of the body and become more difficult to treat. Therefore, it is important for men to talk to their doctor about the right time for them to start getting screened for prostate cancer.

Advanced Urology Institute

Advanced Urology Institute is the largest urology practice in Florida, with multiple locations throughout the state, including Tampa. They offer a wide range of urological services, including prostate cancer screenings, and their team of experienced urologists is dedicated to providing the highest quality care to their patients. If you are in need of urological care, we highly recommend scheduling an appointment with Advanced Urology Institute.

TRANSCRIPTION:

My name is Yaser Bassel. I’m a board-certified urologist with Advanced Urology Institute. 

In particular, it’s important for men with a family history of prostate cancer or African-American males to start screening at age 40. And again, that’s typically done with an annual PSA blood test and also a digital rectal exam. For the general population, the American Urological Association now recommends screening at age 55. It’s pretty simple. It involves really just a simple blood test that’s done once a year and then also a prostate exam or a digital rectal exam.

REFERENCES: