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.

What Advantages Do Laparoscopic & Robotic Surgery Offer with Dr. Amar Raval?

KEY TAKEAWAYS:

  • Laparoscopic and robotic surgeries offer several advantages, including reduced pain, smaller incisions, and shorter hospital stays, which lead to faster recovery times.
  • These minimally invasive techniques provide improved visualization and precision during surgery, resulting in better outcomes.
  • Dr. Amar J. Raval, MD, is a urologist in Tampa, FL, and a member of the Advanced Urology Institute, the largest urology practice in Florida.

Amar J. Raval, MD and the Rise of Laparoscopic & Robotic Surgery

Dr. Amar J. Raval, is a urologist in Tampa, FL, specializing in advanced surgical techniques, including laparoscopic and robotic surgery. With the ever-evolving field of urology, these minimally invasive procedures have become increasingly popular for their numerous benefits, including reduced pain and faster recovery times. In this article, we will explore the advantages of laparoscopic and robotic surgery as explained by Dr. Raval.

Laparoscopic & Robotic Surgery: Minimally Invasive Techniques for Better Outcomes

Laparoscopic and robotic surgeries are minimally invasive techniques that offer several advantages over traditional open surgery. As Dr. Raval explains, these methods involve small incisions, leading to less pain and shorter hospital stays for patients. This translates to a quicker recovery, with minimal discomfort during the healing process.

Improved Visualization and Precision

One of the most significant benefits of laparoscopic and robotic surgery is the enhanced visualization these techniques provide. Dr. Raval emphasizes the importance of being able to see small anatomical structures in great detail and in 3D, which ultimately leads to improved surgical outcomes.

The precision offered by robotic surgery, in particular, allows for more refined movements during the procedure, resulting in better surgical results. This level of accuracy can be vital when working with delicate structures in the urinary tract or reproductive system.

Reduced Complications and Scarring

In addition to the benefits already mentioned, laparoscopic and robotic surgeries are also associated with a lower risk of complications and less scarring compared to traditional open surgery. Due to the smaller incisions and the minimally invasive nature of these procedures, there is typically less blood loss and a reduced chance of infection.

Furthermore, the reduced scarring not only offers cosmetic benefits but can also decrease the likelihood of complications related to adhesions, which are bands of scar tissue that can form after surgery.

Dr. Amar Raval at Advanced Urology Institute

Dr. Amar J. Raval is a skilled urologist in Tampa, FL, who is dedicated to providing the best possible care for his patients. As a member of the Advanced Urology Institute, the largest urology practice in Florida, Dr. Raval works alongside a team of experienced urologists who share his commitment to excellence in patient care.

By offering state-of-the-art laparoscopic and robotic surgeries, the Advanced Urology Institute ensures that their patients receive the most advanced and effective treatments available in the field of urology.

TRANSCRIPTION:

My name is Amir J. Raval and I’m with Advanced Urology Institute. Laparoscopic and robotic surgery is unique because it minimizes your pain, has small incisions, and results in a shorter hospital stay. These three benefits are a big deal and patients recover faster with minimal pain and discomfort. Additionally, with robotic and laparoscopic techniques, the visualization is significantly improved. You’re able to see small anatomy in great detail and in 3D, and make fine movements for a better outcome and surgery.

REFERENCES:

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:

Common Prostate Health Issues – Dr. Yaser Bassel

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

Most patients that come to us with regards to prostate health issues, the majority of them are dealing with benign disease, in particular something called Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia or BPH. Oftentimes those types of diseases and those types of symptoms can be addressed with medication and then beyond that, there are treatments for BPH that include in-office procedures and then beyond that, surgical procedures as well. 

The other spectrum is malignant prostate disease which is prostate cancer. Typically that is found with prostate cancer screening. We use the Prostate-specific Antigen (PSA) blood test for that and also digital rectal exam (DGA) to detect prostate cancer oftentimes in asymptomatic men. Typically treatments range from robotic prostatectomy, radiation therapy and now there are some newer technologies such as high intensity frequency ultrasound at our disposal. Beyond that, there are also new advanced prostate cancer therapies for prostate cancer that have gone out of the prostate as well.

Advances in ED treatment

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

When I first started urology we had injection therapy and surgery, so we did a lot of surgery for erectile dysfunction. When Viagra came out in the late 90s that obviously changed everything, and now we have a lot of options besides Viagra, medically. So the treatment of erectile dysfunction transitioned from a surgical problem to a medical problem. We still do treat men with surgery if they fail the medical options but the numbers now are very low for patients who undergo surgery for erectile dysfunction.

Dr. Amar Raval’s Recommendations: Surgery or Radiation for Prostate Cancer?

KEY TAKEAWAYS:

  • Surgery and radiation therapy are two common treatment options for prostate cancer, each with its own set of benefits and drawbacks.
  • Dr. Raval often recommends radiation therapy for older patients or those with medical comorbidities that may limit their ability to undergo surgery successfully.
  • Dr. Amar J. Raval, MD, is a urologist in Tampa, FL, and a member of the Advanced Urology Institute, the largest urology practice in Florida.

Dr. Amar J. Raval and the Decision-Making Process for Prostate Cancer Treatment

Amar J. Raval, MD, is a urologist in Tampa, FL, specializing in the diagnosis and treatment of prostate cancer. With a range of treatment options available, deciding between surgery and radiation can be a challenging process for patients. In this article, we explore Dr. Raval’s insights and recommendations for making this important decision.

Surgery vs. Radiation: Weighing the Options

When it comes to treating prostate cancer, surgery and radiation are two of the most common treatment options. Each method has its own set of benefits and drawbacks, making it crucial for patients to carefully consider their individual needs and circumstances before making a decision.

Surgery: The Benefits and Drawbacks

Surgery, specifically radical prostatectomy, involves the complete removal of the prostate gland and surrounding tissues. While surgery can be an effective option for treating prostate cancer, it is an invasive procedure that carries its own set of potential complications. These may include infection, bleeding, and urinary incontinence, among others.

Dr. Raval emphasizes that surgery is not without risks, and patients should be aware of these when weighing their options. However, for some patients, surgery can offer the best chance for long-term cancer control.

Radiation: A Suitable Option for Older Patients or Those with Medical Comorbidities

Radiation therapy, on the other hand, involves the use of high-energy X-rays or particles to kill cancer cells within the prostate. Dr. Raval often recommends radiation therapy for older patients or those with other medical conditions that may limit their ability to undergo surgery successfully.

Although radiation therapy can be a less invasive alternative to surgery, it is not without potential side effects, such as urinary and bowel issues or erectile dysfunction. However, for some patients, radiation therapy may provide a more suitable option given their overall health and age.

The Importance of Patient Autonomy in Treatment Decisions

While Dr. Raval provides his expert opinion and guidance during the decision-making process, he ultimately leaves the choice of treatment up to the patient. Each individual’s unique circumstances, preferences, and values must be taken into account when determining the best course of action for treating prostate cancer.

Dr. Amar Raval at Advanced Urology Institute

Dr. Amar J. Raval is a skilled urologist in Tampa, FL, who is dedicated to providing the best possible care for his patients. As a member of the Advanced Urology Institute, the largest urology practice in Florida, Dr. Raval works alongside a team of experienced urologists who share his commitment to excellence in patient care.

By offering comprehensive treatment options and personalized guidance for patients with prostate cancer, the Advanced Urology Institute ensures that their patients receive the most advanced and effective treatments available in the field of urology.

TRANSCRIPTION:

My name is Amar J. Raval and I’m with Advanced Urology Institute. You know surgery is surgery at the end of the day and it does have its own complications and you’re you know making incisions. With radiation I like to give it to patients who are older who want treatment and also have medical comorbidities or different things that may limit them from being successful from a surgical outcome. But I think it’s again it’s a big conversation to have and ultimately I you know give my thoughts but I leave it up to patients to decide what they want to do.

REFERENCES:

What Is Screening for Prostate Cancer?

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

Certainly any man over the age of 50 should be screened for prostate cancer, it is the #2 cause of cancer death in men. There’s a lot of controversy about the PSA because of its lack of specificity: a lot of men who have elevated PSA do not have prostate cancer, but unfortunately we don’t have a better task. We have a rectal exam but that misses more cancer than the PSA, so to stop screening for prostate cancer was a mistake and they actually only reversed that recommendation on screening for prostate cancer based on what was happening. We were seeing a lot of men with Metastatic disease.

Dr Brian Hale: Urologist in Tampa, FLI started private practice in 1995, and from 1995 until the last five (5) years or so, I didn’t have any metastatic prostate cancer patients in my practice, and now I have a lot, and a lot of it was from a lack of screening. I have patients that were trying to do everything right: watching their weight, exercising and they stopped screening for prostate cancer because of the recommendations. They would have symptoms like blockage from their prostate or blood in their urine. We would check a PSA and we would find it to be extremely high and later find they have metastatic disease because of lack of screening. I have several patients I know on the top of my head that have had that problem, unfortunately. So I would definitely recommend that they continue screening for prostate cancer. [While] it is true, we need a better test than PSA, but just because we don’t have a better test doesn’t mean we should stop screening and I think the government is coming back around to that because the treatment of metastatic prostate cancer is a lot more expensive than the treatment of early prostate cancer.

What are the Symptoms & Treatment Options for Low Testosterone, According to Dr. Amar Raval?

KEY TAKEAWAYS:

  • Low testosterone can cause symptoms such as fatigue, erectile dysfunction, and lack of energy, negatively impacting a person’s daily life and self-esteem.
  • Diagnosing low testosterone involves checking laboratory tests and assessing other hormones that may affect testosterone levels.
  • Treatment options for low testosterone include gels and injectable testosterone, which can have a significant positive impact on patients’ lives.

Dr. Amar J. Raval on Low Testosterone

Amar J. Raval, MD, is a urologist in Tampa, FL, specializing in the diagnosis and treatment of urological conditions, including low testosterone. Low testosterone can have a significant impact on an individual’s daily life and overall well-being. In this article, we will discuss the symptoms and treatment options for low testosterone, as advised by Dr. Raval.

Symptoms of Low Testosterone

Low testosterone, or hypogonadism, can present with a variety of symptoms that may negatively impact an individual’s quality of life. According to Dr. Raval, some of the common symptoms associated with low testosterone include:

  1. Fatigue
  2. Erectile dysfunction
  3. Lack of energy

These symptoms can interfere with a person’s daily activities, relationships, and self-esteem, making it crucial to seek appropriate treatment.

Diagnosing Low Testosterone

Dr. Raval explains that diagnosing low testosterone involves checking certain laboratory tests, including subsequent tests to confirm the low testosterone levels. In addition, other hormones that may affect testosterone levels are also assessed.

Treatment Options for Low Testosterone

Once low testosterone has been confirmed, Dr. Raval discusses various treatment options with patients. These options include:

  1. Gels: Topical testosterone gels are applied directly to the skin and absorbed through the skin’s surface. This method is convenient and relatively easy to administer, although it may cause skin irritation in some cases.
  2. Injectable testosterone: Testosterone injections are another treatment option for individuals with low testosterone. Injections provide a more direct route of administration, and dosing can be more easily controlled compared to gels.

The Impact of Testosterone Treatment on Daily Life

Dr. Raval emphasizes that testosterone treatment can have a dramatic effect on patients’ lives, including their sexual function, energy levels, productivity, and self-esteem. By addressing the underlying hormonal imbalance, patients can experience significant improvements in their overall well-being and quality of life.

Dr. Amar Raval and Advanced Urology Institute

Dr. Amar J. Raval is a urologist in Tampa, FL, who is dedicated to providing the best possible care for his patients. As a member of the Advanced Urology Institute, the largest urology practice in Florida, Dr. Raval works alongside a team of experienced urologists who share his commitment to excellence in patient care.

By offering comprehensive treatment options and personalized guidance for patients with low testosterone, the Advanced Urology Institute ensures that their patients receive the most advanced and effective treatments available in the field of urology.

TRANSCRIPTION:

My name is Amar J. Raval and I’m with Advanced Urology Institute. There’s plenty of patients who have low testosterone and want to know treatment options for that. They have fatigue, erectile dysfunction, lack of energy, and those can plague them in their daily lives. So generally now with the new screening guidelines with the AUA, we check certain labs. We need to show that they have low T on subsequent labs and we also check other hormones that may affect that. And those that are in need or can benefit from therapy, there’s gels as well as injectable testosterone that can be given to help them in that setting. I think it dramatically affects their lives. Their sexual lives, their energy, their being more productive throughout the day can affect relationships and even their self-esteem. So all of these are huge factors for them.

REFERENCES:

How Does Dr. Amar Raval Diagnose & Treat Kidney Stones?

KEY TAKEAWAYS:

  • Kidney stones are prevalent in Florida, with dehydration and heat as contributing factors.
  • Dr. Amar Raval, a urologist in Tampa, FL, employs imaging tests to diagnose kidney stones and determine the most appropriate treatment.
  • Treatment options for kidney stones include stent placement, ESWL, and laser lithotripsy, all of which are minimally invasive and leverage advanced technology.

Introduction

Kidney stones are a common issue faced by many, especially in Florida, where heat and dehydration contribute to their development. Dr. Amar J. Raval, a reputable urologist in Tampa, FL, at the Advanced Urology Institute, shares his approach to diagnosing and treating kidney stones, leveraging the latest technology and minimally invasive techniques.

Symptoms of Kidney Stones

Patients with kidney stones usually experience a sudden onset of flank pain that doesn’t subside with oral medication, nausea, vomiting, fever, chills, and blood in their urine. These symptoms often prompt them to seek medical attention and undergo imaging tests to identify the presence of kidney stones.

Diagnosis of Kidney Stones

When a patient presents with symptoms indicative of kidney stones, Dr. Raval employs imaging tests, such as X-rays, ultrasounds, or CT scans, to visualize the stones and assess their size, location, and possible obstruction. This information is crucial in determining the best course of treatment for the patient.

Treatment Options for Kidney Stones

Dr. Raval emphasizes that modern technology has significantly advanced kidney stone treatment, offering several minimally invasive approaches:

  • Stent Placement: A temporary stent may be inserted into the ureter to bypass the stone and alleviate pain. This procedure is often performed when the stone is too large to pass naturally or is causing severe symptoms.
  • Extracorporeal Shock Wave Lithotripsy (ESWL): This non-invasive technique uses shock waves to break the kidney stone into smaller pieces, enabling the patient to pass them more easily through the urinary tract.
  • Laser Lithotripsy: In this minimally invasive procedure, a ureteroscope is inserted through the urethra and bladder to reach the stone. A laser is then used to break the stone into tiny fragments, which can be passed naturally or removed using a small basket-like device. A sample of the stone may also be sent for analysis to determine its composition and help prevent future stone formation.

Advanced Urology Institute: Your Partner in Kidney Stone Treatment

At the Advanced Urology Institute, the largest urology practice in Florida, Dr. Amar Raval and his team of skilled professionals are committed to providing the highest quality care for patients with kidney stones. Leveraging cutting-edge technology and innovative treatment options, they ensure that patients can overcome this painful condition with minimal discomfort and a swift recovery.

TRANSCRIPTION:

My name is Amar J. Raval and I’m with Advanced Urology Institute. So kidney disease is very prevalent in Florida because of the heat, lack of hydration being a huge factor. You know, patients generally present with acute onset flank pain that’s, you know, doesn’t resolve with oral medication, nausea, vomiting, fevers, chills, even blood in their urine. Then they ultimately get some sort of imaging that shows that they have a stone that may be obstructing and causing them this discomfort. Approaches are very simple and they’re very endoscopic, don’t require any incisions whether it’s leaving a stent to bypass the stone or if you’re going to treat the stone you can use shock waves from the outside to blast it or a laser to finely fine tune the stone and take a piece of it and send it as a specimen to know what kind of stone it is. So technology is certainly advanced in the realm of kidney stone disease and there’s a lot of minimally invasive approaches to be able to treat that.

REFERENCES: