Dr. Lonnie T. Klein of Advanced Urology Institute in Safety Harbor, FL, designated as a UroLift® Center of Excellence

PLEASANTON, CALIF. (PRWEB) APRIL 27, 2021

NeoTract, a wholly owned subsidiary of Teleflex Incorporated (NYSE:TFX) focused on addressing unmet needs in the field of urology, today announced that Lonnie T. Klein, M.D., Advanced Urology Institute in Safety Harbor, FL, has been designated as a UroLift® Center of Excellence. The designation recognizes that Dr. Klein has achieved a high level of training and experience with the UroLift® System and demonstrated a commitment to exemplary care for men suffering from symptoms associated with Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia (BPH), also known as enlarged prostate.

Recommended for the treatment of BPH in both the American Urological Association and European Association of Urology clinical guidelines, the FDA-cleared Prostatic Urethral Lift procedure using the UroLift System is a proven, minimally invasive technology for treating lower urinary tract symptoms due to BPH. The UroLift permanent implants, delivered during a transurethral outpatient procedure, relieve prostate obstruction and open the urethra directly without cutting, heating, or removing prostate tissue. The UroLift Center of Excellence program is designed to highlight urologists who are committed to educating their patients on BPH and the UroLift System as a treatment option and consistently seek to deliver excellent patient outcomes and experiences.

“This designation recognizes Dr. Lonnie T. Klein as a UroLift Center of Excellence for his commitment to providing safe and effective treatment to patients with BPH,” said Dave Amerson, president of the Teleflex Interventional Urology business unit. “We are pleased to see the continued acceptance of the UroLift System as a standard of care treatment that may allow men to discontinue the use of BPH medications and improve their quality of life.”

Over 40 million men in the United States are affected by BPH, a condition that occurs when the prostate gland that surrounds the male urethra becomes enlarged with advancing age and begins to obstruct the urinary system. Symptoms of BPH often include interrupted sleep and urinary problems and can cause loss of productivity, depression and decreased quality of life.

Medication is often the first-line therapy for enlarged prostate, but relief can be inadequate and temporary. Side effects of medication treatment can include sexual dysfunction, dizziness and headaches, prompting many patients to quit using the drugs. For these patients, the classic alternative is surgery that cuts, heats or removes prostate tissue to open the blocked urethra. While current surgical options can be very effective in relieving symptoms, they can also leave patients with permanent side effects such as urinary incontinence, erectile dysfunction, and retrograde ejaculation.

About the UroLift® System

The FDA-cleared UroLift System is a proven, minimally invasive technology for treating lower urinary tract symptoms due to benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH). The UroLift permanent implants, delivered during a minimally invasive transurethral outpatient procedure, relieve prostate obstruction and open the urethra directly without cutting, heating, or removing prostate tissue. Clinical data from a pivotal 206-patient randomized controlled study showed that patients with enlarged prostate receiving UroLift implants reported rapid and durable symptomatic and urinary flow rate improvement without compromising sexual function*1,2. Patients also experienced a significant improvement in quality of life. Over 100,000 men have been treated with the UroLift System in the U.S. Most common adverse events reported include hematuria, dysuria, micturition urgency, pelvic pain, and urge incontinence. Most symptoms were mild to moderate in severity and resolved within two to four weeks after the procedure. The Prostatic Urethral Lift procedure using the UroLift System is recommended for the treatment of BPH in both the American Urological Association and European Association of Urology clinical guidelines. The UroLift System is available in the U.S., Europe, Australia, Canada, Mexico and South Korea. Learn more at www.UroLift.com.

About NeoTract | Teleflex Interventional Urology

A wholly owned subsidiary of Teleflex Incorporated, the Interventional Urology Business Unit is dedicated to developing innovative, minimally invasive and clinically effective devices that address unmet needs in the field of urology. Our initial focus is on improving the standard of care for patients with BPH using the UroLift System, a minimally invasive permanent implant system that treats symptoms while preserving normal sexual function*1,2. Learn more at http://www.NeoTract.com.

About Teleflex Incorporated

Teleflex is a global provider of medical technologies designed to improve the health and quality of people’s lives. We apply purpose driven innovation – a relentless pursuit of identifying unmet clinical needs – to benefit patients and healthcare providers. Our portfolio is diverse, with solutions in the fields of vascular and interventional access, surgical, anesthesia, cardiac care, urology, emergency medicine and respiratory care. Teleflex employees worldwide are united in the understanding that what we do every day makes a difference. For more information, please visit http://www.teleflex.com.

Teleflex is the home of Arrow®, Deknatel®, Hudson RCI®, LMA®, Pilling®, Rusch®, UroLift® and Weck® – trusted brands united by a common sense of purpose

For Teleflex Incorporated:
Jake Elguicze, 610.948.2836
Treasurer and Vice President, Investor Relations

Media:
Nicole Osmer, 650.454.0504 nicole@healthandcommerce.com

*No instances of new, sustained erectile or ejaculatory dysfunction
1. Roehrborn, J Urology 2013 LIFT Study
2.McVary, J Sex Med 2016

MAC00968-01 Rev A

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.

Advanced Urology Institute Recognized as an Axonics® Center of Excellence

Dr. Carole Gordon is an expert at treating bladder and bowel dysfunction with innovative Axonics Therapy

April 20, 2021

Advanced Urology Institute has been designated an Axonics Center of Excellence by Axonics Modulation Technologies, Inc. The designation recognizes the AUI team and Dr. Carole Gordon for her expertise with Axonics Therapy and sincere commitment to changing the lives of patients suffering from bladder and bowel dysfunction.

Today, millions of Americans suffer from overactive bladder and fecal incontinence.1 Patients in the Villages, Leesburg, and Ocala areas with chronic and debilitating symptoms related to bladder and bowel dysfunction may seek treatment from the experts at AUI. Axonics Therapy gently stimulates the sacral nerve (sacra neuromodulation), restoring normal communication between the brain and the bladder. Axonics Therapy has been clinically proven to provide rapid and long-lasting relief of symptoms associated with bladder and bowel dysfunction.

In a clinical study, 129 patients with urgency incontinence were treated with Axonics Therapy At 2-years, 93% of patients had successful therapy and 94% of patients were satisfied with theirtherapy.2

The Axonics Center of Excellence program recognizes highly trained and experienced physicians (typically urologists, urogynecologists, and colorectal surgeons) and clinical practices that are committed to patient education and providing exemplary care to achieve optimal clinical outcomes and patient satisfaction.

“AUI is proud to be recognized as a Center of Excellence. This designation is a testament to the dedication of our entire team, and in particular to Dr. Carole Gordon,” said Gina Barnes, Chief Administrative Officer. “We are committed to providing the best care to our patients and are extremely pleased to offer Axonics Therapy.”

About Advanced Urology Institute

As one of the largest full-service urology groups Florida, our 37 locations offer comprehensive urology services, from evaluation and pre-surgical preparation to surgery and rehabilitation. We have evaluated numerous patients and performed thousands of urologic surgical and cancer procedures in the last decade with excellent outcomes. We are dedicated to combining clinical excellence, advanced technology, and patient-centered care.

For more information contact AUI at: 855-977-4888

About Axonics Modulation Technologies, Inc. and Sacral Neuromodulation

Axonics, based in Irvine, Calif., has developed and is commercializing novel implantable SNM devices for patients with urinary and bowel dysfunction. These conditions are caused by a miscommunication between the bladder and the brain and significantly impacts quality of life.

Overactive bladder affects an estimated 87 million adults in the U.S. and Europe. Another estimated 40 million adults are reported to suffer from fecal incontinence/accidental bowel leakage. Axonics SNM therapy, which has been clinically proven to reduce symptoms and restore pelvic floor function, is now being offered at hundreds of medical centers across the U.S. and in dozens of select hospitals in Western Europe. Reimbursement coverage is well established in the U.S. and is a covered service in most European countries. The Axonics System is the first long-lived rechargeable SNM system approved for sale in the world, and the first to gain full-body MRI conditional labeling. For more information, visit www.axonics.com.

References: 1. Irwin DE, Kopp ZS, Agatep B, Milsom I, Abrams P. Worldwide prevalence estimates of lower urinary tract symptoms, overactive bladder, urinary incontinence and bladder outlet obstruction. BJU Int.  2011;108(7):1132-1138. 2. Pezzella A, McCrery R, Lane F, et al. Two-year outcomes of the ARTISAN-SNM study for the treatment of urinary urgency incontinence using the Axonics rechargeable sacral neuromodulation system [in press]. Neurourol Urodyn. 2021.

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:

What’s New in Prostate Cancer Research with Dr. Jonathan Jay?

KEY TAKEAWAYS:

  • Proper use of the prostate-specific antigen (PSA) test is a recent advance in prostate cancer research, allowing doctors to better identify and categorize high risk or low risk, aggressive or indolent cancers and develop targeted treatment plans.
  • Advances in molecular biology, such as studying abnormal prostate cancer genes, help identify high-risk cancers and better understand the likelihood of cancer growth and spread.
  • Advanced Urology Institute offers comprehensive prostate cancer care, utilizing the latest research knowledge and techniques to minimize overtreatment and unnecessary biopsies and develop targeted treatment plans for patients.
Prostate cancer is one of the most common types of cancer in men. However, it might not show any symptoms until it reaches an advanced stage. A considerable number of men only realize they have the disease when it is already adversely affecting their lives.“This cancer is a big thing, with huge effects on the lives of patients,” says Dr. Jonathan Jay, a board certified urologist at Advanced Urology Institute in Naples, Florida. “The condition can cause urinary incontinence, reduced sexual desire, erectile dysfunction, changes in orgasm, and infertility, among other problems,” he adds.
Treatable Condition

The good news is that there are various treatments and management options for prostate cancer, even if it is found at a later stage. When detected early, the cancer is highly treatable, and most men with the disease survive.

“Prostate cancer is quite complex, which makes it difficult to predict how fast or slow it will grow and the risk associated with it,” says Dr. Jonathan Jay. “That is why, during diagnosis, we evaluate several factors to determine the aggressiveness of the tumor. After we determine the risk associated with the cancer, we are better placed to recommend the right treatment for our patients, which can yield great results,” he affirms.

The cancer is categorized as low risk, intermediate risk, or high risk depending on its ability to grow and spread to other areas of the body. Low risk prostate cancer is slow-growing and unlikely to spread quickly. In contrast, a high risk cancer is likely to spread rapidly outside the prostate.

Improved PSA Screening

One recent advance in prostate cancer research is the proper use of the prostate-specific antigen (PSA) test. Although the PSA test has had its limitations, it is still valuable for identifying and categorizing cancer as high risk or low risk, aggressive or indolent. When correctly used, it shows with accuracy those patients who have the aggressive type of cancer. This finding effectively guides the doctor to develop a more targeted treatment plan.

“The PSA got a bad reputation because it was used wrongly,” says Dr. Jonathan Jay. “But today, urologists understand that the PSA is still a very valuable tool in prostate cancer diagnosis and treatment. And it is now known that the significance of the PSA is not in whether it is elevated relative to the average, but in how it changes over time,” he asserts.

Studies have shown that the PSA is not abnormal just because it is elevated compared to the average. If the PSA of a man is stable over time, it doesn’t show prostate cancer, let alone an aggressive type of the disease. But if the PSA of a man has been stable for a prolonged period and then changes suddenly, it shows that something is wrong.

“If your PSA is one over the years, but changes to 3, then something is wrong, regardless of the fact that 3 is still within the normal range,” explains Dr. Jonathan Jay. “And if you’ve had a PSA of 6 over the past many years, then it’s not abnormal since it remains stable, regardless of the fact that it’s not within the normal range,” he adds.

Enhanced Precision with Molecular Biology

Significant progress has been made in prostate cancer research in the area of biopsies. Traditionally, prostate cancer has been confirmed and graded through a biopsy. To confirm a diagnosis, a urologist takes 8-12 needle biopsies along the prostate in a random sample and examines the cells under a microscope. However, while a biopsy tends to provide more accuracy than a typical PSA, it doesn’t give a perfect picture of the cancer.

“It is difficult to detect an aggressive cancer through the way cells look or behave,” says Dr. Jonathan Jay. “Besides, a biopsy may miss the specific areas of the prostate that would help to distinguish an aggressive from an indolent cancer,” he adds.

Advances in this area have ensured more accuracy and reduced the risk of misdiagnosis. For instance, abnormal prostate cancer genes can now be used to identify high risk cancer. The look of genes, occurrence of virulence factors, behavior, and other features are studied to better understand how likely it is that a cancer will grow and spread.

“Nowadays, we look at genes to determine the aggressiveness of prostate cancer,” says Dr. Jonathan Jay. “For example, genes of cancer cells may contain virulence factors or show how fast the cells will multiply and spread to other areas. This helps determine which cancer should be treated faster, and which categories of patients may benefit from therapeutic interventions,” he adds.

Apart from genomics, urologists can now use magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) technology before a biopsy to look for areas in the prostate that are suspicious of the cancer. This is possible thanks to new technology that fuses MRI images with real-time ultrasound to guide prostate needle biopsies to areas of specific concern.

Why Seek Prostate Cancer Treatment At Advanced Urology Institute?

At Advanced Urology Institute, we understand that prostate cancer is highly treatable when detected early and accurately.

We offer comprehensive prostate cancer care that includes the use of the latest research knowledge and techniques. With the advances in prostate cancer research, we can know who has aggressive or indolent cancer with greater accuracy, minimizing the chances of overtreatment and unnecessary biopsies.

Moreover, our urologists are acquainted with up-to-date prostate cancer knowledge, tools, and techniques. All of this helps guide treatment and enables us to develop more targeted treatment plans for our patients.

When you come to see us at our Naples, Florida office for diagnosis or treatment, we will consider your unique situation from a point of knowledge and recommend the best possible treatment for you.

For more information on prostate cancer treatment and diagnosis, visit the Advanced Urology Institute website.

TRANSCRIPTION: 

I’m Jonathan Jay. I’m a board-certified urologist with Advanced Urology Institute.

Listen, I’m excited about all facets of urology. You know, cancer is a big thing. Remember, prostate cancer didn’t have a chance when we died of our heart attack at 60 and 70, but it lived to be 90 and 100. Prostate cancer has got a big chance. We’re going to see a lot of patients, actually, their lives being affected by this disease.

So, one of the things that I like is that our ability to define the disease is improving. For instance, not only do we have PSA, PSA stands for prostate-specific antigen. This is a protein excreted by the prostate that can be detected at certain numbers, and there should be a certain number within the serum at a certain age. And if it’s elevated, or if it’s different than it used to be, then we know something’s wrong. And that’s important to understand. PSA got a bad reputation. Why was that? Because we used it wrong, not because it was a bad test.

The significance of PSA is not what it is in you relative to average, but what it is in you over time. For instance, my PSA for the past 10 years has been one. If my PSA is 3, which is considered normal, something’s wrong. Mr. Jones has a PSA of 6 for the past 10 years. This is above average. But he doesn’t have prostate cancer because his PSA is stable. So, again, we use this PSA in a wrong manner. That’s been one of the great evolutions of understanding this. And understanding, too, there’s some molecular biology. Again, we used to grade prostate cancers by looking at a prostate cancer under a microscope to understand the pattern and what it looked like.

You can’t really tell the aggressiveness of a prostate cancer by looking at it in its morphology. For instance, you’ve got two people walking down the street. You’ve got a young kid with a hoodie on. You’ve got a well-dressed man with a trench coat. Who’s your bank robber? Well, the guy with the trench coat has a machine gun under his trench coat. You can’t tell the behavior of something by the way it looks. So what we’ve done with prostate cancer is we have the ability to take that cancer and look at the genetics and define if it can multiply fast, can it move to other places. We can look at the virulence factors of these cancers to tell which cancer should be treated and which cannot. This is early in the process of looking at molecular biology and making decisions on how to treat and who to treat for prostate cancer. But it’s the light that we need as we hone this in and become more, be better at defining it. We’re going to make better decisions on who to treat and not to treat.

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: 

Female Pain During Sexual Intercourse

Sexual intercourse shouldn’t be painful. But for some women, it is.
For some, there may be pain during sexual entry or thrusting. For others, there is a burning, aching, or throbbing pain with every penetration, even pain that lasts several hours after intercourse.

What could be the reason for this?

Pain can be experienced before, during, or after vaginal sexual intercourse. Also called dyspareunia, painful intercourse occurs at the top of the vagina and intensifies with thrusting. It is characterized by a tearing, burning, or aching sensation.

Painful Intercourse The condition can happen at any age. It tends to occur in women who are still young, but you may also have the condition during or after menopause due to decreased elasticity of the vaginal walls, narrowing of the vaginal opening, or increased vaginal dryness. You may also experience painful intercourse after surgical menopause — the surgical removal of ovaries.

Learn more about the causes, diagnosis and treatment of Painful Intercourse.

Vaginal Dryness: Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment

Has sex been giving you more discomfort than pleasure lately? Do you experience pain, irritation, burning or dryness? Is there bleeding or spotting during or after sex?

If there is, then you might be experiencing vaginal dryness.

For this condition, you may need to speak with a female pelvic medicine and reconstructive surgery (FPMRS) physician for help. At Advanced Urology Institute, we have FPMRS physicians at our Fort Myers center to ensure you get prompt attention from a location near you.

But first, what is vaginal dryness?

Vaginal dryness refers to a persistent irritating, burning, or itching sensation in the vagina. It is due to inadequate vaginal moisture that makes it feel too dry or too tight. The condition is more noticeable during sexual intercourse as it results in pain and discomfort.

Learn more about vaginal dryness, it’s causes, symptoms and treatment.

How effective is a vasectomy reversal?

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

When we counsel patients before they get a vasectomy, we do tell them that this is considered a permanent form of sterilization. However vasectomies can be reversed. The vasectomy reversal process is typically one that is not covered by insurance so it can be expensive but it is possible and typically with seventy-five to eighty percent (75-80%) success rates. [While], I do not personally perform the vasectomy reversals themselves, I do have a partner that specializes in that area. So if that is something men are interested in, that is something that is offered by our practice.

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.

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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.