Monday, October 23, 2017

Rejuvenate Your Femininity with ThermiVa®

If you’re a woman whose vagina muscles have become stretched and loose, your self-confidence and/or level of comfort during times of intimacy may be affected. If so, you’re not alone; it’s estimated that more than 50% of the women over age 50 are affected.

As a result, it’s not uncommon for you to experience vaginal atrophy and dryness as well as painful and/or unsatisfactory sex. This is especially likely if you’re post-menopausal.

The board-certified urologists at Comprehensive Urology in Los Angeles understand that vaginal discomfort affects many women. To help address this issue and restore your self-confidence, we offer ThermiVa, a non-invasive vaginal rejuvenation procedure that could benefit you and help restore your comfort and confidence.

Are You a Good Candidate for Vaginal Cosmetic Treatment?

The following factors may contribute to vaginal laxity and discomfort, which may make you a good candidate for ThermiVa:

  • Age
  • Medical condition
  • Stress urinary incontinence
  • Childbirth
  • Weight changes

If you’ve experienced changes in the look and feel of your vagina as a result of the above, you may feel uncomfortable, embarrassed, or unhappy with the appearance or feel of your vagina. Fortunately, ThermiVa is highly effective at restoring tightness, reducing loose or sagging skin, and even improving urinary incontinence.

Vaginal Rejuvenation

Vaginal rejuvenation can benefit you by successfully addressing lax or loose vaginal tissue. As an alternative to labioplasty (a surgical procedure to tighten vaginal tissue), ThermiVa can non-surgically tighten or even reduce the size of specific parts of the vagina, including the vaginal canal, outer lips (labia majora), or inner lips (labia minora).

In fact, depending on your condition and aesthetic goals, the urology experts at Comprehensive Urology could recommend a combination of ThermiVa and labioplasty for optimal results.

What Is ThermiVa Exactly?

Los Angeles Non-Invasive Feminine RejuvenationThe procedure is ideal for vaginal rejuvenation because it can result in gradual, beautiful tightening of the vaginal tissue. Using radiofrequency (RF) energy waves to heat your skin and tissue, ThermiVa gently and effectively causes tissues to become tighter and firmer. The ThermiVa RF energy also stimulates the natural production of collagen to help shrink stretched, loose, or excess skin.

How Does It Work?

The non-surgical vaginal rejuvenation procedure involves the use of a hand piece over the targeted area that sends RF energy deep to gently heat your tissues, helping it gradually shrink and tighten. The curved hand piece is smooth enough for optimal comfort in treating both internal and external tissue.

For years, RF energy has been administered in cosmetic facial procedures because it is gentle and results in very little, if any, recovery time. Optimal results are often achieved by undergoing three 15-30-minute sessions over a three-month period. It’s not uncommon for patients to experience immediate results, although more significant results develop for 3-4 more months after treatment.

Although your results may vary, as the body produces more collagen in the treated area, many patients enjoy tighter skin tissue for 9-12 months for a more aesthetically pleasing appearance as well as improved nerve function and muscle tone.

How Is ThermiVa Different from Labiaplasty?

Beverly Hills Vaginal RejuvenationSurgery to reduce the labia is effective because the short procedure results in long-lasting rejuvenation. It also reduces pain and pinching caused by excess tissue and improves the look of both the inner and outer labia, which can make you more comfortable, relaxed, and confident.

However, labiaplasty is still surgery, which leads to bleeding and a long recovery period (3 days to 3 weeks), increased risk of scarring, reduced sensitivity, and/or infection. To make matters worse, you cannot have sex during recovery. Learn more about traditional labiaplasty procedures at Wikipedia.org.

However, by undergoing a ThermiVa procedure, you’re likely to experience a variety of benefits without the risks associated with surgery.

The Advantages of Non-Surgical Vaginal Treatments

Since it is non-surgical, there are no incisions and, thus, no risk of scarring. But there’s more:

  • Improved physical sensation and appearance
  • Less laxity
  • Same-day sexual activity
  • Noticeable results after one or two sessions
  • Decreased incontinence
  • Increased vaginal moisture
  • Better nerve sensitivity
  • Long-lasting results
  • No downtime

By increasing nerve action and blood flow, ThermiVa provides an overall improvement of vaginal skin and muscle tissue. The labia and vaginal canal are also strengthened and renewed. It can restore elasticity and tighten the tissue for improved bladder control and orgasmic function.

To Learn More about ThermiVa Vaginal Rejuvenation, Contact Comprehensive Urology for a Consultation

If you’re considering a vaginal repair procedure, and don’t want or need surgery, ThermiVa could be an option worth seriously exploring. To get the possible treatment and help you need to reach your aesthetic goals, you should consult with an expert who also understands your medical needs.

Our urologists in Beverly Hills can help restore your self-confidence and comfort with the expert administration of this minimally invasive procedure. To learn more, contact us online or call our office to schedule a consultation.

In a nutshell: ThermiVa® Non-Surgical Vaginal Rejuvenation

  • What is it? A non-surgical office-based device that uses radiofrequency technology to promote natural collagen production and tissue rejuvenation by the application of gentle thermal energy
  • Benefits: Significant improvement in the appearance of external female genitalia (even with one session), tighter vagina, improved lubrication, enhanced orgasms, better urinary control, better vaginal sensation, strengthened pelvic muscles
  • Details: 30-min sessions, only 3 treatment sessions in a series, results last 9-12 months, zero downtime, no pain or discomfort

Next, read A History of Prostate Cancer

The post Rejuvenate Your Femininity with ThermiVa® appeared first on Comprehensive Urology.

Tuesday, September 12, 2017

A Brief History of Prostate Cancer Treatment

Comprehensive Urology is among the nation’s premier experts in the treatment of prostate cancer, which affects nearly 3 million American men. While it’s not uncommon for men with prostate cancer to show none of the regular symptoms (which can include blood in the urine, difficulty urinating, pain in the pelvis or back while urinating, and chronic fatigue), it’s extremely important to get a prostate cancer screening, especially if you have a family history of the disease. Early screenings are one of the main reasons that this disease is so treatable and current survival rates are so high.

However, the fact that this disease is so common – along with the fact that your chances of surviving it are often very high – has not always been the case. Let’s take a brief look at prostate cancer over the last century and a half and see how diagnoses and treatment have changed over time.

The Rise of Prostate Cancer

The rate of prostate cancer has exploded since the mid-1800s, despite the fact that diagnosis and treatment have evolved and improved drastically. So, why the proliferation of cases? There are several reasons:

  • Medicine has not always been able to distinguish between prostate issues and other types of urinary obstruction problems
  • Incidence of prostate cancer increases once a man reaches the age of 50. As human life expectancy has increased, so have the number of cases
  • Dietary and/or environmental causes. Men in western countries have far higher rates of prostate cancer than men in Asian countries. This is highlighted further by the fact that the cancer rates increase after these Asian men immigrate to western countries

The Early Years of Treating Cancer of the Prostate

Los Angeles Radical Prostate Removal SurgeryThe first known case of prostate cancer was discovered in 1853, when Dr. J. Adams of The London Hospital recorded what was, at the time, a very rare type of cancer. As such, the disease was poorly understood and treatments varied. In fact, the first treatments of prostate cancer were surgeries intended to relieve urinary obstruction. In the 1890s, a surgical procedure called orchiectomy (removal of the testes) was implemented, though it was met with limited success.

It wasn’t until 1904 that radical perineal prostatectomy (removal of the entire prostate) was first performed, done so by Hugh H. Young of Johns Hopkins Hospital. The treatment remained basically unchanged for approximately 80 years, yet it wasn’t as common as you would think for one simple reason: nearly all patients were left impotent.

Radiation therapy was also first used in the early 1900s. Doctors inserted needles with radium into the prostate itself to reduce tumor growth, but it was very difficult for surgeons to perform and for patients to endure.

Even as recently as the mid-1900s, diagnoses of cancer of the prostate were typically made in men over 70-years-old. By that age, most patients had advanced stages of metastasis (spread) and were usually dead within 1-2 years.

Treatment in the Mid-20th Century

In the 1940s, androgen ablation therapy, which is effective and useful even today, was discovered. Essentially castration by chemical means, the procedure was effective in treating not only metastatic cancer but also other types of cancer that depend on the action of male hormones to grow, as this therapy blocks the production of male sex hormones.

Discovered by Charles Huggins (who won the 1966 Nobel Prize as a result), this treatment was advocated by many physicians because it reduced the size of the prostate gland, decreased pain, and increased appetite and weight gain.

Although there were drawbacks to androgen ablation therapy – lower testosterone levels, increased risk of blood clots, and cardiovascular problems – it led to the discovery of alternative approaches.

Radical retropubic prostatectomy was developed in 1945 by Terence Millin in London. This total removal of the prostate gland was further developed by Patrick Walsh in early 1980s and “nerve-sparing” approach allowed better preservation of erectile function as well as urinary continence for men after surgery. This technique is still utilized daily in open prostate surgeries across the world.

Treatment in the Late 1900s

Beverly Hills Prostate Surgical TreatmentThe decade of the 1980s was an important one in terms of prostatic cancer treatment. In 1983, an approach called radical retropubic prostatectomy that had been utilized in the past for some decades, was further developed and especially “nerve sparing” modification was added by Patrick Walsh. It involved removing the prostate gland, yet because of recent advances in the control of bleeding, it helped patients avoid the damage that the surgery had, until that point, wrought on erectile function and sexual potency.

With development of minimally invasive surgery (laparoscopy) it was adapted for prostate removal as well. Advent of the daVinci® robotic-assisted surgical system and later its widespread popularity (less bleeding, shorter hospital stay, less post-operative pain, and improved suturing of urethra to the bladder neck after removal of the diseased prostate gland) has resulted in robotic prostatectomy to become the most popular prostate cancer surgery in the United States.

About the same time, a technique using ultrasound guidance made brachytherapy (the placement of radioactive pods in the prostate) easier and more effective. Today, brachytherapy is a common, successful method of addressing localized cancer.

Also around this time, prostate-specific antigen (PSA) was discovered to be an effective serum marker for the disease. This led to FDA approval of PSA screenings, which have helped saved countless lives. Learn more about prostate-specific antigen screening at WebMD.com.

Today’s Treatment Options

Nowadays, the typical prostate cancer patient is not the same as he once was, as a man in his 60s who is diagnosed with this disease is usually found to have a localized, not metastatic, form of cancer. This makes it more likely that a man can survive the disease and maintain his quality of life.

Effective treatments available at Comprehensive Urology in Los Angeles today include:

  • Robotic prostatectomy
  • Radiation treatment
  • Cryotherapy
  • Active surveillance
  • HIFU (High Intensity Focused Ultrasound) ablation
  • MRI Fusion therapies (eventually combined with HIFU)

Learn More By Contacting Comprehensive Urology

As good as current prostate cancer treatment methods are, the future looks even brighter. To learn more about prostate cancer treatments and diagnoses, contact Comprehensive Urology in Los Angeles today.

Next, read Incontinent? You’re Not Alone – Here Are 5 Celebrities You Might Be Surprised To Learn Live With Incontinence

The post A Brief History of Prostate Cancer Treatment appeared first on Comprehensive Urology.

Thursday, August 3, 2017

Incontinent? You’re Not Alone – Here Are 5 Celebrities You Might Be Surprised to Learn Live with Incontinence

Despite recent TV advertisements in Los Angeles featuring the glamorous Brooke Burke-Charvet that show otherwise, incontinence is not easy to discuss. It’s one of the taboos that is rarely talked about, even in private.

And there’s a good reason. No one wants to discuss urine leakage issues. Though it’s often a consequence of aging, it’s an embarrassment that not many adults want to share because wetting yourself due to the inability to control urges to urinate, known as incontinence, is associated with child-like behavior or habits.

At Comprehensive Urology in Los Angeles, we know how difficult it is to share incontinence issues. It may even seem intimidating to talk to us – and we’re incontinence specialists! In addition to the shame or embarrassment, there’s usually a pervading feeling of being alone in dealing with it or that there is not a good treatment for it.

Don’t despair. You’re not alone. Yes, it’s embarrassing but it doesn’t have to be – and it doesn’t have to dominate your life. It’s possible to regain control and manage bladder leakage.

It Can Affect Anyone

Beverly Hills Bladder Leakage Doctors Though society tends to assign the condition to older people or to women, the fact is that no one is really immune to it. Although women are more likely to be incontinent and aging does contribute to weak bladder muscles, men are also susceptible, as are people in their 20s and 30s.

Incontinence is simply a reduction in the bladder’s ability to hold urine and/or its capacity to store it. A variety of factors can contribute to the development of incontinence. For men, an enlarged prostate or even other prostate issues can lead to weak bladder muscles.

Women, on the other hand, can be affected by a wider range of issues:

  • Hormone changes
  • Pregnancy
  • Post-childbirth
  • Menopause

Yet, if it still seems that it doesn’t affect tough men, strong women, busy industry leaders, or others who spend their life on a public stage – think again.

To illustrate, the following five celebrities have come out about their incontinence issues. It can affect anyone at any age and at any stage of one’s life or career.

Kate Winslet

Beverly Hills Famous People Bladder IssuesThe 41-year-old mother of three says she started experiencing bladder leakage after giving birth. She jokes that her threshold is two sneezes before her weak bladder starts to let go. Also, she says, no more trampolines, especially when wearing a skirt.

Katy Perry

32-year-old pop queen Katy Perry has said that she wore diapers during high school because her incontinence was so strong. She says that although that period of her life was about as bad as one could imagine, the experience helped her become stronger and more understanding of others.

Stephen King

The “King of Horror” once had a urinary tract infection that he thought was bladder cancer and the sign of his impending death. The 69-year-old novelist still keeps incontinence products close by while sleeping as a precaution because of his age.

Samuel L. Jackson

Beverly Hills Celebrities The 68-year-old actor famous for a variety of tough-talking action roles in some of the most beloved movies of all time, Jackson first developed urination issues late in his 40s. Initially embarrassed, he realized he wasn’t alone – millions of fellow Americans face the same incontinence issue daily. He wears incontinence attire on set and proudly speaks about it.

Tony Romo

Proving once again that age is immaterial to incontinence, the 37-year-old NFL player developed a serious infection of his bladder prior to the 2009 season. He subsequently developed an overactive bladder, which led to urination issues.

Desperate to remain a starter on one of the most famous teams in the NFL (the Dallas Cowboys), Romo swallowed his pride and, during practice, donned incontinence underwear for adults.

Incontinence Treatment

Regardless of age or cause, bladder leakage can be effectively treated with a variety of options. Surgery could be an option, yet Comprehensive Urology also offers effective incontinence treatment plans that include medications and/or your very own customized rehabilitation program that is unique to you. Learn more about incontinence treatment and causes at WebMD.com.

Don’t Suffer Alone – Contact Comprehensive Urology for Incontinence Solutions

Bladder leakage is admittedly difficult to deal with, especially at first. However, you’re not alone. Millions of fellow Americans are dealing with it, as well. Regardless of what you think about the level of responsibility that celebrities should take on in trying to influence others, it can be comforting to know that even people in the spotlight and with seemingly ideal lives also have the same issues.

So, take heart – don’t let incontinence negatively impact your life. You can lead an active, busy life in a variety of fields in Los Angeles. Neither your age, gender, or job matters. Contact the Los Angeles incontinence experts at Comprehensive Urology for a consultation. Call 310.499.2756 or contact us online to discuss your situation.

Next, read How Robotic Surgery is Changing the Face of Prostate Cancer Treatment

The post Incontinent? You’re Not Alone – Here Are 5 Celebrities You Might Be Surprised to Learn Live with Incontinence appeared first on Comprehensive Urology.

Monday, June 12, 2017

How Robotic Surgery Is Changing the Face of Prostate Cancer Treatment

The expert urologists at Comprehensive Urology in Beverly Hills constantly strive to provide men with the best prostate cancer care possible. From screening and diagnosis to treatment and aftercare, we always have our patients’ health and quality of life in mind. The most common traditional prostate cancer treatment is surgery because of its track record of effectiveness; however, despite being effective, regular open surgery comes with complications such as a long and painful recovery, sexual dysfunction, and changes in urinary habits.

If you or a loved one have been diagnosed with benign prostate cancer (PCa), the best treatment option may be surgical removal of the gland. You may want to consider the many benefits of a procedure that has given prostate cancer treatment a revolutionary makeover in Beverly Hills —robotic surgery.

How Robotic Prostate Surgery Differs from Traditional Prostate Surgery

Men diagnosed with prostate cancer or benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) often undergo traditional surgery. However, this procedure can remove too much of the gland or even all of it, which is unnecessary in many cases. Consequently, a less invasive surgical procedure that preserves healthy tissue or the remainder of the healthy gland is a better prostate cancer surgery alternative.

Los Angeles Prostate Cancer SpecialistsOne minimally invasive option utilizes the da Vinci® robotic surgical machine. Robotic surgery is one of the most advanced surgical treatments available.

Unlike traditional surgery, minimally-invasive robotic surgery doesn’t require large incisions. The cutting-edge technology requires only small incisions to remove malignant or enlarged prostate tissue. This gives the surgeon greater ability to precisely operate on the desired tissue by using very small and accurate instruments, providing 3-dimensional and magnified view, and allowing sparing and not damaging adjacent nerve tissue, muscles, or other organs.

Additional benefits of a robotic prostatectomy include:

  • More tolerable procedure
  • Less blood loss during the procedure
  • Decreased risk of some procedural complications
  • Minimal post-operative scarring
  • Better preservation of healthy, benign tissue
  • Faster healing and shorter recovery
  • Reduced post-operative pain
  • Minimized risk of infection

Types of Robotic Prostate Surgeries

Robotic surgical systems enable surgeons to perform complex yet minimally invasive procedures, including the following:

Robotic-Assisted Laparoscopic Radical Prostatectomy

One of the most common surgical prostate cancer treatments for our team is the robotic-assisted laparoscopic radical prostatectomy. A crucial reason for its popularity stems from its safety and effectiveness. A highly-trained surgeon using this system has a higher degree of precision and control, which helps protect surrounding tissue such as vital nerves or musculature.

Only five small incisions are made with a robotic prostatectomy; yet, these are enough for the surgeon to dissect and remove targeted tissue within the prostate – and the surgeon’s hands never enter the body.

Due to the minimally invasive nature of this surgery, patients are able to recover faster; there’s also less of a chance of blood loss or infection during the recovery process.

Robotic-Assisted Surgery for BPH

This minimally-invasive procedure allows the surgeon to remove obstructing parts of the enlarged prostate. For patients who have tried other treatments or for patients who have a severe case of BPH, this treatment option often proves effective.

Using this procedure, the surgeon also makes small incisions, although the number depends on how enlarged the prostate is as well on as the patient’s overall health, symptoms, and treatment goals. Through these tiny incisions, the surgeon removes the targeted tissue before closing the incisions.

Recovering from Robot-Assisted Prostate Surgery

Although robotic surgery is minimally invasive, it’s still a surgical procedure with risks. Compared to a traditional prostatectomy in Beverly Hills, though, the risks are reduced and most patients handle the robotic prostate surgery and ensuing recovery process quite well.

For example, patients often have a week-long hospital stay after a traditional prostate cancer surgery. On the other hand, after a robotic prostatectomy, patients can expect only 1-2 nights in the hospital.

For 7-10 days after surgery, patients can experience some pain or soreness, and swelling, all of which can be managed with medication and rest. Recovery and healing are different for each patient, so if you have concerns, be sure to discuss them with your surgeon.

The Innovative da Vinci Surgical System

Beverly Hills Robotic BPH SurgeryThe most advanced robotic prostate cancer surgery platform is the da Vinci Surgical System. It provides high definition 3D and images that are 10 times magnified and allow the surgeon to precisely target diseased tissue without touching or damaging the surrounding tissues.

The system resembles a futuristic robot—four interactive robotic arms that a surgeon can completely control while at a computer console, mimicking the movements of the surgeon’s wrists, hands, and fingers so precisely that it can make incisions less than a centimeter in length while the Beverly Hills surgeon watches closely on the high-resolution 3D viewer.

Because a da Vinci prostatectomy is minimally invasive, a patient can resume a normal schedule more quickly than after a traditional prostatectomy. Plus, clinical studies indicate that a da Vinci prostatectomy reduces the risks of such side effects as impotence or incontinence.

The system is easier on the surgeon, as well; it’s ergonomically designed to allow him or her to perform the procedure from a seated position at the console. And it has multiple safety features in addition to technology that provides the surgeon better dexterity and precision.

Learn more about the da Vinci Surgical System at Wikipedia.org.

For More about Robotic Surgery, Contact the Prostate Cancer Experts at Comprehensive Urology

Robotic procedures are revolutionizing medicine, and nowhere is this more evident than in prostate cancer treatment. To learn more or to schedule a consultation, contact us online or call our Beverly Hills office at 310.499.2756.

Next, read How REZUM Can Help Treat BPH

The post How Robotic Surgery Is Changing the Face of Prostate Cancer Treatment appeared first on Comprehensive Urology.

Thursday, April 20, 2017

Help Fight Urinary Incontinence with Kegel Exercises

At Comprehensive Urology in Beverly Hills, one issue that our patients frequently share their concerns about is incontinence. Although rarely a major medical concern, it is often a source of major social embarrassment.

The board-certified urologists at Comprehensive Urology understand this. We also know that, while various treatments are available to address a leaky bladder, many patients want to avoid even minimally invasive treatment. One way to do this is by practicing Kegel exercises.

What are Kegels?

Kegel exercises are an excellent preventative measure against urinary incontinence. The exercises are designed to strengthen the pelvic floor muscles, which are crucial to staying continent. Symptoms of certain types of incontinence can be relieved with no side effects beyond sore muscles when first starting out, especially if you have never done Kegel exercises before.

What are the Benefits of Kegel Exercises?

Studies have shown that most types of incontinence can be corrected by a regular Kegel exercises routine (and not just stress incontinence):

  • Stress Incontinence – urine leakage due to laughing, sneezing, coughing, jogging, running up stairs, lifting a heavy object, and other sudden actions
  • Urge Incontinence (overactive bladder) – you have such a strong urge to urinate that you can’t hold it in before you reach the toilet
  • Mixed Incontinence – (a combination of the two mentioned above)

In general, a leaky bladder is caused by weak pelvic floor muscles and the loss or lack of strength in these muscles can lead to loss of urine control. Moms are particularly vulnerable, as vaginal birth is strongly suspected of being directly linked to urinary incontinence.

Why Pelvic Exercises are Useful

Many people are not aware of what pelvic floor muscles are, where they are, and how crucial they are to urological health. One contributing factor to the weakening muscles is aging.

However, the muscles can also weaken from simple daily activities or habits as well as from a past activity:

  • Previous surgery
  • Chronic coughing
  • Excessive straining (from constipation, for example)
  • Being overweight

For women, pelvic floor muscles can also weaken during pregnancy and childbirth.

By doing Kegel exercises—which can be done anytime, anywhere (even during pregnancy)—patients can improve their urges to urinate, which can have an amazing effect on related self-esteem and social anxiety issues.

However, for people with overflow incontinence—unexpected leakage due to a full bladder overflowing—Kegel exercises are not as effective.

How to Guide for Stronger Pelvic Muscles

Beverly Hills Urology Incontinence SpecialistsKegel exercises are a great way to naturally regain control of your urges to urinate. If you learn these simple steps and then practice them regularly, you’ll notice renewed strength in the pelvic muscles as well as better control of a leaky bladder.

First, identify which muscles should be strengthened. Imagine that you are in a formal social situation and you have a strong urge to urinate that you are trying to suppress. The muscles you use to prevent either action are your pelvic floor muscles.

However, make sure that you’re not also squeezing or clenching your stomach, butt, or thighs.

Once you’re sure that you’re using only the pelvic muscles, you’re ready to strengthen them with Kegels.

The exercises involve regularly contracting, holding, and then relaxing the pelvic floor muscles. For more effectiveness, practice both short and long contractions and holds to build endurance as well as strength.

To practice sets of short-hold contractions: start by holding for one second and then completely relaxing. Do 3-5 holds with a short period of complete muscle relaxation between each contraction and hold. This is one set.

To practice long-hold contractions: start by holding for five seconds before completely relaxing the muscles. Do 3-5 holds with complete muscle relaxation between each contraction and hold. This is one set.

Mix the Kegel exercises up. Do a set of short holds followed by one of the long holds. For good results, do these sets 3-5 times through the day, and with each passing week, add 1-2 seconds to each set. As your strength grows, you can do five or more sets throughout the day. Eventually, you want to be able to comfortably and regularly hold your muscles for ten, fifteen, even twenty seconds each time.

It’s important that, between each contraction, you completely relax the muscles or they can become overworked.

The exercises are easy to do and can be done literally anywhere:

  • Sitting in traffic in a car or on the bus
  • Standing in the elevator or going up an escalator
  • Waiting for the valet at your favorite restaurant in Beverly Hills
  • In a chair at work
  • In a meeting or at lunch
  • On a park bench
  • At the nail salon

However, doing Kegel exercises while urinating is NOT recommended, as it can injure the bladder.

By following a regular routine of Kegel exercises, you should have noticeably stronger pelvic floor muscles and a better, more consistent ability to control your urine urges within three months. Even better, you should have more confidence knowing you have this type of control again.

Learn more about strengthening the pelvic muscles with kegel exercises at WebMD.com.

To Learn More about Urinary Incontinence, Contact Comprehensive Urology

Incontinence can rob you of your sense of control over your body and urological functions, which can be disheartening and even socially embarrassing. However, the urological specialists at Comprehensive Urology have ways to help you manage incontinence for better physical and emotional well-being. To schedule a consultation, contact us online or call our Beverly Hills office at 310.499.2756.

In a nutshell: Kegel Exercises

  • Help most types of urinary incontinence esp. stress and urge incontinence
  • Can be done by anyone while not urinating
  • Contract those muscles that you tighten to hold your urine in with (and not the buttocks, anus, thighs or stomach) in sets as described above and make it a habit

Next, read Fight Bladder Cancer Effectively – Know the Early Signs of the Disease

The post Help Fight Urinary Incontinence with Kegel Exercises appeared first on Comprehensive Urology.

Monday, March 27, 2017

Fight Bladder Cancer Effectively – Know the Early Signs of the Disease

Bladder cancer is not typically something that young people can expect to experience, but the fact remains that this disease can affect anyone at any age. It begins in the cells that make up the inner lining of the bladder and, if not detected early, can spread throughout the organ and even to other body parts.

At Comprehensive Urology, our doctors are specialists in bladder cancer treatment. We combine extensive training and experience with the most advanced therapies and techniques available, and we tailor every treatment to meet each patient’s unique needs.

In order to successfully fight the disease, you should be aware of the common early bladder cancer symptoms. Catching it in the early stages, especially while the cancer cells are still restricted to the bladder itself, increases your chances of having a successful outcome dramatically.

Bladder Cancer Symptoms

The symptoms of cancer of the bladder are often not specific and can be confused with other urologic disorders. However, the following are the most common signs of bladder cancer to watch out for.

Blood in Urine

Early cancer symptoms may not cause pain, but you might notice hematuria, or blood in your urine. It could turn your urine bright red, pink, dark red, or even orange. In other cases, the urine may look normal, yet after a subsequent urinalysis (such as during a routine medical checkup), the results could show microscopic amounts of blood.

While hematuria is not necessarily an accurate cancer diagnosis, it should not be ignored. Have it checked out by a urologist to see if the issue is one of the following:

Although it could signify a less serious condition, you’ll want to be sure, especially since blood may appear one day and then not the next. In fact, your urine could stay clear for weeks.

Urination Changes

Changes in urination is a rather vague way to identify possible bladder cancer symptoms, so let’s break them down in more detail.

Frequent urination – more so than normal, even though you aren’t ingesting fluids more than normal
Pain during urination – persistent pain or burning when you urinate
Urgency to urinate – frequently feeling like you have to pee only to notice that your bladder is not full
Trouble getting started – not just in public but anytime, even in your home
Weak urine stream – not the usual intensity

Remember, the above changes are not only signs of cancer but also common signs of other, less serious urologic issues, such as stones, a urinary tract infection, a non-cancerous tumor, an overactive bladder, or, in men, an enlarged prostate.

Learn more about urinary tract infections at WebMD.com.

Back Pain

In serious cases where the disease has grown larger or spread elsewhere in the body, you might experience back pain, which is one of the many common symptoms of bladder cancer that can also be a sign of other common urinary issues.

Other, More Generalized Symptoms

You should keep in mind that cancer may cause symptoms that are less specific and can be attributed to other health conditions, such as:

  • Pelvic pain
  • Chronic fatigue
  • Unexplained weakness
  • Loss of appetite
  • Unplanned weight loss
  • Swelling in the feet
  • Bone pain

Again, it’s important to understand that, individually, none of these bladder cancer symptoms are definitive.

However, if you start experiencing a combination of them, say three or four (or more), be safe and see a doctor – preferably a urologist for a closer analysis and clear-cut diagnosis.

Beverly Hills Urology Cancer Surgical Treatments

Diagnostic Methods

If you suspect that you’re experiencing any one of the most common symptoms of cancer of the bladder, your doctor could determine your condition by using one of the following tests, which will look for foreign substances or cells in the urine.

Urinalysis – a urine test to detect blood and other material in urine

Urine cytology – a microscopic method of searching for cancer cells in the urine

Urinalyses for markers – cutting-edge tests that look for substances (tumor markers), such as certain antigens or chromosome changes, that could signify bladder cancer

For more information about these methods of making a cancer diagnosis, please contact Comprehensive Urology.

Common Cancer Risk Factors

If you notice the changes in bladder function or other symptoms of cancer, keep in mind the following risk factors:

  • Smoking
  • Age (rare in people younger than 40)
  • Ethnicity (whites have a greater risk)
  • Gender (men are more susceptible)
  • Chemical exposure (manufacturing dyes, textiles, rubber, and paint products)
  • Previous treatment for cancer
  • Some diabetes medication
  • Chronic inflammation of the bladder
  • History of cancer in the family

Some risk factors can be avoided, such as smoking and exposure to chemicals, although others cannot, obviously.

Contact Comprehensive Urology for a Thorough Consultation

Bladder cancer can be treated effectively, especially when it’s caught in time. The treatment method varies and depends on a range of factors, so if you suspect that your symptoms could actually signify cancer, don’t hesitate to contact the Los Angeles urology and bladder cancer specialists at Comprehensive Urology today. Schedule a consultation by calling 310.307.3552 or contact us online.


In a nutshell: Bladder cancer
  • Risk factors: Smoking, chemical exposures, age and ethnicity, family history, chemo or pelvic radiation therapy for other cancers
  • Symptoms: Can vary but most importantly include no symptoms, blood in urine, weight loss, change in urinary frequency/urgency
  • Staging: If diagnosed with bladder cancer, it is important to know if the cancer is confined to the bladder or involves other organs as this can significantly affect treatment.

Next, read The Top 5 Benefits of ThermiVa Treatment

The post Fight Bladder Cancer Effectively – Know the Early Signs of the Disease appeared first on Comprehensive Urology.

Wednesday, March 22, 2017

The Top 5 Benefits of ThermiVa Treatment

Did you know that as women age, the vagina gradually loses collagen? Yes, vaginal collagen is an actual thing! Collagen is the most abundant protein in our bodies and is found in muscles, bones, skin, blood vessels, the digestive system, and vaginal tissue. An easy way to understand the importance of collagen is to compare it to the reinforcing iron mesh often used in concrete structures. The iron mesh used provides support in order to give the concrete structure durability and strength. And just as concrete can age, vaginas can age, losing strength and support, ultimately requiring vaginal tightening treatment to help reduce uncomfortable laxity.

Vaginal rejuvenation treatments are often worthwhile procedures for many women because they can restore tighter, firmer tissues and muscles. There is a painless feminine rejuvenation procedure called ThermiVa available at Comprehensive Urology in Los Angeles that provides immediate results and actually provides continued vaginal tightening and rejuvenation over time. ThermiVa was created to help improve the vagina’s collagen production, which in turn has many added benefits.

How Does ThermiVa Treatment Work?

ThermiVa uses controlled, therapeutic, radiofrequency energy to gently contract and tighten the labia and vaginal canal, which not only shrinks and tightens the outer tissues but also stimulates collagen and elastin fiber production, which are major components of skin and connective tissue. As a result, ThermiVa helps initiate tissue and nerve healing, while helping the skin feel firm and supple again.

Who is a Candidate for Non-Surgical Vaginal Rejuvenation?

There is a mistaken belief that the only women interested in feminine rejuvenation are women who want to reverse the effects of childbirth. While it’s true that childbirth can cause noticeable vaginal laxity, non-surgical vaginal tightening treatment can provide great benefits for all types of women, including those who:

  • Have vaginal laxity
  • Are not satisfied with the appearance of their labia
  • Experience orgasmic problems or sexual dissatisfaction
  • Suffer from urinary incontinence
  • Suffer from a pelvic prolapse, such as fallen bladder or rectum
  • Experience from vaginal dryness
  • Are any age, with or without children

As you can see, ThermiVa can treat a wide variety of vaginal issues including a number of urinary and gynecological issues. The added benefit of receiving a ThermiVa vaginal tightening treatment is that women can achieve amazing results with feminine rejuvenation without the need for surgery, medications or unnecessary downtime.

In addition to offering an effective solution for these diverse issues, ThermiVa offers the following incredible benefits:

Tightens and Tones

ThermiVa vaginal rejuvenation treatments can give great results with just a few 30 minute sessions. As a result of using radio frequency heat to treat the lax tissue, the treated area will tighten and produce new collagen, which will improve vaginal tone. Toning the structure of the feminine tissue is important for experiencing improvement in incontinence issues, physical sensation, and moisture production. Tightening the vaginal tissues also improves support and initiates regeneration of nervous tissue, which helps improve symptoms associated with an overactive bladder.

Pain-Free Rejuvenation

ThermiVa is a non-surgical vaginal tightening treatment that is conducted during a comfortable in-office procedure that does not require anesthesia. During the session, ultrasound gel is applied to the intended treatment area and the session consists of radio frequency heat energy delivered through a soft plastic probe that is carefully moved over and inside the feminine tissue heating the tissue in a safe, controlled manner. Not only is the ThermiVa treatment gentle, most clients say it reminds them of a spa treatment, like a warm massage.

Treatment Results are Immediate and Improve with Time

It’s true that results can vary from person to person, but ThermiVa provides immediate vaginal tightening results that will gradually continue to improve over time.

The Results Are Long-Lasting

ThermiVA Vaginal Tightening in Los AngelesThe final results of a series of ThermiVa treatments will provide results that can last nine months to a year. Usually, for best results with vaginal cosmetic treatments, a series of three treatments over three months is needed to get the most improvement. A single ThermiVa session takes approximately 30 minutes, making it one of the most time-efficient treatments available in Los Angeles.

No Down Time Required

The best part about ThermiVa is that clients can go home, go out, be intimate, exercise, and relax immediately after the session. There is no limitation or downtime necessary when undergoing non-invasive vaginal tightening with ThermiVa.

ThermiVa vaginal cosmetic treatment is the perfect procedure to help women reclaim, restore, and revive their feminine wellness. The non-surgical treatment safely and effectively rejuvenates and provides needed vaginal tightening without discomfort or downtime.

To learn more about this exciting treatment, please visit ThermiVA.com.

Call Comprehensive Urology for Revitalizing Feminine Treatments Today!

If you are interested in ThermiVa or would like to address another urological issue, such as incontinence, dryness, or laxity, contact a skilled urologist in Los Angeles for an accurate diagnosis and personalized treatment options. Our team at Comprehensive Urology are leaders in vaginal tightening and rejuvenation and have extensive experience helping women of all ages reclaim their feminine wellness. Call (310) 499-2756 today to schedule an appointment or comprehensive exam today!

Next, read our blog, The Benefits of HIFU Over Traditional Prostate Cancer Surgery.

The post The Top 5 Benefits of ThermiVa Treatment appeared first on Comprehensive Urology.

Tuesday, March 21, 2017

The Benefits of HIFU Over Traditional Prostate Cancer Surgery

For a man, one of the most dreaded phrases you can hear is “You have prostate cancer.” This is especially true for American men, as it is the second leading killer among all cancers. Traditionally, prostate cancer treatment has been restricted to surgery (complete removal of the gland) or radiation therapy, both of which can be effective and even life-saving.

Unfortunately, traditional prostate cancer treatments not only affect the entire prostate gland and cancer cells in it, but also cause other side effects on adjacent organs. These side effects lead to the troublesome trio of side effects that all men worry about when it comes to prostate cancer treatment:

  • Urinary incontinence (urine leakage after surgery) or bladder irritation (after radiation)
  • Leftover cancer cells or lesions
  • Adverse effects on sexual function (weakening or loss of erections)

For these and other reasons, many men seeking prostate cancer treatment are looking for alternative procedures that are as effective as the traditional options, if not more, but with fewer negative effects. Moreover, patients want alternative options that do not compromise the cancer treatment and require less recovery and downtime.

At Comprehensive Urology, the premier Los Angeles prostate cancer center, in addition to traditional options, we are proud to offer high intensity focused ultrasound (HIFU) as a cutting-edge alternative treatment method. HIFU can offer a chance of cure while maintaining potency and urinary control in select patients. Although HIFU treatment has several advantages over traditional treatments, you and your doctor should discuss your condition as well as all options so you can make an informed decision about the best treatment for you.

In order to provide as much information as possible regarding your options, please read the following to learn about several advantages that HIFU has over traditional prostate cancer treatments.

The Top Advantages of HIFU Treatment

Minimally Invasive Procedure

The ultrasound technology behind HIFU is the latest in prostate cancer treatment. The innovative technology uses precise ultrasonic energy to target and kill only cancerous lesions in the prostate. All safety margins are acknowledged and the ultrasound waves precisely target all surgeon-defined targets without damaging surrounding tissue.

With traditional invasive prostate cancer treatment methods, which are inherently invasive, the entire gland is removed or irradiated. Furthermore, surgery removes both healthy gland tissue and surrounding tissue while radiation affects the whole gland and surrounding tissue.

Reduced Recovery Period

HIFU treatment causes only minimal cell damage to the prostate as a whole, and, because it is minimally invasive, also causes no blood loss or other similar trauma. This allows you to get back to your normal schedule within a few days of HIFU treatment with no radiation or surgical side effects.

With traditional treatment methods, which are typically invasive, recovery times are different (i.e., more extensive). Surgery causes longer recovery and healing times and radiation treatment usually requires several radiation sessions, therefore, recovery is often ongoing and extensive as well.

Decreased Risk of Sexual Impotency

Due to the minimal invasiveness of HIFU treatment, the chances of experiencing impotence or erectile dysfunction are reduced. For men still virile into their 50s and beyond, this is a very important consideration.

On the other hand, treatments such as radiation therapy or hormone therapy, while often successful in treating cancer of the prostate, can affect your sex life by interfering with your ability to get and maintain an erection.

More Bladder Control

Because HIFU treatment uses precise ultrasound technology in order to focus on the diseased cells, incontinence issues are greatly reduced. Many men report minimal or even no urine leakage and greater bladder control following the procedure.

Traditional treatment methods, such as surgery and radiation, often cause incontinence or bowel disorders as side effects.

A Quick Procedure

High Intensity Focused Ultrasound in Los AngelesHIFU treatment is normally a single-session outpatient procedure that lasts about two hours. There is no need for a hospital stay and there should be no reason why you can’t be home the same day.  However, be aware that this does depend on the size of your prostate as well as the stage of cancer growth.

Surgery, on the other hand, is more complicated and usually takes 2-3 hours, depending on the size of the gland and the extent of the cancer.

Fewer Side Effects

In addition to reduced risks of both incontinence and sexual dysfunction, other side effects from HIFU treatment are normally mild or minimal. You will suffer no loss of blood and no radiation, incisions, bandages, scars, or a hospital stay.

While it’s true that you most likely will have to live with an inserted catheter for several days after the procedure, you should suffer no issues with bladder control. The catheter is only used on a temporary basis.

In a nutshell, HIFU is a state of the art prostate cancer treatment with numerous benefits over traditional prostate cancer surgery:

  • Minimally invasive treatment option for localized prostate cancer.
  • Benefits: no cutting or radiation, single outpatient procedure, no or minimal risk of sexual dysfunction or urine leakage, short recovery usually within few days.

The Key to Any Effective Cancer Is Early Detection

Regardless of which prostate cancer treatment you and your urologist decide is right for you, early prostate cancer detection is crucial to your recovery and, in some cases, survival.

Once any cancer is detected, then an extensive consultation with your doctor to learn your options will be necessary. If the benefits of HIFU treatment can work for you, then it might be the best choice for you.

Learn More about High Intensity Focused Ultrasound Therapy

To find out more about whether or not HIFU treatment is the best choice for you, contact the prostate cancer specialists at Comprehensive Urology in Beverly Hills. Contact us online to schedule a consultation or simply call us at 310.499.2756.

Next, read our blog, 4 Everyday Incontinence Issues Solved by Urolift Procedures.

The post The Benefits of HIFU Over Traditional Prostate Cancer Surgery appeared first on Comprehensive Urology.

Wednesday, February 22, 2017

4 Everyday Incontinence Issues Solved by UroLift Procedures

Once you get into your 40s, the decline in the function of your prostate often begins in earnest. However, you might not always notice the differences in how it functions – or maybe, in truth, you suspect some issues, yet you ignore them.

If you’re in the latter camp, there could be several reasons why. One of which is simple stubbornness. If you’re like many men, you don’t want to share those kinds of health issues with anyone, even with your doctor. Another one is that you’re not aware of the exact symptoms of benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH). Finally, you may not have realized that these days, certain minimally invasive BPH treatment options are available with few, if any, adverse side effects, such as loss of sexual function.

At Comprehensive Urology in Los Angeles, we understand your uncertainty regardless of the reason. We specialize in diagnosing, advising, and treating Los Angeles area men who have or are suspected of having an enlarged prostate. We are also dedicated to providing state-of-the-art BPH treatment options, including the innovative UroLift System.

What is a UroLift Procedure?

UroLift is a minimally-invasive BPH treatment for men who have symptoms of an enlarged prostate. The FDA-approved system relieves the obstruction and pressure on your urethra with tiny, permanent implants that not only open your urethra but also hold the enlarged prostate tissue out of the way to allow the urine to pass easily.

Your urethra will be unblocked without any need for cutting, heating, ablating, or removing any of your prostate tissue. Even better – there is no negative impact on your sexual function, making this treatment somewhat unique amongst most BPH therapies.

How Does UroLift Affect Everyday Urination?

If you have the following three everyday issues with urination or urinary incontinence due to issues with your prostate, then you should consider the UroLift BPH treatment system for effective treatment.

Issue #1 Difficulty Starting

If your urethra is blocked by enlarged tissue from your prostate, then you might be experiencing hesitancy to start urinating. There’s not much that’s as embarrassing as turning blue in the face at a public urinal as you strain to start urinating.

Issue #2 Weak Flow

Once you get started, does your urine only dribble out? Do you have to keep pushing and straining to maintain your stream? If the flow of your urine has sufficiently decreased in strength that you wince at how weak it sounds flowing into the toilet, UroLift can make you once again proud to be loud!

Issue #3 Dysuria (Burning or Discomfort With Urination)

This just sounds unpleasant, doesn’t it? And it can certainly be, as it means pain, burning, and discomfort while you urinate, which can cause you to worry that you have serious health problems.

Furthermore, the above issues can also have symptoms related to bladder storage, as well, including having to urinate frequently, waking up several times a night to urinate, or sudden urges to urinate immediately.

Issue #4 Urgency and Urge Incontinence

Another unpleasant and potentially embarrassing problem which may arise with an enlarged prostate is the constant need to look for a restroom, the urge to urinate all the time and difficulty delaying it, with potential for unpleasant “accidents” and urine leakage.

These are some reasons why you should consider talking to your doctor about your urinary issues the advantages of the UroLift system as BPH treatment.

Benefits of UroLift Treatment

There are several types of benefits to this men’s BPH treatment, including both during and after the treatment session.

During the BPH treatment, the benefits are as follows:

  • No surgery or cutting
  • No burning
  • No anesthesia or drugs required
  • Can be done in the doctor’s office

Although we often don’t use anesthesia or drugs during this BPH treatment, if you’d like local or even general anesthesia, we can accommodate this for your convenience. We can also administer pain killers and anti-anxiety medication prior to your session, as well.

Following the BPH treatment procedure, here are the benefits you’ll enjoy:

  • No overnight stay necessary
  • Minimal recovery time
  • Continued sexual ability
  • Sustained quality of life
  • Immediate results

An enlarged prostate can have an adverse effect on the quality of your life. Undergoing just one UroLift BPH treatment can alleviate troublesome urinary problems and embarrassing sexual performance problems related to BPH, with immediately apparent results. Learn more about Urolift at Urolift.com.

Side Effects of UroLift

Because of its minimally invasive nature, the UroLift system has few side effects and the ones that do occur usually recede in one to two weeks as your body adjusts. These UroLift side effects may include:

BPH Questions? Comprehensive Urology Beverly Hills Has the Answers

Men rarely have symptoms of an enlarged prostate before the age of 40, yet by the time you get to your 60s, you might be part of the majority of aging men who do. By the time you’re in your 70s and 80s, you’re almost guaranteed to have those symptoms. Often, we diagnose such prostate issues in our patients during normal rectal exams, though we also find them through a urine flow study, ultrasound, cystoscopy, or urinalysis.

If you are above the age of 40, don’t ignore any symptoms that could mean you have an enlarged prostate. It’s a very common problem that if detected early enough, can be treated and eliminated, allowing you to improve your quality of life. Don’t hesitate to contact the Los Angeles prostate experts in Los Angeles today at Comprehensive Urology for a consultation. Contact us online or call 310.499.2756 to schedule an appointment and get your questions answered.

In a Nutshell: UroLift

  • Minimally invasive BPH treatment for unblocking the urethra by holding the enlarged prostate tissue back with small clips to allow better urine flow
  • No need for cutting, ablating, burning, or removing any tissue
  • No loss of sexual function, almost immediate results, and low risk
  • Can be done in office, or under sedation/anesthesia in less than hour

Next, read MRI Fusion Biopsies: The Best Way to Diagnose Prostate Cancer?

The post 4 Everyday Incontinence Issues Solved by UroLift Procedures appeared first on Comprehensive Urology.

Monday, February 6, 2017

MRI Fusion Biopsies: The Best Way to Diagnose Prostate Cancer?

Early detection of prostate cancer is not the only key to surviving the disease with the potential for a cure, but also crucial in preserving the quality of your life. For decades, the standard form of prostate biopsies has had its share of hits and misses when diagnosing for cancer, with close to 20-30% chance of missing the disease. While the successes are certainly something to be grateful for, it’s hard not to lament the failures.

The problem is that traditional methods of diagnosis (blind biopsy or by ultrasound guidance alone) this cancer have may be falsely negative for cancer or report less aggressive cancer while easily missing the real target. This means that nearly one in three American men who undergo a procedure such as a prostatectomy are found to have a tumor that is much more aggressive than determined by their prostate cancer biopsy. At Comprehensive Urology in Los Angeles, we specialize in screening, diagnosing, and treating prostate cancer. One of the most common questions we get is how to find prostate cancer more effectively.

At Comprehensive Urology, we specialize in screening, diagnosing, and treating prostate cancer. One of the most common questions we get is how to find prostate cancer more effectively.

We may have an answer for you: MRI /Ultrasound fusion biopsy.

Standard Prostate Biopsy

Perhaps you’ve read or heard stories of men who’ve had experiences similar to the following example:

A man has a prostate cancer screening blood test that shows high levels of Prostate Specific Antigens (PSA), yet the traditional ultrasound-guided biopsy returned negative for prostate cancer, so he goes about his life relieved that he is cancer-free…

Months or perhaps even a year or two later, the man notices he has problems urinating or starts feeling sharp pains in his side, so he sees his doctor, who diagnoses him with an enlarged prostate and prescribes the requisite medication. Finally, after months of frustration and dissatisfaction with his doctor’s diagnoses, he sees a different urologist, who administers the MRI fusion-guided biopsy.

Imagine the man’s horror at discovering that not only does he have cancer of the prostate, he’s in a fight for his life because it’s at an advanced stage. Had it not been for this precise, targeted prostate biopsy, which found the tumor in an unusual location that the standard cancer biopsy had missed, the man would not have survived his cancer.

This is merely an example, based on a real case, depicting the growing number of patients suffering from similar circumstances.

Traditional prostate biopsies haven’t changed much in the past three to four decades. Unfortunately, neither have the pitfalls associated with them. In a standard prostate biopsy, one or two tissue samples are methodically removed from various zones of your prostate, usually a total of six to 12 samples in all. While this is effective in detecting larger tumors, this regularly misses smaller cancerous areas. This is where your danger lies – and where the controversy surrounding standard biopsy begins.

Once the tissue samples are evaluated, the pathologist can determine the tumor’s level of aggressiveness, which, along with other variables, allows your doctor to recommend the requisite treatment.

MRI Fusion Biopsies: They’re New, But Are They Better?

Just as a standard prostate biopsy may miss smaller tumors, undergoing an MRI alone for detecting the disease may have the same problem.

That’s where the MRI fusion biopsies are different, as the innovative detection methods use sophisticated technology for a more precise, targeted prostate cancer biopsy. Quicker and more comprehensive, MRI fusion biopsies are exactly what the name implies – a combination of MRI and ultrasound technologies that accurately detects the patients’ tumor and precisely extracts a sample for assessment.

One huge benefit over a traditional biopsy is that an MRI fusion-guided biopsy covers the entire prostate (the traditional method covers less than 10%). Previously unseen tumors are now found, and those missed due to being in nearly inaccessible tissue are now easily detected. Learn

How Does a Targeted Prostate Biopsy Work and Improve the Current Biopsy Process?

The procedure is short, minimally invasive, and done under local anesthesia or sedation. Prior to the procedure, an MRI of your prostate is administered for one purpose only – assessing your prostate for potential tumors. Any areas that indicate the presence of a possible tumor are marked and analyzed in a 3-D reconstruction of your prostate that highlights the areas suspected of housing a tumor. During the prostate biopsy itself, ultrasound will “visualize” the prostate with the added MRI images being superimposed in real time.

Because your doctor can perform this targeted prostate biopsy on the areas most suspected of containing a tumor, this can reduce the number of lesions that are missed. This new, innovative technology aims to increase the accuracy of biopsies for prostate cancer as well as reduce the number of procedures needed and the risks of infections.

To be fair, this MRI fusion-guided biopsy is still relatively new, so data is still being gathered to fully gauge the efficacy of the procedure. As such, not every patient undergoes this procedure. However, early returns are promising and the future of prostate cancer screening, assessing, diagnosing, staging, and treatment is trending up.

Learn more about magnetic resonance imaging at Wikipedia.org.

Contact the Prostate Cancer Specialists in LA for World-Class Care

Prostate cancer is certainly curable, but traditional biopsies often miss tumors that are smaller or in uncommon places in your prostate. If you’ve had one or more standard prostate cancer biopsies but are still dissatisfied with the results, contact an expert Los Angeles urologist at Comprehensive Urology by filling out the online contact form or calling 310.499.2756.

In a nutshell: MRI/Ultrasound fusion biopsy of the prostate

  • The newest and most accurate way to sample the entire prostate gland for cancer
  • Helps decrease missed lesions and “false negative” biopsy results (missing cancer)
  • Increases the biopsy yield and detection of more aggressive lesions that would have been missed

Next, read Everything You’ve Wanted to Know about Vaginal Cosmetic Treatments.

The post MRI Fusion Biopsies: The Best Way to Diagnose Prostate Cancer? appeared first on Comprehensive Urology.