Are a man experiencing the symptoms of erectile dysfunction? If so, there are treatment options available.

Dr. Mark Allen, MD, a Dallas, TX-based urologist (972.612.8037), offers erectile dysfunction treatment for men suffering from erectile dysfunction (ED)—also known as impotence—which is the inability of a man to achieve or maintain an erection that is firm enough for sexual intercourse. Erectile dysfunction is an on-going problem and often leads to a decrease in sexual desire; the condition can cause emotional stress and anxiety and can deeply affect a relationship.

Most men will experience some form of erectile dysfunction after the age of 40 and will not be psychologically affected by it. Frequently, men who have chronic erectile dysfunction are ashamed to discuss the condition with their doctors.

According to Dr. Mark Allen, MD, “It is important for men to reach out to their physicians to discuss their ED symptoms because many times there is an underlying medical problem such as diabetes, heart disease and certain prostate conditions that can be directly linked to the condition. While stress, anxiety and psychological or mental health issues can worsen the symptoms, in most cases, the problem is caused by something physical. There is a clear link between erectile dysfunction and these medical conditions.”

Erectile Dysfunction Treatment

There are many erectile dysfunction treatment options on the market today. The first step most doctors will take is to make sure any undiagnosed medical health problem is treated. In many cases, these problems can cause or worsen ED. In addition, patients on medications or drugs for other unrelated health conditions should consider decreasing the dosage if these drugs are proven to have harmful side effects.

Oral medications—such as Viagra, Cialis and Levitra—offer successful erectile dysfunction treatment for many men. These drugs enhance the effect of nitric oxide, which is a natural chemical produced by the body that relaxes the muscles within the penis. Each medication varies and is offered in different dosages.

If oral medications fail to work, there are some new erectile dysfunction treatment options that have proven to be successful. A penis pump, or vacuum devise, is available to help create an erection enlarging the penis manually through a hand-powered or battery-powered pump. This pump creates a vacuum that pulls blood into the penis resulting in an erection that typically lasts long enough for intercourse.

The newest erectile dysfunction treatment method being offered by urologists offers a 90% effective rate for men suffering from chronic impotence. The AMS penile implant devise for erectile restoration is offered for men who have exhausted all other treatment options.

AMS 700™ Series—3-Piece Inflatable Penile Implant

The AMS penile implant treatment, performed as an out-patient procedure under general anesthesia, involves surgically placing inflatable cylinder devices into both sides of the penis. These devises consist of semi-rigid rods made from either polyurethane or silicone. Two additional pieces are also used: A reservoir containing liquid and a pump is also connected to the system and is placed under the loose skin of the scrotal sac, between the testicles. To inflate the prosthesis, a man simply presses on the pump that transfers liquid from the reservoir to the cylinders. When this occurs, an erection is the result. When sexual intercourse is over, pressing on the deflation valve will deflate the prostheses.

Dr. Mark Allen, MD, offers the AMS devise to his patients. There are several devises to choose from but they each offer the same result. “To most, a penile implant is not visibly noticeable from the outside of the body. That is a big plus for my patients because it looks natural. For men who have had inactive, unsatisfying sex lives, the penile implant devise offers a permanent, long-term solution. The devise does not alter a man’s ability to reach orgasm and ejaculation is not affected. More than 85% of my patients who have had the penile implant procedure have experienced great success and a return of normalcy to their success lives,” says Dr. Mark Allen.

While modern treatments are proving to offer effective remedies for erectile dysfunction, it’s important for men to do their part as well. Certain lifestyle choices are directly related to impotence. If you smoke, quit. If you are overweight, choose a healthier lifestyle and get regular exercise. Drinking too much or taking certain drugs can also worsen erectile dysfunction. Psychological problems in a relationship can cause anxiety, depression and stress—these factors increase the symptoms associated with erectile dysfunction.

Whether the cause of your erectile dysfunction is physical, psychological or both, there are options for you. Make an appointment with your doctor today and learn which erectile dysfunction treatment is right for you.

About the writer:

Kristy Theis is the Medical Content Editor for eMedical Media and is a Dallas-based freelance communications writer. Dr. Mark Allen, MD, contributed to this feature.

The Calypso 4d Localization Radiation System | GPS for the Body | Radiation Treatment for Prostate Cancer | Plano, Dallas, Frisco

Author: Kristy Theis

Through a simple PSA blood test, Dr. Mark Allen, MD (972.612.8037), a urologist with North Dallas Urology Associates, was able to quickly diagnose Michael* with prostate cancer. As an active 48-year old husband, father and president of a mid-size manufacturing plant, the diagnosis came as a complete shock. With no real symptoms, Michael’s prostate cancer was caught early, however, because it was a more aggressive tumor, the ‘watch and wait’ recommendation that is at times given to younger patients was not an option.

“The news was very difficult for me to accept. We just sent our youngest daughter off to college and as new empty nesters, my wife and I were ready to travel and begin a series of remodeling projects around our house. Instead, I was in for a fight against cancer. I began my long and in-depth search for the right treatment that would allow me to live my life as I knew it before the diagnosis.”

After consulting with his Dallas-based urologist and a variety of oncologists, Michael opted for radiation therapy using the Calypso 4D Localization System. Reluctant to have surgery, Michael learned through a team of oncologists that radiation therapy can be equally as effective as surgery in treating patients with prostate cancer.

The Calypso 4D Localization System is quickly becoming the treatment of choice for thousands of men faced with prostate cancer. It offers a therapeutic approach that cures the cancer while allowing them to remain active and fully functioning.

Dr. Mark Allen, MD, a urologist with North Dallas Urology Associates, treated Michael for his prostate cancer. Dr. Allen, who is one of the only doctors in the Dallas/Fort Worth market who offers the Calypso treatment, said, “Most of my prostate cancer patients want two things: they want reduced side effects as a result of the cancer treatment and they want to keep their quality of life. The Calypso radiation technology uses real-time tracking which is immensely important because it enables us to deliver high amounts of radiation directly to the tumor while sparing all other organs from any exposure. This reduces the side effects which improves their quality of life.”

For Michael, incontinence and a decrease in sexual activity were huge concerns in regards to the side effects he might suffer from surgery or other radiation therapies. While there is no guarantee with any prostate cancer treatment or procedure in eliminating or reducing known side effects, the Calypso has a notably high success rate in serious treatment-related symptoms.

How the Calypso 4D Localization System Works

For Michael, and millions of other men diagnosed with prostate cancer, there are a few facts to know that will come as a surprise in terms of radiation therapy. The organs within the body move naturally; during radiation therapy a doctor cannot accurately predict which way these organs will move. If the organs move during radiation treatment, they risk receiving the radiation that is not meant for them.

The Calypso system is known throughout the medical community as the GPS for the body. With a tiny beacon that is inserted into the tumor, the physician is able to align the radiation directly and precisely to the tumor. This precise and real-time tracking has clinically been proven to raise the quality of life and reduce the side effects associated with prostate cancer radiation therapy.

For Michael, Calypso radiation therapy treatment proved to be a successful treatment option for his cancer. Sexual activity has remained active and as normal as possible and there are no out-of-the-ordinary urinary-related side effects associated from the cancer treatment.

Dr. Allen continues to see an increase in cancer patients who—if given the choice—choose the Calypso over other common forms of treatment. “I give all of my patients the pros and cons to each treatment options. Depending on where they are in their life, how active they are and the kind of lifestyle they lead ultimately helps us to narrow down the treatment procedure. For many of my patients who are in the same situation as Michael, the Calypso is a great and accurate prostate cancer treatment alternative.”

Article Source: http://www.articlesbase.com/medicine-articles/the-calypso-4d-localization-radiation-system-gps-for-the-body-radiation-treatment-for-prostate-cancer-plano-dallas-frisco-2696672.html

About the Author

Kristy Theis is a Plano, Texas-based communications freelance writer specializing in b2b, consumer and vertical trade copy suitable for both print and Internet. She has over 14 years experience in the fields of marketing, PR and copywriting and currently serves as the content editor for emedicalmedia.com.

Dr. Mark Allen, MD, Dallas, TX Urologist, recently offered some current reviews and feedback from specialists who have performed the da Vinci Robotic Surgery, as well as patients who have undergone the robotic prostatectomy and other da Vinci related surgeries. To read the article, please visit this link or view the information below.

Article:

Dr. Mark Allen, MD, Dallas, TX Urologist, 972.612.8037, offers the following da Vinci Robotic Surgery feedback and reviews.  These reviews were collected and written by Intuitive Surgical—the developers of the da Vinci robotic system based out of Sunnyvale, CA.

Why da Vinci^® Surgery?

“The potential payoffs [of the da Vinci Surgical System] are impressive: Smaller incisions, less pain, fewer infections and other complications, shorter hospital stays, faster recovery, even improved odds that the outcome of the procedure will be a success.”   U.S. News & World Report

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“The precision and flexibility of this type of computerized system will allow us to do things we haven’t even thought of yet.”     Dr. William Kelley. Henrico Doctors Hospital, Richmond, VA

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“Once you see the way patients recover, there is just no way you want to go back to larger incisions….”  Douglas A. Murphy, M.D., Cardiac Surgeon Saint Joseph’s Hospital, Atlanta, GA

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“This is a significant milestone to minimize the trauma of surgery.”   Dr. Craig Smith. Columbia-Presbyterian Medical Center, New York, NY

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“Robotic assisted surgery is safe and effective, and is a new reality for American surgery.”  Mark A. Talamini, M.D. et al”A Prospective Analysis of 211 Robotic Assisted Surgical Procedures,” Surgical Endoscopy

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“As a trained surgical oncologist, the da Vinci System has allowed me to offer my patients a better cancer operation with improved clinical outcomes.”    Thomas E. Ahlering, M.D., Associate Professor of Urology; Director, Urological Oncology University of California Irvine Medical Center

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“In my experience, robotics allows for greater surgical precision which leads to improvements in cancer control, potency and urinary function.”  Mani Menon, M.D., Director, Vattikuti Urology Institute, Henry Ford Health System

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“After … deciding upon a radical prostatectomy, I quickly did extensive research regarding my options. When I discovered information about the procedure using the da Vinci Surgical System, I was convinced that this was the only option for me. I was back to work after four and a half weeks and even played racquetball after six weeks.”     da Vinci Prostatectomy patient, aerospace design engineer

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“I was home maybe three days [after coronary revascularization surgery] when I went shopping at the grocery store.”     69 year-old da Vinci Coronary Revascularization patient

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“I have not taken a Tylenol throughout the entire process…”     da Vinci Prostatectomy patient

As one of the DFW Metroplex’s leading providers of innovative prostate cancer treatments including da Vinci Prostatectomy and Calypso Radiation Therapy, Dr. Mark Allen of North Texas Urologists in Plano, TX was interviewed for the following article:

Dallas Urologist Discusses Prostate Cancer Symptoms And Prostate Cancer Treatment Options

By: Kristy Theis

Prostate Cancer: The “Prevalent” and “Inconspicuous” Cancer

Prostate cancer is the leading cancer for men in the United States with more than 230,000 men—almost 1 in 6—being diagnosed with the disease annually. When you consider this statistic, it would be fair to think that all young, and older men alike, would understand the symptoms and problems associated with this cancer. The truth, however, is that most men don’t have an understanding of what prostate cancer entails—at all.

Just ask Scott. When Scott, a 45-year-old telecommunications sales manager in Dallas, Texas, began experiencing a slight burning sensation when he urinated, he simply brushed it off as having a minor urinary tract infection that would go away on its own.  Shortly after, he began having trouble maintaining a normal erection—something that he easily blamed as a sign of aging. When the symptoms continued to grow more troublesome for this father of two, his normal life routines became interrupted and anxiety over the condition began to increase.  It was then that he scheduled himself for an appointment with a local Dallas, Texas urologist. With one simple prostate PSA test (prostate-specific antigen) it didn’t take long for his doctor to deliver the news that would change his life forever—he had prostate cancer.

While the symptoms Scott experienced did, in fact, probably save his life, the truth is that most men who are diagnosed with prostate cancer, don’t experience any symptoms at all and the ones who do, typically brush the symptoms off as part of life’s little nuisances.

Detecting Prostate Cancer

The prostate is a small, walnut-sized structure that makes up part of a man’s reproductive system.  It affects how a man obtains an erection, how he urinates and it also helps to produce semen.  Prostate cancer is a malignant tumor that forms in the prostate gland.  This particular cancer grows slowly and typically produces little symptoms until it progresses.  When prostate cancer symptoms do appear, as in Scott’s case, the cancer has usually progressed and is in a further stage.

According to Dr. Mark Allen, MD, a North Texas Urologist, the majority of men who are diagnosed with prostate cancer will, in fact, not experience any known symptoms. “That is why an annual physical is so important so that blood and urine samples can be tested.  Simple tests will provide red flags for common cancers such as prostate.  For example, if a young man has an elevated PSA test, this is a sign that there is something off and might possibly could be linked to prostate cancer. If this cancer is detected early, chances for survival are excellent,” says Dr. Allen.

Allen continues to say, “During routine physical exams, PSA tests are not always administered; most often, because prostate cancer is not viewed as a threat for young men under the age of 40. However, in recent years, it is becoming an increasingly more common diagnosis, thus, men must take control of their own health and request this particular test during routine physicals. As men increase in age, their risk of developing prostate cancer increases dramatically. Although only 1 in 10,000 under age 40 will be diagnosed, the rate shoots up to 1 in 39 for ages 40 to 59, and continues to radically increase thereafter.”

New Advanced Treatment Options For Patients

For most men who are undergoing prostate cancer treatment, there are many options to consider—each with a number of pros and cons.  It is important to discuss each prostate cancer treatment option carefully with your urologist or oncologist.

According to Urologist, Dr. Mark Allen, MD, “Radiation cancer therapy has come a long way in recent years to help with the treatment of prostate cancer.  One worry with prostate cancer radiation therapy is how it affects nearby organs.  We use the Calypso® 4D Localization System on our patients and this particular therapy eliminates much of this movement.  The Calypso system essentially acts as a GPS for the body using precise, real-time tracking of the radiation beam so that it targets and hits the tumor itself avoiding nearby organs.”

Dr. Allen is a pioneer in prostate cancer radiation therapy and was one of the very first doctors in the North Texas area to offer the Calypso 4D system as an option. Similar to the new advances in guided radiation therapy, there are also huge strides that have been made in surgeries to treat prostate cancer.   A standard course of treatment is a radical prostatectomy where either all or some of the prostate, as well as tissue surround the organ, is removed. There are side effects to this surgery including impotence and urinary incontinence.

According to FastCompany magazine, one of the leading print and online sources for innovative ideas and ground-breaking solutions, the da Vinci robotic surgery is a highly advanced technical procedure that has been proven to be more effective, quicker to perform, and dramatically less invasive than a traditional cancer surgery.

The breakthrough in robotic prostate cancer surgery involves making very tiny incisions to the lower abdomen allowing very small instruments and a 3D camera to be inserted into the patient.  The surgeon then sits down at a nearby console where he or she views a magnified, high-resolution, 3D image of the prostate.  The system then flawlessly translates the surgeon’s hand, wrist and finger movements into precise, accurate, real-time movements of surgical instruments inside the patient.  Intrinsically, every maneuver performed with the da Vinci robotic surgical device is performed with direct input from the surgeon.

Because robotic prostate cancer surgery, in general, is relatively knew, it is hasn’t yet been adopted by many Dallas area urologists.  Dr. Allen explains, “Many patients are still most comfortable with traditional surgery.  For a surgeon, there is a significant investment in training and the learning curve is pretty extensive.   However, once mastered, using robotic prostate cancer surgery as a treatment for this cancer provides the surgeon with instinctive control, range of motion, tissue manipulation and capabilities that are characteristic of open surgery but with the side effects of a more minimally-invasive procedure.”

According to the Mayo Clinic, who adopted the da Vinci surgical system in 2003, robotic surgery to treat prostate cancer is ideally suited for pelvic surgery in order to avoid the side-effects—such as penile dysfunction and bladder incontinence—that can occur to such a sensitive region of the body.

Listen to What Your Body is Telling You

Dr. Allen continues to say, “Regardless of the prostate cancer treatment options a patient might choose, it’s important to detect and diagnose this cancer before it progresses.  There are several distinct warning signs that men should be aware of to help catch this increasingly widespread cancer.”  He offers some important symptoms to be cognitive of:

• Difficulty or inability to urinate
• Frequent urge to urinate
• Blood in the urine or semen
• Painful or burning urination
• Difficulty in having or maintaining an erection
• Painful or uncomfortable ejaculation
• Frequent pain or stiffness in lower back, hips, or upper thighs

While these symptoms could possibly be another condition—such as an enlarged prostate, BPH (Benign prostatic hyperplasia) or prostatis—which is a common inflammation of the prostate gland, it’s important to have a physical and the necessary tests performed so that cancer can be ruled out.

By Kristy M. Theis (Content Editor, eMedical Media)

Contributors: Dr. Mark Allen, MD is a skilled urologist practicing in Dallas, Texas. He offers urological services to patients throughout the greater Dallas, Frisco, McKinney, Fort Worth and Arlington areas.

About the Author

Kristy Theis is a Plano, Texas-based communications freelance writer specializing in b2b, consumer and vertical trade copy suitable for both print and Internet. She has over 14 years experience in the fields of marketing, PR and copywriting and currently serves as the web, SEO and marketing communications content editor for eMedical Media.

(ArticlesBase SC #1956623)

Article Source: http://www.articlesbase.com/ – Dallas Urologist Discusses Prostate Cancer Symptoms And Prostate Cancer Treatment Options

Dr. Mark Allen, MD of Plano, TX utilizes the AMS medical devices to treat erectile dysfunction.  The below information on the 3-Piece Inflatable Penile Prosthesis for erectile restoration is provided courtesy of American Medical Systems.  For more information on AMS, visit www.americanmedicalsystems.com.

AMS 700 ^TM Series
3-Piece Inflatable Penile Prosthesis
The AMS 700 Series is an advanced three-part inflatable prosthesis consisting of a reservoir implanted in the abdomen, a pump placed in the scrotum and a pair of cylinders inserted into the corpora cavernosa. It closely simulates the look and performance of a natural erection. The gold standard for innovative penile implant technology, the AMS 700 Series now features the new Tactile Pump^TM, InhibiZone^TM Antibiotic Surface Treatment and Parylene, a wear-reducing micro coating.

Advantages for Patients

• Has InhibiZone Antibiotic Surface Treatment, a proprietary combination of rifampin and minocycline
• Replicates the process and feel of a natural erection more closely than 1- or 2-piece implants
• Deflates softer and more flaccid than 1- or 2-piece styles of penile implants
• High degree of patient and partner satisfaction
• Easy to use
• Totally concealed

Patient Satisfaction Rate

• Some studies report 92% patient and 96% partner satisfaction rate¹

¹ Montorsi F, Rigatti P, Carmignani G, Corbu C, Campo B, Ordesi G, Breda G, Silvestre P, Giammusso B, Morgia G, Graziottin A. AMS three-piece inflatable implants for erectile dysfunction: a long-term multi-institutional study in 200 consecutive patients. Eur Urol Jan 2000 Jan v. 37(1)p. 50-5.

Styles Available
The AMS 700 Series consists of three styles for three different patient types.

• 700CX^TM—Controlled expansion cylinders allow for increased girth; can be used in all patient types that are able to receive a 3-piece prosthesis
• 700 Ultrex^TM—For the patient who wants expansion in girth and length; provides up to 20% cylinder elongation.
• 700 CXR^TM—The narrowest proximal profile of any inflatable prosthesis; for scarred, fibrotic or stenotic patients

Device Mechanics
The AMS 700 Series prostheses are fluid-filled systems, each consisting of a pair of cylinders, an inflate/deflate pump and a reservoir. The components are connected by kink-resistant tubing.

The AMS 700 Series prostheses consist of these parts:

• Cylinders—Come in various lengths and diameters, depending on the model number. Rear-tip extenders can be placed over the solid rear tip of the cylinders to extend their lengths, for a customized fit.
• Reservoir—Silicone balloon for holding saline, and kink-resistant tubing that connects the reservoir to the pump. Two sizes are available: 65 mL and 100 mL.
• Pump—The AMS 700 CX, Ultrex and CXR cylinders use a standard-size pump consisting of a pump bulb (for inflation), a release valve (for deflation) and connecting tubes.

Innovative Technology
The AMS 700 Series now features the new Tactile Pump^TM, InhibiZone^TM Antibiotic Surface Treatment and Parylene, a wear-reducing micro-coating.

• Tactile Pump—With its EZ grip surface, the Tactile Pump is designed to be easier to inflate and deflate than any inflatable penile prosthesis on the market today. Silicone ridges on the pump bulb are designed to minimize finger slippage during inflation; finger pads on the deflation block are designed to make it easier to locate and grasp the deflation portion of the pump. These enhancements make it easy for patients to learn and use the system. In a small clinical study, over 86.7% of patients learned in three minutes or less.¹ That can mean less frustration and greater patient satisfaction.1. Data accepted for publication. Delk, et al, “Early Experience with the American Medical Systems New Tactile Pump: Results of a Multi-Center Study.
• InhibiZone is a synergistic combination of Minocyline Hydrochloride and Rifampin impregnated into the external silicone surfaces of the implant, creating a zone of inhibition around the prosthesis. The antibiotics impregnated into the cylinders elute from the surface when exposed to a warm, moist environment.
• Parylene micro coating is a medical grade polymer applied to AMS 700 Series cylinder components. This unique coating is designed to enhance device longevity by reducing friction-based wear. In bench-testing, parylene coated cylinders endured up to five times as many cycles as uncoated cylinders.¹ This gives patients the security of an implant designed for long-lasting performance and wear.1. Data on file, American Medical Systems

Erectile Restoration

Dr. Mark Allen, MD of Dallas, TX uses AMS devices for erectile dysfunction treatment.  The below information is courtesy of American Medical Systems.  For more information, please visit www.americanmedicalsystems.com

Penile Implants-The Satisfying Solution

AMS has been a leading innovator in the field of erectile restoration for over three decades. Today we offer the broadest line of penile implant options in the industry. From simple malleable implants to the most advanced three-piece inflatable devices, AMS sets the standard for innovation and ease of use.
Every AMS penile implant is engineered to provide a satisfying solution to erectile dysfunction (ED). More than 300,000 men have received an AMS implant and studies show that over 90 percent are happy with the device.1,2,3,4.

1. Rajpurkar A, Dhabuwala CB. Comparison of satisfaction rates and erectile function in patients treated with sildenafil, intracavernous prostaglandin E1 and penile implant surgery for erectile dysfunction in urology practice. J Urol Jul 2003 v.170(1)p.159-63.
2. Kearse WS Jr, Sago AL, Peretsman SJ, Bolton JO, Holcomb RG, Reddy PK,
Bernhard PH, Eppel SM, Lewis JH, Gladshteyn M. Report of a multicenter clinical evaluation of the Dura-II penile prosthesis. J Urol May 1996 v. 155(5) p.1613-6.
3. Levine LA, Estrada CR, Morgentaler A. Mechanical reliability and safety of, and patient satisfaction with the Ambicor inflatable penile prosthesis: results of a 2 center study. J Urol Sep 2001 Sep v. 166(3)p.932-7.
4. Montorsi F, Rigatti P, Carmignani G, Corbu C, Campo B, Ordesi G, Breda G, Silvestre P, Giammusso B, Morgia G, Graziottin A. AMS three-piece inflatable implants for erectile dysfunction: a long-term multi-institutional study in 200 consecutive patients. Eur Urol Jan 2000 Jan v. 37(1)p. 50-5.

Benefits of a Penile Implant

* Can help you return to an active, satisfying sex life
* Offers a permanent, long-term solution to ED
* Provides the ability to have an erection anytime you choose
* Allows for greater spontaneity-have sex when the mood strikes
* Enables you to maintain an erection as long as you desire
* Eliminates the need for costly pills or shots
* Does not interfere with ejaculation or orgasm

Risks of a Penile Implant

* Requires surgery and healing period
* Eliminates the possibility of return of natural erections
* May require repeat surgery due to infections, erosions or mechanical problems with the device

There are several types of penile implants available from AMS. Talk to Dr. Mark Allen about which one may be right for you.

The Procedure

Placing a penile implant may be performed as an outpatient procedure, which generally lasts from 30 minutes to over an hour. The procedure is performed under local or general anesthesia.

Before the procedure, Dr. Allen will give you a thorough explanation of what will happen during your surgery and how to prepare for it.

Results

Some studies show the following results for three-piece penile implants:

High Patient Satisfaction

* 86% say they would undergo the procedure again¹
* 88% would recommend the device to others¹

High Partner Satisfaction

* 96% partner satisfaction²

High Mechanical Reliability

* Engineered for long-term reliable operation¹
* Over 90% of patients report satisfactory prosthetic erections at three years³

1. Carson CC, Mulcahy JJ, Govier FE. Efficacy, safety and patient satisfaction outcomes of the AMS 700CX inflatable penile prosthesis: results of a long-term multicenter study. AMS 700CX Study Group. J Urol Aug2000 v. 164(2)p.376-80.
2. Montorsi F, Rigatti P, Carmignani G, Corbu C, Campo B, Ordesi G, Breda G, Silvestre P, Giammusso B, Morgia G, Graziottin A. AMS three-piece inflatable implants for erectile dysfunction: a long-term multi-institutional study in 200 consecutive patients. Eur Urol Jan 2000 Jan v. 37(1)p. 50-5.
3. Govier FE, Gibbons RP, Correa RJ, Pritchett TR, Kramer-Levien D. Mechanical reliability, surgical complications, and patient and partner satisfaction of the modern three-piece inflatable penile prosthesis. Urology Aug 1998 Aug v.52(2) p.282-6.

With the help of sister company North Dallas Radiation Oncology Center, Dr. Mark Allen, MD of North Dallas Urology Associates brings a new technology to North Texas prostate cancer patients to help reduce the side effects of prostate cancer radiation therapy.  According to CBS 11 News Dallas, “North Dallas Radiation Oncology, in Plano, is one of the only Texas facilities using the Calypso 4D Localization System, otherwise known as GPS for the body.”  This technology allows the radiation to be directed specifically on the malignant tissue and prevents healthy tissue from accidental irradiation thus reducing long-term side effects.  For the entire article, video news coverage and patient testimonial, please visit the CBS News 11 website by clicking on the below link (be patient as the written article appears quickly but the video takes longer to download in the right margin).

New Machine Uses GPS To Deliver Cancer Radiation

Prostate motion documented in the daily report demonstrates motion of the prostate of greater than 1cm over 6 minutes.

If you are considering radiation treatment for your prostate cancer, it is important to know about organ motion.  Organ motion is prevalent, variable, and unpredictable during radiation therapy.  It presents challenges to delivering precise external beam radiation to the prostate.  A recent multi-institutional study showed that patients experienced organ motion during treatment fractions and the direction and degree of the motion is highly variable—from patient to patient and day to day.  The common methods used for target localization cannot provide continuous, real-time, objective guidance to clinicians managing patients receiving radiation therapy treatments.  The Calypso® 4D Localization System™ and Organ Motion is Prevalent, Variable, and Unpredictable implanted Beacon® electromagnetic transponders provide improvements with continuous, real-time tumor setup and monitoring without the use of additional ionizing radiation — GPS for the Body®.

Dr. Mark Allen of North Dallas Urology Associates is committed to providing leading edge treatment options to his patients and is pleased to offer the Calypso® 4D Localization System™ / GPS for the Body®.  Please visit click here to learn more information and schedule a consultation with Dr. Allen to see if you are a candidate for this highly effective prostate cancer radiation treatment.

If you are considering a da Vinci Prostatectomy to treat your prostate cancer, here is what you can expect from initial appointment to follow-up care.

1. Initial Appointment

Typically, your primary care physician will check your PSA levels in your blood workup during your routine check-up.  If your laboratory results show an “elevated PSA”, you will be referred to a urologist for further testing.

2. Laboratory Results

The exam likely consists of a standard digital rectal exam (DRE), in which Dr. Allen manually palpates the prostate by way of the rectum. Even if he detects nothing abnormal, he will schedule a biopsy to be certain there is no evidence of prostate cancer. The biopsy is performed by inserting a tubular structure in the rectum, from which projectile needles collect 5-6 “cores” of tissue from each side of the prostate. Although many patients tolerate the biopsy without medication, Dr. Allen may offer something to alleviate your discomfort and anxiety associated with the procedure.

3. Treatment Options

If you have an early diagnosis of prostate cancer, there is usually a range of treatment options. These may include conservative management, radiation therapy with external bream or brachytherapy, cryosurgery and prostatectomy – surgical removal of the prostate. The treatment options will depend on a number of factors, including the stage of the disease, and you age, health and personal preference.

If you choose to have a da Vinci^® Prostatectomy – robotic prostate surgery – here is what you can expect:

4. Pre-Operative

You will have a physical examination and discuss the various types of anesthesia with your anesthesiologist. This visit is arranged by Dr. Allen and will likely occur the week before surgery. The evening before surgery, you will need to follow instructions for bowel preparation that Dr. Allen will provide.

5. Day of Surgery

Shortly before the operation, anesthesia is administered and you will sleep for the duration of the operation, which typically lasts 2-4 hours. The procedure begins when your abdomen is inflated with carbon dioxide gas, creating an operating space for the surgeon. Next, six small incisions, 1/4 to 1/2 inch in length, are made in your abdomen and ports are inserted to keep the incisions open.

During the procedure, Dr. Allen uses the da Vinci System’s laparoscopic surgical instruments and video camera, via the temporary ports, to direct the dissection of the prostate gland and adjacent tissue. If deemed appropriate, he tries to preserve the nerves attached to your prostate gland (nerve sparing). At the end of the surgery, the ports are removed from your abdomen and the remaining incisions are closed with sutures.

(For detailed information about this procedure, please set up a consultation with Dr. Allen.)

6. Post-Operative

After robotic prostatectomy surgery, you wake up very groggy and with a urinary catheter in place. You will likely spend one night in the hospital resting and recovering from the effects of the anesthesia. As the anesthesia wears off, there may be some discomfort, for which pain medication may be prescribed. During this time, the medical team gets you patient sitting, standing and eventually walking around, which is recommended throughout the recovery period. Because a catheter typically remains in place for approximately 7 days, Dr. Allen will review guidelines for use that will ease discomfort and ensure proper function of the catheter during this time.

7. Recovery Period

The first week post-operatively will likely be spent resting; however, frequent walks are encouraged. Depending on the your individual recovery needs, regular activities may resume as soon as soon as a few days after surgery; straining and heavy lifting is discouraged for the first four weeks post-operatively. Approximately one week after surgery, a post-operative follow-up is scheduled, at which time your bladder function may be assessed. This is done by filling the bladder with saline via the catheter, removing the catheter and then allowing you to void naturally. Some incontinence after surgery is normal and is typically managed with medication until bladder control resumes. Erectile dysfunction may also be a side effect of surgery. Like incontinence, this side effect may be discussed with the Dr. Allen and managed with medication until it lessens or completely resolves over time.

8. Follow-Up Care

After this treatment for prostate cancer, Dr. Allen will want to watch you carefully, checking to see if your cancer recurs or spreads further. Typically, Dr. Allen will outline a follow-up plan with you that includes regular visits, PSA blood tests and digital rectal exams, which will likely begin within a few months of finishing treatment. PSA tests are usually recommended about every 6 months for the first 5 years after treatment, and at least yearly after that.

Surgical side effects cut with robotics

ATLANTA, Georgia (CNN, Aug. 5 2008) — As 3D images illuminate the viewfinder, a joystick delicately maneuvers a pair of robotic arms. It may sound like a video game, but Dr. Nikhil Shah is actually performing cancer surgery.

In this case, the surgeon is removing a man’s prostate gland. Robotic surgery is a growing trend in treating prostate cancer. The number of cases have increased sevenfold in the past four years, from 10,000 in 2004 to a projected 70,000 in 2008, according to Intuitive Surgical Inc., the creators of the robotic device. The advantages of robotics — fewer side effects and quicker recovery times in many patients — have led to increased use for other surgeries, including hysterectomy, kidney cancer and some heart procedures.

“At first, men think we hook up a robot and then go get some coffee, but the reality is the robot arms are a tool that I control, just like a scalpel, ” said Shah, who has performed more than 600 robotic prostatectomies at St. Joseph Hospital in Atlanta, Georgia. . . (read entire article and see video)