Prostate Health

For most men, prostate problems are a natural part of aging. They range from a simple nuisance like inflammation, to something more serious like cancer. Even though one in six men will be diagnosed with prostate cancer in his lifetime, it’s typically a slow growing cancer and most often treatable. Many men with prostate cancer can be safely watched (active surveillance), but some may need more aggressive treatment.

Our fellowship-trained, board-certified urologists encourage you to come to El Camino Health for regular checkups beginning at age 55 to keep your good prostate health on track. We’re known throughout the region for our skill with the latest diagnostic and treatment technologies, should your condition require them. Men who experience enlarged prostate gland problems — which is the majority of men age 60 to 85 — have new, minimally invasive surgical options available at El Camino Health.

Count on us for Comprehensive Prostate Care

Our urologists are experts in all aspects of treatment for many prostate conditions, such as:

Prostatitis

Prostatitis (inflammation of the prostate) can occur when bacteria enter the prostatic ducts, often due to a backward flow of urine from a urinary tract infection. Although any man can develop prostatitis at any age, the cause is often connected to an enlarged prostate. Treating prostatitis usually involves antimicrobial medicine.

Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia (BPH)

BPH is the most common non-cancerous prostate problem, causing discomfort and difficulty urinating. Our urology team is equipped with the newest tools and treatments to remove excess prostate tissue that may block the flow of urine. Procedures include:

• Transurethral Resection of the Prostate (TURP). Transurethral resection of the prostate, or TURP surgery is used to remove parts of the prostate gland through the penis. No incisions are needed. By inserting a resectoscope through the urethra, an electrical wire loop is used to cut tissue blocking the urethra. This surgery is most often done to relieve symptoms caused by an enlarged prostate.
• GreenLight™ Laser Therapy PVP. PVP stands for photoselective vaporization of the prostate, a procedure where a thin fiber inserted into the urethra delivers laser energy to precisely vaporize tissue blockage.
• AquaBeam® Waterjet Ablation Therapy for endoscopic resection of prostate tissue. The AquaBeam® System combines real-time prostate imaging and surgical robotics to deliver Aquablation, a waterjet ablation therapy that enables targeted, controlled, heat-free and immediate removal of prostate tissue for the treatment of lower urinary tract symptoms caused by BPH.
• UroLift® Intra-Prostatic Suture Implant. UroLift® is a minimally invasive FDA-approved procedure that lifts and holds the enlarged prostate tissue out of the way so it no longer blocks the urethra. There is no removal of tissue. It is the only BPH surgical procedure without sexual side effects.

Erectile Dysfunction (ED)

The prostate gland is part of the male reproductive system. It secretes fluid that forms part of the semen that carries sperm. ED, the inability to achieve a satisfactory erection, is often caused by prostate problems. Since ED can also be related to Type 2 diabetes or vascular disease, our multidisciplinary Men’s Health team offers thorough in-depth examinations to check your overall health.

Urinary Frequency, Hesitancy and Incontinence

Problems caused by an enlarged prostate include frequent urination, weak urine stream and a constant feeling of having to rush to the bathroom. There are many nonsurgical and minimally invasive treatments for urinary problems. After an extensive evaluation, your urologist will recommend the one best suited for you.

Prostate Cancer

Should prostate cancer be detected, our leading-edge urology and oncology experts work closely with patients to determine the best course of treatment. In addition to chemotherapy, brachytherapy and other nonsurgical options, we offer traditional surgery as well as minimally invasive robotic surgery.

The Latest Technology for Precise Diagnostic Care: Artemis™

If your doctor suspects cancer, or if you have prostate cancer that may be a good fit for active surveillance, your doctor may recommend a surveillance prostate biopsy. (A biopsy is the removal of tissue samples to see if they contain abnormal cells.) El Camino Health is one of the first South Bay hospitals to offer Artemis™ 3D Imaging and Navigation for exceptionally precise imagery. Our specialists use this tool to diagnose and perform biopsies.

Designed specifically for magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of the prostate, Artemis combines MRI technology with ultrasound to better visualize prostate cancer tissue. An initial MRI image is fed into Artemis, which fuses it with a live ultrasound and converts it from a 2D monochromatic ultrasound image to an enhanced 3D color image. The result is an exceptionally clear and detailed real-time image of prostate abnormalities.

This remarkable advancement in prostate cancer detection helps determine if a man with nonaggressive, slow growing cancer can still safely avoid or delay surgery through active surveillance, or if he needs a biopsy and more invasive treatment.