Dr. Dean: The
Robotic Advantage
da Vinci Procedures
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Frequently Asked Questions / Answers
What are the early warning signs of prostate cancer?
When prostate cancer is caught at its earliest stages, most men will not have experienced any symptoms.
Early detection cannot be stressed enough. Tools for early detection include: 1) Rectal exam (DRE) to feel the prostate 2) The PSA (Prostate Specific Antigen) is the best blood test marker presently for detecting early prostate cancer. In fact, this is the most common way prostate cancer is detected these days.
Some men, however, will experience symptoms that may indicate the presence of prostate cancer. These symptoms could also represent other conditions and, if present, should be evaluated by your doctor. These signs may be related to benign enlargement of the prostate as well.
The warning signs of prostate cancer may include any one or combination of the following symptoms:
- Difficulty starting urination or holding back urine
- Weak or interrupted flow of urine
- Painful or burning urination
- Painful ejaculation
- Blood in urine or semen
- Frequent pain or stiffness in the lower back, hips or upper thighs
Why is there blood in my urine?
Blood in the urine, also referred to as hematuria, can be caused by many different conditions urinary tract conditions that could include a kidney stone, a bladder infection, or even a possible symptom of prostate cancer. See your doctor to find out whether laboratory tests or other examinations are warranted to determine the cause of blood in your urine.
Why is it painful when I ejaculate?
Usually, burning after ejaculation is a sign of prostate inflammation (this can be a sign of a prostate infection but can be associated with generalized prostate inflammation). The ground-state for prostate cancer is inflammation. In other words, one cannot have prostate cancer without inflammation. One can have inflammation without prostate cancer, but one cannot have prostate cancer without inflammation. Therefore, if one has signs of inflammation there should be some form of evaluation. Dr. Dean can share with you some information about how to reduce inflammation by the reducing certain foods that one takes in through diet.
For additional dietary guidelines visit www.icdiet.com
What is BMI?
BMI refers to the Body Mass Index. It is a measurement based on the height and weight of an adult that reveals that person's body fat. 18.5 to 24.9 is considered to be the normal range for adults. Calculate your own BMI - CLICK HERE
Why does it matter what my BMI is?
Body Mass Index can be an indicator of how rapidly and uneventfully a person's recovery may do postoperatively. When prostatectomy is necessary, it is advisable for the patient to have a healthy weight in the normal range of the BMI scale. If overweight, it is a good idea to start working on losing some of the excess weight prior to surgery.
But let's say one is not overweight. It's still a good idea to lose weight because obesity is associated with the development of prostate cancer as well as other cancers in the body. Dr Dean can share with you some information as to how to lose and keep the weight off.
What does smoking have to do with my prostate or my bladder condition?
The use of tobacco can have far reaching health effects beyond the lungs. Smoking also affects the blood vessels, which in turn affect the body's ability to heal following surgery. Smoking cessation is an important health issue that cannot be stressed enough. Smoking has been associated with prostate cancer as well as many other cancers because it produces inflammation.
Is blood in the semen a problem to be concerned about?
Blood in the ejaculate is a potential early warning sign of prostate cancer (especially for men over the age of 50).
What can I do to prepare for prostatectomy?
A definitive diagnosis of prostate cancer is made based on the results of biopsies (tissue samples) taken from the prostate gland. To prepare for prostate surgery, the following recommendations are in order:
- Ideal body weight (BMI <29) facilitates an easier surgical procedure and a better recovery. In the interest of your good health, if you need to lose weight, this is an ideal time to get started. Dr Dean has information that he will share to help one lose weight painlessly and keep it off.
- Wait 2 to 6 weeks after biopsy before undergoing the surgery.
- Stop taking aspirin and other antiplatelet agents such as Coumadin (warfarin) or Plavix two (2) weeks prior to your operation.
- Take a laxative the day before surgery.
- Clear liquids only (no solid food) for 24 hours before surgery.
- Ejaculate frequently (if you can) before the procedure.
- Please see the Preparation Section on this web site
How can I decide which type of prostate cancer treatment is right for me?
If prostate cancer is diagnosed after evaluation by physical examination, PSA testing, and biopsies of the prostate gland, Dr. Dean will discuss with you the full array of treatment options that are available to you. Each person is different and thus recommendations are customized based on the facts pertaining to your personal condition including such factors as whether the cancer is isolated to the prostate or if it has spread (metastasized) elsewhere such as in adjoining tissues or organs, et cetera. Dr. Dean will answer any questions and explain all of the various therapeutic options with you so that together you can make the best choice.
This website is provided for general information purposes only. Consult with your doctor about whether da Vinci ® Prostatectomy may be appropriate for your condidtion. If you have questions about the da Vinci ® Surgical System or the procedure, consult with your doctor.
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WILLIAM M. DEAN, MD
Specializing in Robotic Prostatectomy
Contact (Tacoma office):
314 Martin Luther King, Jr. Way, Suite 103
Tacoma, WA
98335-1700
Contact (Gig Harbor office):
4545 Point Fosdick Drive NW,
Suite 250
Gig Harbor, WA
98335-1700
Appointments
(Tacoma or Gig Harbor):
Tel: 253.272.4013
Fax: 253.627.5367
Office Hours
Tacoma: (Office is closed for lunch daily from 12-1)
Monday: 9-12 & 1-5
Tuesday: 9-12 & 1-5
Wednesday: Closed
Thursday: 9-12 & 1-5
Friday: 9-12 & 1-5
Gig Harbor:
Monday: Closed
Tuesday: Closed
Wednesday: Closed
Thursday: Closed
Friday: 1-5 on 1st & 3rd Friday Of Each Month
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