The newest technologies in Touro's prostate disease and cancer treatment
arsenal include the NanoKnife, the only one of its kind in the New Orleans
region, and HIFU which are both available for suitable candidates in search
of alternative options to traditional prostate disease and cancer surgery.
Minimally invasive, focal therapies for the prostate
As cancer technology evolves, so does Touro with pioneering options like
NanoKnife and HIFU focal therapies that minimize the punishing effects
of prostate disease and cancer. For many, the traditional standard of
care has meant facing aggressive treatments including radiation and the
freezing or removal of the entire prostate, which often result in incontinence,
sexual, and erectile dysfunction. Touro is changing the possibilities
with newer minimally invasive surgical techniques like NanoKnife and HIFU
spare the nerves around the prostate related to erections and bladder
control, potentially preserving urinary and erectile function.
Recent data from clinical studies show that prostate cancer outcomes were
similar in most cases when comparing focal therapy and radical prostatectomy
in patients with non-metastatic, low to intermediate prostate cancer.
Following an MRI or biopsy determining the size, shape, and location of
the tumor or disease, these new minimally invasive surgical procedures
can offer new hope for prostate disorder sufferers.
NanoKnife
NanoKnife is a painless, radiation-free, and minimally invasive procedure using
electrical currents to treat targeted tumors without painful cutting, radiation, or hormones.
NanoKnife Benefits
Minimally invasive.
Maintains sexual function and urinary continence.
Spares prostate gland.
Preserves healthy prostate tissue.
No radiation
Requires only one, painless 45-minute procedure.
NanoKnife’s precision minimizes the traditional side effects of prostate
cancer treatment, enabling Touro’s surgeons to treat the cancerous
part of the prostate without removing or damaging the whole gland. The
short duration targeted electric pulses attack the tumor but preserve
the surrounding healthy cells and tissue with minimal side effects and
“collateral damage” of the prostate’s important functions.
45-minute procedure
Performed under general anesthesia and requiring only one treatment, the
NanoKnife surgery uses ultrasound or MRI guidance, to place small electrodes
into the tumor. A series of direct current electrical pulses pass between
them to the exact area of the cancer cells. This current generates an
electric field that causes defects in the cell membranes and facilitates
cancer cell death. While cancer cells are destroyed, surrounding healthy
tissue and nerves are unharmed, making it a good option for patients with
intermediate-risk prostate cancer. The typical treatment takes 45 minutes.
Recovery
After treatment, adjacent non-cancerous cells migrate in and replace the
dead cancer cells which allow the organ to continue to function. Because
it’s minimally invasive, it has a low complication rate and offers
a shorter post-operative recovery and hospital stay. Follow-up general
includes regular MRI, repeat biopsies and PSA tests.
HIFU (High intensity focused ultrasound)
HIFU (high intensity, focused ultrasound), is a painless, radiation-free,
and minimally invasive procedure using targeted
sound energy to treat targeted tissue without painful cutting, radiation, or hormones.
HIFU Benefits
Minimally invasive.
Maintains sexual function and urinary continence.
Spares prostate gland.
Preserves healthy prostate tissue.
Painless.
Shorter recovery time.
No radiation.
HIFU precision minimizes the traditional side effects of prostate treatment,
enabling Touro’s urological surgeons to treat the prostate without
removing or damaging the whole gland by targeting only the diseased prostate
tissue and reducing the risk of side effects compared to traditional surgery.
Healthy tissue and nerves are unharmed sparing the nerves within the prostate
related to erections and bladder control, potentially preserving urinary
and erectile function.
1.5 to 3-hour procedure
Utilizing high-intensity focused ultrasound, or HIFU, the Sonablate HIFU
procedure targets and destroys diseased prostate tissue while leaving
the surrounding, healthy tissue unharmed. Performed under general anesthesia,
HIFU uses sound energy to generate heat that destroys targeted tissue
within the body. The concept is similar to using the sun and a magnifying
glass to burn a hole in a leaf. Focused sound waves pass safely through
prostate tissue until they reach the focal point, where they produce enough
heat to destroy only that specific area of tissue. Typically, the procedure
takes one and a half to three hours, depending on the amount of targeted
tissue being ablated during the procedure.
Recovery
This outpatient, same-day technique, allows patients a shorter recovery
time — getting back to normal activities within days. Because it’s
minimally invasive, it has a low complication rate. Follow-up may include
an MRI, a biopsy, or PSA tests. In some cases, repeat treatments may be
recommended.
NanoKnife and HIFU are offered by Dr. Spencer Krane, Urologic Surgeon specializing
in Urologic Oncology at Touro.
Is NanoKnife or HIFU an option for you? 504-897-7196.
