Prostate surgery alternative
An enlarged prostate, also known as BPH (benign prostatic hyperplasia) is a common health issue in men over the age of 50 that can significantly impact a man’s health and quality of life.
St. Joseph’s Hospital-North, 4211 Van Dyke Road in Lutz, performs an innovative procedure that does not use an incision to remove prostate tissue. The procedure uses the power of water rather than cutting away prostate tissue, according to a news release.
The hospital uses Aquablation therapy by Procept Robotics, an advanced treatment that uses water delivered with robotic precision to provide long-lasting BPH relief with low rates of irreversible surgical complications. The procedure uses a heat-free waterjet controlled by robotic technology that combines camera and ultrasound imaging to create a real-time detailed map avoiding sensitive areas. Aquablation can be performed on prostates of any size and shape.
The cause of BPH is unknown and BPH is not prostate cancer, the release said.
BPH’s can impact men in ways that can include:
- Ability to hold urine, causing men to search for bathrooms throughout the day or waking up several times a night. This can lead to incontinence.
- Difficulty in emptying the bladder, causing men to push or strain when urinating or having a weak stream that starts and stops.
- Can cause urinary tract infections, problems with kidney function or stones in the bladder
- Issues with sexual functions of erections and ejaculations
Charitable giving
The offices of Pasco Tax Collector Mike Fasano will feature Premier Community HealthCare’s efforts to expand health services to those in need as the featured charitable organization for the month of September. All proceeds from the promotional effort will benefit Premier, which is the primary nonprofit agency to provide health care to the uninsured and under-insured in Pasco County.
“Premier Community HealthCare has a long history of providing medical care for those without access to primary health care in Pasco County,” said Fasano in a news release.
“…Our hope is to raise funds which will help Premier Community HealthCare move closer to their goal to provide these services to even more individuals and families in need,” said Fasano.
Donations can be made at any of the five tax collector locations or online at GovHub.com/fl-pasco/tc-gives/donate. For tax office locations, visit PascoTaxes.com.
For more information about Premier’s services, call Cheryl Pollack, community engagement officer, at 352-518-2000, ext. 9012.
