Author Archives: Communication

Bladder Cancer: Diagnosis, Treatment and Advances in Robotic Surgery

Bladder cancer is one of the most common types of urinary tract cancer and ranks fourth in frequency among tumors diagnosed in our country. This type of cancer affects the bladder, a hollow muscular organ located in the lower abdomen, whose main function is to store urine. The good news is that, in most cases, bladder cancer is detected in early stages, which allows for highly effective treatment and the possibility of maintaining a good quality of life for patients.

Early Diagnosis: Key in the Treatment of Bladder Cancer

Detecting bladder cancer in its early stages is crucial to offer curative treatment and ensure a good quality of life. At GUA Urology and Andrology, we have the most advanced technology for early detection, such as high-definition cystoscopy, which allows us to accurately visualize the inside of the bladder and detect any abnormality in its early stages. This approach allows us to design a personalized and effective treatment for each patient.

Treatment options

Treatment of bladder cancer varies depending on the stage of the disease. In the early stages, minimally invasive treatments such as transurethral resection of the bladder (TUR) may be chosen. This procedure is performed through the urethra and allows removal of small tumors without the need for external incisions.

In cases where the cancer has invaded the bladder muscle, an intervention such as cystectomy (removal of the bladder) is required. Traditionally, this procedure involved the creation of an external urinary diversion, forcing the patient to use an external urine bag. However, advances in robotic surgery have revolutionized this area, allowing for less invasive solutions with better results.

Robotic surgery: A revolutionary advance

At GUA Urology and Andrology, we have integrated state-of-the-art robotic surgery, such as Medtronic's Hugo RAS system, to provide more precise procedures with fewer complications. Robotic surgery allows for smaller incisions and more precise control of every movement, resulting in faster recovery and less post-operative pain.

Advantages of robotic surgery in the treatment of bladder cancer

  1. Less invasive and more precise: Smaller incisions mean less pain and faster recovery.
  2. Preservation of the quality of life: The creation of neobladders allows patients to maintain a more natural urinary function, avoiding the use of an external urostomy bag.
  3. Reduced complications: The precision of robotic surgery minimizes the risk of infections and bleeding.
  4. Preservation of sexual function: Robotic surgery helps preserve sexual function, which is crucial to patients' quality of life.

NeovejigasNeovejigas: Innovation in bladder cancer surgery

One of the most significant advances in the treatment of bladder cancer is the creation of neobladders, a procedure that involves the reconstruction of a new bladder using a portion of the patient's bowel. This method allows urination to be more natural, significantly improving quality of life. Thanks to robotic surgery, this procedure is performed with greater precision, reducing side effects and improving long-term results.

At GUA Urology and Andrology, we are specialists in the diagnosis and treatment of bladder cancer and in performing robotic surgeries. If you have been diagnosed with bladder cancer or suspect you might have it, do not hesitate to contact us. We have the best diagnostic tests and a team of expert surgeons to provide you with the care you need.

We are here to offer you the best possible treatment and help you maintain a full and healthy life.

☎️ 928 264 695

📲 629 334 583. WhatsApp

📩 info@urologiayandrologia.com

➡️www.urologiayandrologia.com

José Mesa y López, 54. Las Palmas de Gran Canaria.

Prostate Cancer: Robotic Surgery vs. Traditional Surgery

Prostate cancer affects one in six men and is the second leading cause of cancer death in this group. Although its progression is usually slow, its impact on quality of life can be significant. Unfortunately, prostate cancer does not always present clear symptoms in its early stages. Difficulty urinating, blood in the urine, back or joint pain and erectile dysfunction may be some warning signs, but they do not always manifest themselves. This characteristic makes early detection difficult.

Although prostate cancer can affect men of any age, the risk increases considerably after the age of 65. Early detection, through tests such as microultrasound and fusion biopsy (Madrid Protocol) are essential for timely diagnosis and effective treatment.

In the field of urology, both robotic surgery and traditional surgery have proven to be effective options for treating a wide range of pathologies such as prostate, kidney or bladder cancer. However, each approach has its own advantages and disadvantages that patients should consider before making a decision.

What is robotic surgery?

Robotic surgery uses an advanced robotic system to perform complex surgical procedures with greater precision and control. The surgeon sits at a remote console and controls robotic arms that manipulate tiny instruments inside the patient's body.

What is traditional surgery?

Traditional surgery, also known as open surgery, involves making a larger incision in the skin to access the surgical area. The surgeon then performs the procedure using hand instruments.

What are the advantages of robotic surgery?

  • Greater precision and control: Robotic arms offer more precise and delicate movements than human hands, allowing the surgeon to perform more complex procedures with greater accuracy.
  • Less trauma and smaller scars: Robotic incisions are smaller than traditional incisions, resulting in less pain, bleeding and smaller scars.
  • Faster recovery: Patients who undergo robotic surgery generally experience faster recovery and less downtime than those who undergo traditional surgery.
  • Improved visualization: The robotic system provides the surgeon with a magnified three-dimensional image of the surgical field, which improves visualization and accuracy.

What are the disadvantages of robotic surgery?

  • Higher cost: Robotic surgery is generally more expensive than traditional surgery due to the cost of the equipment and robotic technology.
  • Limited availability: Robotic surgery is not available in all hospitals or surgery centers.

What are the disadvantages of traditional surgery?

  • Increased trauma and larger scars: Traditional incisions are larger than robotic incisions, resulting in more pain, bleeding and larger scars.
  • Slower recovery: Patients undergoing traditional surgery generally experience slower recovery and more downtime than those undergoing robotic surgery.
  • Less visualization: Traditional surgery offers less accurate visualization of the surgical field compared to robotic surgery.

The decision to opt for robotic surgery or traditional surgery in urology should be made in conjunction with the surgeon, considering factors such as the patient's specific condition, medical history, personal preferences and cost. Both approaches offer advantages and disadvantages, and the best choice will depend on each patient's individual circumstances. 

At GUA Urology and Andrology, we position ourselves at the forefront of urology with cutting-edge technology. Our Hugo™ RAS robotic surgical system from Medtronic makes us a leading center for robotic and minimally invasive surgery. We offer our patients exceptional results in the treatment of a wide range of urological conditions, including prostate, kidney and bladder cancer.

Are you looking for an expert in robotic surgery for prostate cancer? Dr. Pablo Juárez del Dago, director of our Robotic Surgery Unit, offers you excellent results.. Contact us for more information for more information.

☎️ 928 264 695

📲 629 334 583. WhatsApp

📩 info@urologiayandrologia.com

➡️www.urologiayandrologia.com

José Mesa y López, 54. Las Palmas de Gran Canaria.

A trip to the heart of Cameroon: urological mission with Surgforall

We are very happy to tell you that part of our team, under the leadership of Dr. Pablo Juarez del Dago, with the anesthesiologist Javier Mora and Oliver Estupiñan from our Nursing Unit, have carried out a humanitarian mission of urological care in Cameroon.

In collaboration with the organization @surgforall, our team went to the Notre-Dame de la Santé Hospital, located in the Cameroonian town of Dschang. There, during their stay, they performed surgery on 35 patients and provided medical care to a total of 100 people.

Beyond medical assistance, this mission represented a unique opportunity to establish a deep bond with the local community and understand their most urgent needs.

Our team was deeply touched by the warmth and resilience of the people of Dschang, who despite the difficulties, welcomed us with open arms and gave us their unconditional support.

"This mission has been an infinitely rewarding experience," say all members of the cooperating team. "It has been an honor to be able to collaborate with @surgforall and Notre-Dame de la Santé Hospital, and above all, to be able to connect with the Dschang community and offer them our help."

They now return home with hearts full of gratitude and with the hope of being able to return to Cameroon soon and continue to contribute to improving the lives of the people who need it most.

You can also follow the mission on instagram below.

DriCloud collaborates in the urological medical care mission that we have carried out in Cameroon with Surg For All.

On May 23, 2024, we started a urological mission at the Notre-Dame de la Santè Hospital, located in the Cameroonian town of Dchang. The team, formed by eleven health professionals, was led by our doctor Pablo Juarez del Dago. Among the team members were also Dr. Javier Mora, anesthesiologist and nurse Oliver Estupiñán from our nursing team.

The mission focused on providing specialized urological care to patients requiring urgent surgical interventions.

We are very pleased to have partnered with DriCloud, a leading medical technology company, and Surgforall, a non-profit organization dedicated to improving access to healthcare in Cameroon. DriCloud has provided our team with an innovative clinical platform that has helped us improve the quality of care we provide to patients.

Dricloud offers a comprehensive clinical platform that allows doctors and nurses to access electronic medical records, manage appointments and communicate with patients. The platform is designed to be easy to use and accessible, even in areas with limited Internet connectivity.

Surgforall works to provide resources to healthcare professionals, with a particular focus on rural and underserved areas. Surgforall's goal is to train healthcare personnel to treat pathologies that are currently untreatable and negatively affect the health and daily lives of the population. The organization has established a network of clinics and hospitals that provide quality medical care to people who otherwise would not have access to it.

Our collaboration with DriCloud and Surgforall has enabled us to provide our team in Cameroon with the tools and resources they need to provide better patient care.

Important update on our biopsy practices for prostate cancer screening

Dear patients and friends,

At GUA Urology and Andrology, we are committed to ensuring that you receive the safest and most effective medical care available. That is why we would like to inform you of an important update to our diagnostic procedure for prostate cancer.

For several years, our GUA Urology and Andrology center has implemented transperineal biopsy as the standard for prostate cancer screening, a practice that has proven to be significantly safer compared to transrectal biopsies. The latest European Urology Guidelines 2024 endorse this practice, noting that transperineal biopsies significantly reduce the risk of infectious complications, including sepsis.

Based on these guidelines and our clinical experience, we confirm the complete cessation of transrectal biopsies at our center in order to protect your health and ensure the best diagnostic results.

We understand that changes like this may raise questions. Please do not hesitate to contact us if you would like more information.

Thank you for trusting GUA Urology and Andrology for your urological care.

Sincerely yours,

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