After all these years in the medical community with Radical Prostetectomy being the standard proceedure for attempting to cure prostate cancer, new studies shed doubt on any advantages of undertaking an operation as the best practice. As a matter of fact, less obtrusive methods are showing more benefit with less risk than outright surgery.
The side effects of surgery are far too great considering the potential positive outcome. Quality of life is also a factor to be considered. Many men do not want to risk impotence and also are reluctant to undergo a surgical procedure that involves other risks and potential side effects.
Read the U.K. Study here . But Watchful Waiting, or just monitoring the cancer’s progress, is also not really a great solution because it can get worse over time, making it more difficult to treat. If caught early, it is still best to treat any prostate cancer with a procedure that does not involve great risks or side effects in the pursuit of a better quality of life going forward. Having a lingering cancer in the body also is not good for many men psycologically.
It should be noted that the article may oversimply some claims, and that there still is a place for surgery to treat a more advanced form of the disease, but it depends on the individual, their overall health, the stage and grade of the cancer and other personal details that may affect a surgeon’s treatment suggestion. Certainly it may be best to avoid surgery if there are better alternatives with better outcomes available, but the decision should be made in consultation with your doctor.
Newer treatments such as HIFU can combat the early stage prostate cancer without the higher risks and side effects associated with an operation. The pioneer in North America of the Ablatherm HIFU prostate cancer treatment is Maple Leaf HIFU in the Cleveland Clinic Canada.
There are also other treatment modalities available that are less invasive and risky than surgery and they can also be discussed with your doctor prior to selecting any particular treatment type. It is just interesting to note that surgery is not always the best treatment option, and various treatment options need to be considered before making a decision.
