Vasectomy Time

Written by Dr. Lieb Wednesday, 25 August 2010 01:51

A vasectomy is a quick and simple office procedure for male sterilization to prevent pregnancy.  It usually takes 10 minutes in the office and then a couple days of relaxation to recover.  We previously had seen many patients in the month of December in past years, not sure if this was because of meeting your insurance deductible, a wife's ultimatum to have the procedure done by the end of the year, or a Christmas present.  Over the past several years priorities have changed and we saw a decrease in the number of vasectomy prodedures on the schedule.

This summer things have changed and we have seen an increase in the number of vasectomy procedures.  I don't think this is a sign of economic recovery, instead it's probably about time to have it done.

Many patients have a misperception that the procedure will chage your sex life......NOPE!  I usually tell patients that if you were standing a block away and saw someone pull out a gun and shoot you wouldn't be able to tell if they fired a blank or a real bullet.  Basically, you would still hear a loud bang!!!  You'll still have an ejaculation, just no sperm swimming.

An office vasectomy is a quick procedure.  Most patients prefer to schedule for a Friday and take the weekend to recover.  Your doctor will often give valium to take one hour prior to help you relax.  You will need to schedule a consultation appointment prior to the procedure.  Go ahead...... make the call!!!!!!!

PCA3 Urine test- Increased detection of Prostate Cancer

Written by Dr. Lieb Tuesday, 29 June 2010 04:24

A new urine test (PCA3) has been shown to increase detection of prostate cancer.  This test will potentially change our methods of screening patients.  This test is still under development and not openly available for patients.  It will be interesting to see the cost and availability of this test.

In order for the urine test to be properly evaluated there needs to be enough prostate cells for the testing.  The mean PCA3 value in men with prostate cancer was significantly higher than in patients without cancer.

I'll keep you posted on the availability!

Bloody Urine-Gross Hematuria

Written by Dr. Lieb Tuesday, 15 June 2010 15:26

Painless gross hematuria (bloody urine) is one of the most common finding in patients with bladder cancer.  There has been lots of attention to cigarette smoking causing lung cancer, you may remember the television advertisements with patients smoking through a tracheostomy.  I'm still waiting for the ad where a patient goes to the bathroom and urinates blood.  Many people don't realize the significance of this finding and often delay a Urology appointment for months because the symptoms appear to go away and then return several weeks later.

Your Urologist will order xrays of the kidneys and then perform and office cystoscopy procedure (looking into the bladder).  Fortunately, most bladder cancer is superficial and easily treated.  There is an extremely high recurrence rate of bladder tumors (almost 100% is many patients).  It is necessary to perform follow-up cystoscopy procedures in the office every three months to monitor for recurrence.  If the returning tumors are caught early then they can be treated in the office with a quick and simple cautery burning.

If you see blood in your urine please make an appointment as soon as possible!

Impotence Treatment

Written by Dr. Lieb Monday, 17 May 2010 17:54

Many men, both young and older, have difficulty maintaining adequate erections for sexually intercourse.  You may be surprised to hear that we often have patients in their 20-30's presenting to discuss their frustration and concerns.  Quality erections are dependent on multiple medical factor but also patient confidence.  Younger patients can develop a self fulfilling prophecy and anxiety can lead to poor performance.  In these patients I often find that a short course of oral meds can help to regain confidence and improve performance without any long term treatment needed.

For patients with other medical conditions (such as diabetes, high blood pressure, old age!!!!!!!) there are several very effective long term treatments.  There are pills that can be very effective, a vacuum pump, or self-administered injection which can be very helpful.  If these treatments don't fix the problem then our doctors offer an implant surgery. 

Any of our doctors are available for consultation to discuss erectile dysfunction.

Prostate Cancer Drugs Linked to Heart Disease and Diabetes

Written by Dr. Lieb Wednesday, 05 May 2010 04:15

The US Food and Drug Administration is investigating possible links between hormone prostate cancer drugs and an increased risk of heart disease and diabetes.  Hormone medications are used to reduce the PSA and lower risks of metastasis with prostate cancer.  The increased risks of heart disease and diabetes is likely secondary to increased weight and risks associated with weight gain. 

It is essential to maintain good diet and exercise.  In addition, your urologist can order vital blood tests including cholesterol levels and sugar levels.  Please schedule an appointment with your urologist to discuss this information and review your risks for heart disease or diabetes.

Read the full article here.