Innovative intervention for small tumors
Galliera prostate cancer
– The Complex Urology Structure of the Galliera Hospital in Genoa, directed by Dr. Carlo Introini (in the photo), is among the first in Italy and the first ever in Liguria, to carry out cryoablation operations on prostate cancer with the new technique of focal cryotherapy.
Innovative from a technological point of view, the operation is considered particularly suitable for small prostate tumors located in the prostate gland which can be treated in a single and rapid solution.
An operation that involves the insertion of 2-3 needles inside the prostate transperineally and under ultrasound guidance, creates a small “icesphere” which is precisely directed to the tumor target without involving the prostate tissue surrounding.
In addition to its minimally invasive characteristics (the treatment is carried out under local anesthesia, lasts less than an hour and involves only a short hospital stay, with an overnight stay), this procedure, which is decisive in the vast majority of cases, adds some aspects of fundamental importance , first of all the preservation of sexual and urinary functions.
Hence, not only the favor of urologists and surgeons, but the high acceptance by patients for whom the possible compromise of some vital functions is one of the recurring elements of “brake” to interventions for the removal of the prostate cancer.
Unfortunately, prostate cancer records 44 thousand new cases every year in Italy and is the most frequent tumor in men.
Until recently, it only included radical therapeutic options represented by surgery, radiotherapy or active surveillance. However, side effects are not uncommon and often disabling, such as erectile dysfunction which can reach 90%, urinary incontinence 72% and rectal lesions 15%, while active surveillance involves frequent checks (radiological or prostate biopsies), increasing situations of anxiety and psychological distress.
«We are proud to have this new “weapon” at our disposal – comments Dr. Carlo Enter, Director SC Urology of Galliera -. Our facility is a point of reference in prostate care, combining high-profile professional skills and cutting-edge technologies. We are one of the few centers in Italy that can offer all possible prostate treatments within the National Health Service.
Cryotherapy is part of a less and less invasive surgery that can effectively control the tumor, while still guaranteeing the patient the preservation of its functions. We are committed to giving patients the best of modern medicine, that is, curative therapies, effective results and a rapid return to health and daily activities”.
With the new “focal cryotherapy”, the complex Urology structure of the Galliera in Genoa is positioned as a recognized Center of Excellence in the treatment of uro-oncological pathologies not only in Liguria, but at a national level.
It has all the recent technological innovations intended for urological surgery. The first of these is the Da Vinci Xi robot, which has for years been a point of reference in oncology surgery, particularly prostate surgery. This is associated with the entire laser instrumentation available for the treatment of benign prostatic hypertrophy; Galliera in fact uses all currently available lasers such as Holmium, Tullium and Green laser (greenlight). Another innovative, rapid and non-surgical treatment carried out by Dr.’s team. Introini is the one that uses only thermal energy and Rezum water vapor. Also on this front, Galliera reports important numbers, with over 400 patients operated per year for prostatic, oncological and non-oncological pathologies.
G. D.
