Urology News Blog by Dr. Eric K. Diner
Treatment options for prostate cancer
Treatment Options
- Radiation Therapy – uses high energy x-rays to kill cancerous cell. May have serious side effects
- Hormone Therapy – may be used alone or with radiation. It cuts off the supply of male hormones to slow cancer growth. Side effects may include hot flashes and a reduced sexual drive.
- Watchful Waiting – regularly recommended for elderly men or men with other medial conditions
- Surgery to remove the cancerous prostate – advances in surgery can minimize side effects. Often offers patients their best chance for recovery.
- Traditional Open Surgery – long incision through the pelvic area through the prostate
- Laparoscopic Surgery – smaller incision but the technology limits the surgeons vision and dexterity.
- da Vinci Surgery – 100% physician-controlled robotic surgery. Remarkably clear, 3d view.
Have questions about treatment for prostate cancer? Call (727) 824-7146 to schedule a consultation with Dr. Diner.
St. Anthony’s Hospital’s New Robotics Surgery System Offers More Treatment Choices for Kidney Cancer Patients
Procedure Can Give Cancer Patients a Better Chance to Preserve Kidney Function
ST. PETERSBURG, Fla., (Dec. 14, 2011) – St. Anthony’s Hospital has enhanced its robotic surgery capabilities with an imaging technique that allows surgeons to better visualize and assess anatomy. Integrated fluorescence imaging actually illuminates an organ to allow a surgeon to better identify cancerous tissue. The hospital is currently using this technology to help conserve kidney function in patients diagnosed with kidney cancer.
“With fluorescence imaging, you can better differentiate cancerous tissue from healthy tissue,” said Eric Diner, MD, a St. Anthony’s Hospital urologist. “For patients with kidney cancer, this means that we can remove just the tumor instead of removing the entire kidney. Patients have a better potential for the health and function of their kidneys with this procedure.”
Called a laparoscopic partial nephrectomy, the procedure helps patients preserve more kidney function. “Improved imaging and minimally invasive techniques serve to advance the options for patients experiencing kidney cancer,” noted Dr. Diner. “Most kidney cancer patients are treated by removing the entire kidney, leaving them to function with just one kidney. Because we can better identify the anatomy of the kidney with the fluorescence technology, we can more easily remove the tumor from the kidney. Using robotic technology means that surgery can be done using much smaller incisions which can translate into a faster recovery time and less post-operative pain. We believe that eventually this will be the standard of care for those suffering from kidney cancer.”
In the future, surgeons may use the fluorescence technology to assist with treatment of gynecologic and gastrointestinal cancers.
“By preserving kidney function, Dr. Diner and this new technology have the potential to give patients a better quality of life following surgery,” said Ron Colaguori, St. Anthony’s vice president of operations. “We are very pleased to have the opportunity to be the first team in the St. Petersburg area to operate with the robotic fluorescence technology.
The advanced robotic-system designed to expand a surgeon’s capabilities, providing patients with a minimally invasive option for many complex procedures. The system allows a surgeon greater visualization, enhanced dexterity, precision and control and superior ergonomics. By enhancing surgical capabilities, robotic surgery is helping to improve clinical outcomes and redefine standards of care. Since having its first start-of-the-art robot system in 2008, St. Anthony’s has performed nearly 900 robotic surgeries.
About St. Anthony’s Hospital
St. Anthony’s Hospital is a 395-bed hospital founded in 1931 as a ministry of the Franciscan Sisters of Allegany and is the first and only faith-based hospital in Pinellas County. As St. Anthony’s celebrates its 80th year in 2011, the hospital continues its rich history dedicated to improving the health of the community by providing high-quality, innovative and compassionate care. St. Anthony’s has received the 2010 American Heart Association/American Stroke Association’s Get With The Guidelines Stroke Gold Plus Performance Achievement award. St. Anthony’s Susan Sheppard McGillicuddy Breast Center received accreditation from both the National Accreditation Program for Breast Centers and the American College of Radiology. For superior energy efficiency, St. Anthony’s earned the EPA’s ENERGY STAR three consecutive times.
About BayCare Health System
BayCare Health System is a leading community-based health system in the Tampa Bay area. Composed of a network of 10 not-for-profit hospitals, outpatient facilities and services such as imaging, lab, behavioral health and home health care, BayCare provides expert medical care throughout a patient’s lifetime. With more than 200 access points conveniently located throughout Tampa Bay, BayCare connects patients to a complete range of preventive, diagnostic and treatment services for any health care need.
BayCare’s family of hospitals are: Mease Countryside, Mease Dunedin, Morton Plant, Morton Plant North Bay, St. Anthony’s, St. Joseph’s, St. Joseph’s Children’s, St. Joseph’s Hospital-North, St. Joseph’s Women’s, and South Florida Baptist.
How do you know if you might have Kidney Cancer?
As a possible kidney cancer patient, you may have lots of questions about the disease such as:
- What is the prognosis for kidney cancer?
- What is the survival or cure rate for kidney cancer patients?
- What are the early signs and symptoms of kidney cancer?
- What causes kidney cancer?
- How is kidney cancer treated?
- What is thermal ablation or freezing of kidney cancer?
When you visit your doctor, you may want to write down any questions you may have about kidney cancer. Fully understanding the disease and treatment options will help you to make the best decisions about your care.
Each year, kidney cancer is diagnosed in about 190,000 people worldwide
To schedule a consultation with Dr. Diner, call (727) 824-7146
Treatment for Erectile Dysfunction
When considering lifestyle changes as an approach to correct erectile dysfunction, consideration of habits that may be contribute to the condition need to be addressed. These include:
- Decreasing or limiting the consumption of alcohol
- Dietary changes to reduce the intake of fat and cholesterol
- Eliminating the use of tobacco and substance abuse
- Losing weight
- Exercising regularly
If the above treatments are unsuccessful in managing erectile dysfunction and psychological causes are ruled out, your physician may recommend penile implant surgery. The implant, called a penile prosthesis, is contained within the body. Considerations for choosing the appropriate implant include medical condition, lifestyle, personal preference and cost. As with all surgeries, there are associated risks that include pain, infection and other complications.
For more information about treatment options, visit our Erectile Dysfunction Treatment page.
Dr. Eric Diner is a leading Urologist in St. Petersburg FL
Medical Training and Experience
Dr Diner earned his medical degree from Tulane University School of Medicine in New Orleans, LA and completed his residency from the Washington Hospital Center/Georgetown University Department of Urology in Washington, DC.
- Robotic Proctor for da Vinci Surgical Training
Medical Societies and Offices Held
He is board certified in Urology and a member of many national and international societies including the American Urological Association. He serves as Chief of Urology at Bayfront Medical Center and Assistant Chief of Surgery at St Anthony’s Hospital.
- Chair of Credentials Committee at St. Anthony’s Hospital
- Board member of medical executive committee at St. Anthonys
- Board Member of South Pinellas Medical Trust Board
- Board Member of Suncoast Medical Clinic
- Board Member of Baycare Physician Partners
Schedule an Appointment or a Consult with Dr. Diner
Call 866-215-9061
Advantages and Hands-on Demonstration of Robotic Surgery
Demystifying the process of robotic surgery. This 1 million dollar device is drastically reducing the healing time and compounding the skill level of surgeons around the country. Of the physicians who perform robotic surgery, the urology field was an early adopter. Here at Diner Robotic Urology, Dr. Diner has been performing robotic surgery longer than most making him a recognized expert in the field of minimally invasive surgery. This video shows a hands-on demonstration of the capabilities of robotic surgery and the benefits of this method of surgery.
For more information or to request a consultation with Dr. Diner, call 727-824-7146
NFL’s “Know Your Stats” supported by Florida Urologist Dr. Eric Diner
Fight prostate cancer by knowing your PSA score. More than 30,000 people will die from prostate cancer. If you’re age 40 or older, you need to know your PSA score. More than 210,000 men will be diagnosed this year with prostate cancer so don’t get caught off guard.
To schedule a consult with Dr. Diner, call 727-824-7146.
Robotic Surgery shines in St. Petersburg Fl and the Tampa Bay area
Dr. Diner is a recognized expert in the field of robotic surgery (laparoscopic surgery). Watch this brief video for more information about the da Vinci surgical system or call to schedule a consultation with Dr. Diner.
St. Anthony’s Health Care has purchased Suncoast Medical Clinic
The St. Petersburg Times announced on May 13th, 2011 that the Suncoast Medical Clinic has been purchased by St. Anthony’s Health Care. This is a big step up for us to be involved with the area’s largest healthcare provider. Suncoast Medical Clinic is a group of 50 doctors who have provided excellent service to the Tampa Bay area as the largest physician group and now will be a part of the St. Anthony’s Healthcare System.
Read more about this in the St. Peterburg Times Article.
ABC News Profile on da Vinci Surgery
New research suggests that doctors will perform better with robotic assistance.
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