Through our Prostate and Urologic Cancer Program, in partnership with Concord Hospital Payson Center for Cancer Care, our team of accomplished urologists provides a comprehensive, multidisciplinary approach to diagnosis, treatment and management of prostate cancer, and disorders and diseases of all urologic cancers (including kidney, bladder, and testicular). (Pictured left: Radiation oncologist Dr. Thomas Sheldon of Radiation Oncology Associates, PA, Urologic Surgeon Dr. William Santis of Concord Hospital Center for Urologic Care, and Medical Oncologist Dr. Charles Catcher of New Hampshire Oncology - Hematology, PA.)

• Use of high-definition, robotic-assisted laparoscopic surgical technology;
• Dedicated and experienced radiation and medical oncologists;
• Minimally invasive procedures including cryotherapy;
• Complex surgical procedures;
• Clinical research trials and expansive support services;
• Multidisciplinary meetings to discuss patients recently diagnosed with prostate cancer.

What is prostate cancer?
What are the symptoms of prostate cancer?
How do I know if I have prostate cancer?
What are my options if I have prostate cancer?
What is the da Vinci surgical system?
What are the benefits of surgery with the da Vinci?
What should I do next?

What is prostate cancer?
Prostate cancer occurs in the prostate, the male sexual gland located below the bladder, when abnormal cells grow out of control. It is the leading type of cancer in men.

What are the symptoms of prostate cancer?
Men typically have no symptoms that would indicate the presence of a cancer in their prostate gland. As you advance in age, you may experience weak or interrupted urine flow, difficulty starting the flow, or an increased frequency of urination; these symptoms are related to simple prostate enlargement.

How do I know if I have prostate cancer?
Screening involves a simple digital rectal exam and prostate specific antigen (PSA) blood test. Your doctor will follow up on any abnormal findings with a short, ultrasound-guided biopsy procedure. These screening results, considered with your age, health and personal preferences, help determine various treatment options.

What are my options if I have prostate cancer?
Your physician and urologist determine which treatment options are available to you. They may include:

• Watchful waiting (active surveillance) – a careful monitoring of your condition by your doctors;
• External Beam Radiation Therapy;
• Brachytherapy, or the use of radioactive seed implants that target your cancer;
• Cryotherapy, or freezing the prostate;
• Radical Prostatectomy, the surgical removal of the prostate;
• Hormonal treatment.

What is the da Vinci surgical system?
The da Vinci robot is revolutionary surgical technology that enables our urologic surgeons to perform even the most complex and delicate procedures through small incisions with exceptional precision. Our high-definition, 4-arm da Vinci system is operated via a remotely controlled video console in the operating room. Four robotic arms precisely replicate your surgeon’s hand movements and high-definition cameras give him or her clear, magnified views of your prostate.

What are the benefits of surgery with the da Vinci?
Your doctor helps you decide if surgery using the da Vinci system is a viable surgical option for your cancer. In general, potential patient benefits of the da Vinci system include:

• Less pain and blood loss;
• Fewer transfusions;
• Less risk of infection and scarring;
• Shorter hospital stay and recovery time;
• In many cases, better clinical outcomes than conventional technologies in controlling cancer and reducing the incidence of impotence and incontinence.

What should I do next?
If you meet the criteria above and have not been screened for prostate cancer, please schedule a screening exam now by calling your primary care physician. If you have already been diagnosed with prostate cancer, talk with your doctor about the treatment options available to you.

Where Can I Go to Find Out More?
da Vinci Surgery
Intuitive Surgical