I am a dedicated urology consultant with a focus on state-of-the-art treatments for prostate (enlargement, cancer, prostatitis) and bladder (infections, cancer) issues.
I employ sophisticated Robotic Pelvic Surgery techniques, always embracing the latest worldwide medical breakthroughs.
My approach is grounded in humility and a commitment to ongoing learning, aiming for superior urological care. Ultimately, it is all about quality of care.
At the forefront of the East Sussex Regional Centre, I provide specialised prostate and bladder cancer care to over 1.5 million people across Brighton, Hove, Haywards Heath, Crawley, Maidstone, Tunbridge Wells, Eastbourne, and Hastings.
I offer clear and concise consultations dedicated to empowering patients by thoroughly explaining their conditions and the available treatment options.
In the UK, about 1 in 8 men will face prostate cancer during their lifetime.
We've seen significant improvements in handling all stages of this illness.
Initially, prostate cancer might not show any signs. Many men might not know they have it until it progresses. It would be best if you got your prostate-specific antigen (PSA) blood test
In the UK, about 1 in 8 men will face prostate cancer during their lifetime.
We've seen significant improvements in handling all stages of this illness.
Initially, prostate cancer might not show any signs. Many men might not know they have it until it progresses. It would be best if you got your prostate-specific antigen (PSA) blood test done.
When prostate cancer gets advanced or spreads (metastatic), symptoms can include:
- Needing to urinate more often than usual
- Trouble fully emptying the bladder
- Blood in the urine
- Pain or discomfort during ejaculation
- Aches in the bones, especially the back, pelvis, or thighs
- Feeling less hungry than usual
- Losing weight without trying
- Continuous pain in the bones
To fight or slow down prostate cancer, many men look into natural methods alongside medical treatments.
I've devoted my career to helping men with prostate cancer, offering guidance and support. As an NHS Consultant specialising in prostate and bladder cancers, I'm always learning new techniques, especially in robotic surgery for prostate cancer.
I also work on improving health before any treatment, recovery after surgery and creating support programs to help men manage and live better with cancer.
Prostate enlargement, a condition affecting many men, typically begins around the age of 25. However, symptoms, especially those related to urination ('waterworks'), usually become noticeable after the age of 50, significantly impacting the quality of life.
For those with mild symptoms, lifestyle adjustments are often the first recommendat
Prostate enlargement, a condition affecting many men, typically begins around the age of 25. However, symptoms, especially those related to urination ('waterworks'), usually become noticeable after the age of 50, significantly impacting the quality of life.
For those with mild symptoms, lifestyle adjustments are often the first recommendation:
- Reduce alcohol, caffeine, fizzy drinks, and certain fruit juices.
- Avoid artificial sweeteners.
- Maintain regular physical activity.
- Avoid liquids three hours before bedtime and refrain from drinking during the night to reduce nighttime urination.
If lifestyle changes don't alleviate symptoms, medications may be prescribed. These can help shrink the prostate or relax the bladder neck, making it easier to empty.
Surgery is considered a last resort and is typically only recommended if symptoms do not improve with medical treatment.
A variety of treatments are available for benign prostate enlargement, known as BPE or BPH.
The choice of treatment should be customised based on the size of the prostate and your individual health needs.
Inflammation of the prostate, known as prostatitis, can occur once or repeatedly, significantly affecting a man's quality of life.
Prostatitis is classified into two main types:
- Acute prostatitis presents suddenly with severe symptoms such as pain in the genitals, anus, pelvis, lower abdomen, or lower back, difficulties in bladder emptyin
Inflammation of the prostate, known as prostatitis, can occur once or repeatedly, significantly affecting a man's quality of life.
Prostatitis is classified into two main types:
- Acute prostatitis presents suddenly with severe symptoms such as pain in the genitals, anus, pelvis, lower abdomen, or lower back, difficulties in bladder emptying, frequent need to urinate, painful urination, presence of blood in the urine, fever, chills, and a high temperature, along with feelings of weakness and fatigue.
- Chronic prostatitis involves recurring symptoms over several months, which can severely impact life quality and cause distress. Although these symptoms may gradually improve with time and treatment, the process can be slow and frustrating.
Managing chronic prostatitis requires patience and readiness to face setbacks and possible recurrence. It's a journey that often involves a combination of treatments and coping strategies.
You are not alone
Bladder cancer, often referred to as the "Cinderella Cancer," lacks the awareness it deserves despite being one of the most aggressive types of cancer.
Several factors can increase the risk of developing bladder cancer. Smoking is a primary risk factor, while exposure to certain chemicals found in petroleum, dyes, rubbers, paints, plasti
Bladder cancer, often referred to as the "Cinderella Cancer," lacks the awareness it deserves despite being one of the most aggressive types of cancer.
Several factors can increase the risk of developing bladder cancer. Smoking is a primary risk factor, while exposure to certain chemicals found in petroleum, dyes, rubbers, paints, plastics, diesel fumes, and leather tanning materials ranks second most common cause. Other contributing factors include chronic urinary tract infections (UTIs), long-term catheter use, diabetes, bladder stones, and bilharzia (schistosomiasis).
Suppose you notice symptoms such as recurrent UTIs, blood in your urine (haematuria), or pain during bladder emptying. In that case, it's crucial to seek medical advice.
One can be asked to undergo various diagnostic tests, including a flexible cystoscopy (a camera examination of the bladder), a CT scan of the urinary tract or MRI of the bladder, urine tests and blood tests to assess the condition.
Early detection of bladder cancer opens up a range of treatment options, including transurethral resection of the bladder tumour (TURBT), chemotherapy or immunotherapy administered directly into the bladder, robotic surgery, or radiotherapy.
The aggressiveness of the bladder cancer and your health will determine the treatment options.
Up to half of all adult women will eventually face a urinary tract infection (UTI). Remarkably, one in four of these women will encounter a second infection within just six months, and a small percentage will deal with recurrent UTIs.
Wondering if you might have a UTI?
Look out for these signs:
- A stinging or burning sensation during urina
Up to half of all adult women will eventually face a urinary tract infection (UTI). Remarkably, one in four of these women will encounter a second infection within just six months, and a small percentage will deal with recurrent UTIs.
Wondering if you might have a UTI?
Look out for these signs:
- A stinging or burning sensation during urination.
- The urge to urinate more often than usual.
- Urine that appears cloudy or dark, possibly with a pungent smell.
- An urgent need to urinate, but only a few drops come out.
- Blood present in your urine.
- Symptoms of fever, chills, or a significant increase in temperature.
- A general feeling of tiredness or lethargy.
Gone are the days when antibiotics were the sole solution. Today, a world of new treatments awaits. Don't let discomfort become your norm. Get your urine checked, start drinking more fluids and make an appointment with your urology expert.
Frequent nighttime urination, known as nocturia, can severely impact your sleep and overall well-being.
What triggers nocturia? Several factors might be at play:
- Changes in hormone levels affecting urine production.
- Prostate conditions, including benign prostatic enlargement.
- Bladder issues, such as an overactive bladder.
- Infections in
Frequent nighttime urination, known as nocturia, can severely impact your sleep and overall well-being.
What triggers nocturia? Several factors might be at play:
- Changes in hormone levels affecting urine production.
- Prostate conditions, including benign prostatic enlargement.
- Bladder issues, such as an overactive bladder.
- Infections in the urinary tract.
- Health conditions like heart disease, diabetes, or kidney failure.
- Excessive fluid intake, particularly before bedtime.
Nocturia can lead to disrupted sleep, resulting in daytime fatigue, increased risk of accidents, and heightened anxiety.
Your healthcare provider may suggest maintaining a frequency volume chart to tackle nocturia. This chart helps track your liquid intake and urinary frequency, offering insights into your habits and bladder health. Blood, imaging and urine tests might also be conducted to diagnose the exact cause.
The good news is that making simple lifestyle changes can significantly improve these symptoms. Engage with your Urologist near you to explore these options and restore peaceful nights.
Eastbourne District General Hospital (DGH), Kings Drive, Eastbourne, England BN21 2YU, United Kingdom
Secretary Karen Traies 0300 131 5475 Ext: 735 475 Karen.traies@nhs.net