Where can you have your robotic surgery to remove your prostate gland?
Over 40,000 new cases of prostate cancer are diagnosed annually in the United Kingdom, making it the most common cancer in males. Given these statistics, selecting the right hospital and consultant urological surgeon who has a track record of successful treatments and access to advanced technologies is crucial.
One highly recommended option for urological treatment, including prostate cancer, is the Eastbourne Prostate Cancer Centre. This centre accepts referrals from the Sussex Network, both nationally and internationally. They offer both robotic surgery and radiotherapy. The consultant urological surgeons at Eastbourne are seasoned, high-volume professionals. Along with their oncologists and specialist nurses, they collaborate with referring hospitals to ensure that patients continue to receive follow-up care at their home hospital.
Eastbourne utilizes the da Vinci® robotic surgical system to treat prostate cancer. A consultant urological surgeon oversees this cutting-edge system, allowing minimally invasive treatment. The center and other healthcare professionals have found that patients benefit from the precision of robotic surgery, experiencing shorter recovery periods, less postoperative discomfort, and significantly less visible scarring.
Notably, Eastbourne has one of the country's most excellent continence rates. T
Their multidisciplinary team understands that a cancer diagnosis can be emotionally challenging for the patient and their loved ones. They offer a range of treatment options that are individually tailored to ensure cancer control while minimizing adverse effects.
How do you choose your best prostate doctor?
The surgeon should provide data on their robotic removal of the prostate and their experience.
Taking myself as an example,
Mr Edward Calleja is one of the few urological surgeon consultants in the UK to perform robotic prostate gland removal at low pressure. This ensures less pain, fewer complications during surgery, and faster recovery.
My operative time is around 55 minutes per robotic prostatectomy, as opposed to other surgeons, who take two to three hours on average. This only comes with extensive experience and a dedicated robotic team that assists me during the surgery. Mr. Calleja has been involved in over 1,000 robotic procedures.
70% of my patients are dry or wear one pad when the catheter is removed. The remainder will achieve their continence within 3 months. This is one of the highest not on a national but international standards.
I am a high-volume surgeon, which reflects not only in the continence but also in the lower rate of positive margin (that is, failure to remove all cancer cells). Nationally, this has been reported as 24 %, but my data shows a substantially lower value of 15 to 18%.
I have been offered a robotic prostatectomy in Malta, but I wish to have the surgery in the UK. Can I ask for it to happen abroad?
Yes. It is in your right to express your wish to have it abroad as an NHS patient. The main reason is more experience abroad than in Malta regarding robotic surgery.
Malta has arrangements with the UK and certain hospitals, but if you wish it to happen in another hospital, you can ask your local Urology Consultant to consider.
Choosing a Hospital in the UK for Urology
If you're searching for a "private urology clinic near me," the UK offers some of the best options for urological care, with hospitals like East Sussex Healthcare South of UK, Guy's and St Thomas' NHS Foundation Trust in London. These hospitals offer many urological treatments and have high success rates, often exceeding 90% [^1^].
The Value of Online Consultation with a Urological Surgeon Consultant from abroad
Consulting a urological surgeon online can be both convenient and practical. A study shows 87% of patients were satisfied with online consultations with a urological surgeon [^2^].
Online consultations are beneficial as a means of knowing where you stay to be fully informed of all options beyond your country's limitations.
Second Opinions in Urology: Why Consider the Urological Surgeon Who Practices in the UK?
If you reside in a developing country like Malta, seeking advice from a consultant urological surgeon in the UK can offer a fresh perspective on your diagnosis and treatment options.
It's common for patients to end up with a refined or altered diagnosis upon a second opinion[^3^].
Urological Conditions Treated by Urologists
Consultant urological surgeons specialize in a variety of treatments for conditions like:
- Enlarged Prostate
- Overactive Bladder
- Prostate Cancer
- Testicular Cancer
- Erectile Dysfunction
- Female urinary tract issues
- Urinary tract infection/s (UTI/s)
- Male reproductive organs issues
How to Get a Referral for Urological Treatment
Through Your GP
Your GP can diagnose symptoms like difficulty passing urine and refer you to a specialist team at a urology clinic for further diagnostic tests and treatments.
Self-Referral
Patients can opt for self-referral at a private urology clinic for fast access to a consultant urological surgeon or online consultation.
What to Expect at an NHS Urology Appointment
At an NHS urology clinic appointment, the urological surgeon consultant will take a detailed medical and urological history, order an investigation and give you honest information about available options.
Specialist tests can include blood tests, urine tests, imaging, and urinary flow tests (when a patient has difficulty to pass urine).
Costs of Private Urology Consultations in the UK
Private urology consultations can range from £150 to £400 [^4^].
Private urology clinics may adjust fees based on the patient's country of residence.
Reflection from a consultant urologist
Whether you need a urological surgeon consultant for an enlarged prostate, to assess men's health, an overactive bladder, or any other urinary tract-related issues, choosing the right hospital and consultant is crucial. From there, a specialist team can guide you through the diagnosis and treatment options for your symptoms, often involving a multidisciplinary team of healthcare professionals.
With its advanced urology clinics and specialist urological surgeons, the UK is an excellent choice for second opinions and a wide range of urological treatments.
References:
[^1^]: NHS Hospital Ratings and Reviews, Urology Department.
[^2^]: Journal of Urology, "Telehealth Satisfaction Study in Urology".
[^3^]: British Journal of Medical Practitioners, "The Impact of Second Opinions in Urology".
[^4^]: Private Healthcare UK, "Cost of Private Urology Consultations".
