The prostate is a small anatomical structure, about the size of a walnut, that is part of the human reproductive system, which wraps around the urethra. It is a gland that has two main functions: to help the bladder function properly during urination, but also in normal sexual function by secreting various prostatic fluids.

A common problem for almost all men as they get older is an enlarged prostate. This is called benign prostatic hyperplasia or hypertrophy.

What are the symptoms of prostate diseases?

“The two main diseases of the prostate (hyperplasia and cancer) affect men from the age of 45 and above, mainly and usually present symptoms that are common. Urinary frequency (during the day as well as at night), difficulty urinating, intermittent urination, the feeling that the bladder is not completely empty, the need to run to the toilet and difficulty starting to urinate are some of the symptoms. symptoms”, says Mr. Nikolaos Mertziotis Director of the Urology Clinic, Restorative and Surgical Urology of the Metropolitan General, Doctor of the University of Athens, Graduated (Ex.H.Reg) at the Institute of Urology, UCL, UK, President of the Hellenic Society of Local Therapy and continues with the treatment of prostate diseases:

What does transdermal treatment mean?

“Percutaneous treatment is a minimally invasive method that uses the insertion of a needle or laser fiber through the skin, targeting the prostate tissue without the need for an incision. This technique achieves high accuracy thanks to the combined use of prostate MRI and corrective ultrasound, providing 3D visualization and guidance to the physician.

This technique leads to a minimization of the usual complications seen in prostate surgeries.

It is usually done with local anesthesia, while the patient leaves the clinic after a few hours”, explains the specialist.

What happens in the case of prostate cancer?

Focal photosublimation therapy is the revolutionary new way to treat prostate cancer, the second most common male malignancy in Europe. It has been estimated that only 9 out of 1,000 men will end up with this condition. Thus, many patients with localized prostate cancer will be taken to surgery for radical removal of the organ, often without needing it, and some of them will experience incontinence and sexual dysfunction.

“Focal photosublimation is a method based on imaging that combines magnetic resonance imaging of the prostate with transrectal ultrasound, while a sensor guides the doctor three-dimensionally directly with the laser fiber to the suspected focus, with absolute precision through the skin, without an incision , leaving healthy prostate cells intact.

The result of this technique is that not all the usual complications that occur in prostate cancer surgery are present. Since 2016, this technique has been applied at Metropolitan General with very high success rates,” concludes Mr. Mertziotis.

*The Urological Clinic of Reconstructive and Surgical Andrology of the Metropolitan General, with director Mr. Nikos Mertziotis and his team is the only center in Greece that for the first time applied a modified technique of focal laser photosublimation, with very high success rates and internationally renowned This particular method has been presented by Mr. Mertziotis in America, Japan, Holland and recently at the Pangallic conference in Paris.