Prostate cancer is the most common cancer in men in Europe. In the early stages of the disease, cancer limited to the prostate is asymptomatic, and therefore the only way to make an early diagnosis is with regular preventive screening of the PSA blood and digital examination of the prostate by the urologist.

“In case of suspicion of cancer, the urologist will recommend the most specific test for local diagnosis, which is the multiparametric magnetic resonance imaging (MRI of the prostate). In combination with the magnetic, and especially if suspicious foci are found in it, a prostate biopsy is performed” explains the dr Nikolaos A. Costakopoulos MD, PhD, FEBU Urologist-Andrologist SurgeonSpecialized in Robotic Urology, Curator A΄ Metropolitan General Urology Clinic, Doctor of the University of Athens EKPA.

There is now available tthe most modern prostate biopsy system, Fusion Biopseewith the possibility of fusing the image of the magnetic resonance imaging and the ultrasound, to obtain biopsies even from the smallest suspicious foci, a few millimeters in size.

OR Fusion transperineal biopsy of the prostateis the most sophisticated, accurate diagnosis and safest technique, especially in cases where there is a strong suspicion of cancer and the classic biopsy fails to reveal it.

“With special software”, explains the expert, “the images of the multiparametric Magnetic Tomography taken by the patient are combined with the ultrasound of the prostate, in order to identify and map in live time, with millimeter precision, the suspicious foci, from the which need to be biopsied. Along with the suspicious foci, random representative biopsies are taken from the entire prostate in order to achieve the correct diagnosis.

The technique is performed with a special ultrasound head and mesh through the perineum (the skin between the testicles and the anus) rather than through the rectum, thus minimizing the chances of serious UTI and sepsis that exist with the classic rectal (through the rectal) biopsy, while the intestinal mucosa is not injured.

The new technique does not require the patient to stay in the hospital, and on the same day, a few hours after fusion biopsyreturns to his home and his activities. At the same time, the patient receives antibiotics for fewer days compared to the classic biopsy”, concludes Dr. Costakopoulos.

*At Metropolitan General there is the possibility of comprehensive treatment of prostate cancer from early diagnosis to effective treatment. If prostate fusion biopsy detects cancer in the early stages, it can be effectively treated with Robotic Prostatectomy with the modern Da Vinci Xi robotic system.

In a minimally invasive way, without an incision, the prostate is removed and a new connection is created between the bladder and the urethra. Robotic ablation is associated with much less pain, less chance of herniation, while remaining just as safe for treating cancer compared to open surgical ablation. Urinary continence and erectile function also return faster after surgery.

With the innovative technologies available, the diagnosis and treatment of prostate cancer is carried out in a targeted manner, with greater success and significantly reducing unwanted complications for the patient.