Diary entry – October 2018

New steam therapy for prostates

I have received numerous enquiries from patients and GPs regarding a new minimally- invasive procedure involving steam therapy for benign prostatic enlargement. Rezum has recently obtained NICE approval and is the new kid on the block in terms of surgical therapy for bladder outlet obstruction. I’ve had a look at it and it seems to be promising. I think it will find a niche in terms of ideal prostate size and characteristics, much like Urolift has. Most importantly, it is yet another tool in the general urological armamentarium for the treatment of bladder outlet obstruction.

I am due to attend a Rezum Masterclass in early November with a view to introducing it in my practice at Spire Cheshire Hospital and Fairfield Independent Hospital. Watch this space!

Link: www.kebomed.co.uk/files/2/rezum_literature.pdf

Diary entry – August 2018

New laser arrives!

I’m a very happy boy. We took delivery of the ‘Rolls Royce’ of Holmium lasers recently. How exciting! It is capable of performing prostate enucleation surgery (HoLEP) as well as urinary stone surgery with the utmost of ease. It is a 120W machine and cost the trust £250,000! It allows the surgeon to remove stones much quicker than previously. Yesterday, I did a huge bladder stone in half the time it would have taken me. Thank you so much, St Helens and Knowsley NHS Associate Teaching Trust. You are the best!

Link: https://lumenis.com/solutions/surgical/holmium-products/lumenis-moses-pulse-120h

Diary entry – February 2018

Case study – testicular cancer

Today was a good… no, make that a great day. I was in my clinic in the local hospital. It was towards the end of a busy day so I was eager to get finished and start my journey home in the dreaded rush hour traffic. I called the last patient in. He had previously attended with his wife but today he came with his brother instead. I thought at the time that he looked somewhat familiar but said nothing.

At the end of the consultation, I reassured my patient that his test results were all clear and that I was discharging him. He was very happy with this and as he stood up, he told me that his brother wanted to say something. Thinking that he just wanted an opinion on something, I asked his brother if he had a urological problem?

“I did” he said… “but thanks to you and your team I am now able to stand in front of you today”. It turns out that I diagnosed him with testicular cancer and operated on him in 2009. He then went on to do very well and has even had 2 children since. He wanted to thank me personally when he found out that his brother was also one of my patients. He handed me a card with a picture of his wife and two kids in his garden. Inside was the most moving narrative of a cancer patient’s journey that I have come across.

I cannot tell you how surprised I with this! It was like one of those ‘This is your life’ moments. I shook his hand and was almost moved to tears. It really brought home the fact that as a doctor, we treat so many patients that we quickly move on when the patient journey is complete. This is not the same for the patient, as they tend to remember who looked after them, did their operation, etc. This man was so grateful that he took time out of his busy schedule to come and thank me personally. How great was that!

So, for the first time in ages I straightened up and walked out of the hospital with a spring in my step and my head held high. Today was definitely a great day!

Link: https://www.baus.org.uk/patients/conditions/12/testicular_lump