SURGICAL SERVICES

Urology 

The urology department provides comprehensive services for all aspects of urologic disease. These include: medical and surgical management of urologic cancer, prostate disease and incontinence; comprehensive kidney stone management; minimally invasive surgery; female urology; infertility; impotence; and benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH).   Beverly and Addison Gilbert hospitals' growing relationship with cancer services at Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center (BIDMC) has resulted in the ability to enhance and expand the cancer care we bring to the North Shore community. Brachytherapy for prostate cancer now available on the campus of Beverly Hospital is one such example.

Areas of Excellence

For a sampling of some of the procedures used by our urologists are:

Brachytherapy for Prostate Cancer

Brachytherapy is an initial monotherapy for prostate cancer.   Prostate cancer should be confined to the prostate for those considering interstitial radiation therapy.  This treatment is most effective when the disease is confined within the cloud of radiation created by the radioactive pellets.  In most patients, the cloud of radiation will extend about 5 mm outside the organ.

Microwave Therapy for Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia (BPH)
Microwave therapy, or thermodilitation, is a technology that both heats and dilates the prostate. Because drug treatment is not effective in all cases, in recent years researchers have developed a number of procedures that relieve BPH symptoms and are less invasive than conventional surgery.  These newer procedures help reduce urinary frequency, urgency, straining, and intermittent flow. Some of the transurethral microwave procedures include:

Transurethral Microwave Thermotherapy (TUMT)
Performed on an outpatient basis without general anesthesia, the device sends computer-regulated microwaves through a catheter to heat selected portions of the prostate, while a cooling system protects the urinary tract during the procedure.

Transurethral Needle Ablation (TUNA)
The TUNA system delivers low-level radiofrequency energy through twin needles to burn away a well-defined region of the enlarged prostate.  Shields protect the urethra from heat damage.  The TUNA system improves urine flow and relieves symptoms with fewer side effects when compared with transurethral resection of the prostate (TURP).

Water-induced Thermotherapy
This therapy uses heated water to destroy excess tissue in the prostate.  The system focuses heat in a precise region of the prostate while the surrounding tissues in the urethra and bladder are protected.  Destroyed tissue either escapes with urine through the urethra or is reabsorbed by the body.

If you have a procedure or surgery scheduled, you will want to read our Surgery Program brochure which outlines what you need to know prior to and following your procedure or surgery. Click here to access the brochure.