What is Shockwave Therapy?

Shockwave therapy is a non-invasive medical treatment that has been used since the 1980s to treat various medical conditions. It involves delivering high-energy sound waves, also known as shockwaves, to soft tissue to promote healing and reduce pain. Shockwave therapy was originally used for the disintegration of kidney stones but has since evolved into a recognized treatment modality in orthopaedics, cardiology, and urology for conditions such as Erectile Dysfunction, Peyronie’s disease, and chronic pelvic pain.

Why would a doctor recommend Shockwave Therapy?

Shockwave therapy has been shown to be effective in the treatment of a number of conditions such as:

• Erectile Dysfunction
• Peyronie’s Disease
• Chronic Pelvic Pain

What are the benefits of Shockwave Therapy?

Shockwave therapy is an excellent alternative to surgery, as it is non-invasive and has a no risk of infection or complications. Additionally, it is significantly more cost-effective than surgery. Patients who undergo shockwave therapy can resume their daily activities immediately after treatment and do not require any special care. In fact you can even drive home after your Shockwave session!

What is the approximate cost of Shockwave Therapy per session?

The cost of shockwave therapy varies depending on the location and the number of treatments required, with an approximate cost of $250 per session.

Is Shockwave Therapy covered by Medicare?

At present, Shockwave Therapy is not covered by Medicare, although this may change in the future.

How effective is Shockwave Therapy?

Studies have shown that shockwave therapy is effective in treating the symptoms of urological conditions, with improvements often experienced during the prescribed course of therapy. Furthermore, at 12- and 24-weeks post treatment, symptoms had continued to improve. 

What is the difference between Focused and Radial Shockwave Therapy?

Focused shockwave therapy is a specific type of shockwave therapy that is commonly used for the treatment of urological conditions. It delivers shockwaves that are strongest at the focal zone, where they can target specific areas of the body more precisely. Radial shockwave therapy, on the other hand, delivers shockwaves that decrease in intensity as they transmit into the tissue.

Is Shockwave Therapy painful?

Most men describe Shockwave therapy as a painless experience. Shockwave therapy is generally considered to be a painless experience, with most patients reporting little to no discomfort.

Who should not get Shockwave Therapy?

People with a blood clotting disorder or those taking certain blood-thinning medications such as warfarin should discuss with their urologist whether focused shockwave therapy is suitable for them.

How many session are needed?

For the treatment of Erectile Dysfunction, Peyronie’s Disease, and Chronic Pelvic Pain Syndrome, the number of sessions required varies. Patients with Peyronie’s Disease typically require four treatments, one session per week. Those with Chronic Pelvic Pain Syndrome also require four treatments, one session per week. For Erectile Dysfunction, six treatments are typically required, with two sessions per week and a one-week interval between sessions or once per week for 6 weeks.

Takeaway

In conclusion, focused shockwave therapy is a non-invasive, cost-effective, and effective treatment option for urological conditions such as Erectile Dysfunction, Peyronie’s disease, and chronic pelvic pain. While more research is needed to determine the permanency of improved symptoms, patients who have undergone shockwave therapy have reported lasting results and increased satisfaction. If you are experiencing any of these conditions, talk to your urologist to see if focused shockwave therapy is right for you.

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What is Urolift? What does it do?

Urolift is a minimally invasive treatment for benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) also known as prostate gland enlargement and Involves the insertion of tiny permanent clips (device implants) into the enlarged prostate gland tissue using a telescope that goes into your bladder. The implants are placed between the inner and outer surfaces of the prostate so that they pull the obstructing lobes away from the urethra. They become incorporated into the prostate tissue within 3 months. 

Why choose Urolift? What symptoms does it help with?

Urolift is used to reduce urinary symptoms caused by BPH such as: 

• Frequent and urgent need to urinate 
• Difficulty starting urination 
• Slow (prolonged) urine flow 
• Increased frequency of urination at night 
• Stopping and starting flow while urinating 
• Feeling of incomplete emptying of bladder 

If you have any of the symptoms listed above then you could be a suitable candidate for the Urolift system.

Who does it benefit?

Urolift is suitable for men diagnosed with BPH but not middle lobe enlargement. 

How much does Urolift cost in Sydney? 

The following is an approximate guide only

Surgeons fee approximately $2425 

Rebate = Medicare + private health fund $557

*NB this does not include anaesthetist fees nor hospital accomodation fees. Hospital accomodations fees will usually be covered entirely by a private health fund. 

Are there any side effects?

Urolift has demonstrated fewer side effects compared to those typically seen with surgical therapies, but as with any interventional procedure, you may experience some of the following side effects: 

• Painful urination
• Blood in the urine
• Blood in semen
• Urinary tract infections
• Inability to urinate or completely empty the bladder

Other frequently asked questions

How painful is it? 

It is common to experience some temporary pelvic discomfort after the procedure. 

How long does it last? 

The follow up data on outcomes for 5 years+ demonstrates consistent results confirming effectiveness over the medium to longer term. 

Do you need a catheter after Urolift? 

Patients typically return home the same day after this procedure without a catheter. However in some cases a catheter may be required for the first night only. 

What is better urolift or laser? 

That is dependent on outcomes and determined case by case. The decision making process is a shared experience between Dr Cozzi and the patient after a full and thorough evaluation of the patient, his wishes and his individual anatomy. 

Benefits of Urolift 

• Urolift is the only BPH procedure that does not cause new and lasting erectile and ejaculatory dysfunction.
• There is no heating, cutting or removal of tissue during a Urolift procedure.
• It can be done in day surgery
• It’s minimally invasive 

The post The Complete Guide to Urolift (Enlarged Prostate Treatment) appeared first on Dr. Paul Cozzi.

Our team at Dr Paul Cozzi has been treating Erectile Dysfunction (ED) for over 20 years and in that time we have seen a number of advancements in the field, with one of the more compelling options being Internal Penile Prosthesis (IPP). In our experience, Penile Prosthesis can be one of the most effective long term solutions for ED – particularly when other more conventional methods have already been eliminated. We have written this guide to try and help patients when researching their options regarding ED.

What does a Penile Prosthesis do? 

Put simply, An IPP inflatable penile prosthesis is a three-piece inflatable device implanted in to the penis to support an erection for as long as desired. It effectively allows the user to generate and maintain an erection when needed and then reverse this process when required. The device is easy to use and discrete, it has no visible components once inserted.

Who is a Penile Prosthesis for?

We would typically recommend an IPP to men who are suffering from chronic erectile dysfunction (commonly known as impotence). It is also important to note that, although highly successful an IPP (like all surgical procedures) carries risk and we would recommend that you try less invasive options first.

How does the device work?

• The pump is contained in the scrotum. By squeezing and releasing the pump the device moves fluid from the reservoir into the cylinders. The cylinders are inflated with the fluid and mimic an erection. The cylinders are rigid when inflated. 
• To deflate the device simply push the button on the pump. This will move the fluid back into the reservoir leaving the penis once again soft and flaccid.

How much does it cost? 

The price of a Penile Prosthesis is dependent on a number of factors which are summarized below:

• Surgeon’s fees are generally around $3-5k which includes an assistant if required. 
• Hospital fees are completely covered if the patient carries appropriate private health insurance (PHI) cover.
• The prostheses its self is fully rebated with the appropriate level of PHI. 
• For uninsured patients the device cost would be $10-13,000 depending on the brand and also the hospital the procedure is done at.
• Anaesthetists fees will vary from one anaesthetist to the next. You will be directed on how to obtain a quote from the assigned anaesthetist via your surgeon prior to surgery.

If the patient is uninsured, we recommend obtaining an estimation of fees from the hospital prior to surgery. This estimate of fees can be obtained via the surgeons’ rooms on the patient’s behalf. Alternatively, the patient can request it for themselves. Note: Hospital fees will vary from hospital to hospital for uninsured patients.

What rebates (Medicare) are available? 

The Medicare rebate for this procedure is between $1000-$1500

How long does it last?

The lifetime of an IPP depends entirely on how the device is used (ie how often). As a general guide we have observed that 5-10 years is reasonable with some men still happy with their devices’ function 20 years after the initial procedure. 

Do they increase size?

IPP’s do not increase natural length but implants that provide lengthening properties can assist in addressing the penile shortening that some patients may experience after prostate cancer treatment. 

Can a woman tell if a man has a penile implant?

Most patients report that they are very happy with the natural look and feel of the penile implant when flaccid or erect. Additionally – many partners of patients with IPPs report they wouldn’t know their partner had an implant if they had not known about the surgery. 

Will a penile prosthesis affect ejaculation? 

Generally an IPP does not interfere with ejaculation or orgasm. This is considered a minimally invasive surgery. 

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