Patient Counseling and Decision-Making in Penile Cancer Treatment
By Dr. Anup Ramani
When diagnosed with penis cancer, patients face a complex range of emotions and decisions. The diagnosis itself is overwhelming and the treatment options available can significantly impact both the physical and emotional aspects of life. Penis cancer treatment often involves a combination of surgery, radiation and sometimes chemotherapy. One of the most important components of the treatment journey is patient counseling, which empowers patients to make informed decisions that align with their personal values and goals.
This article will focus on the critical role of patient counseling in the decision-making process for penile cancer treatment. We will explore how counseling helps patients understand their options, the importance of discussing personal values and how collaboration with Dr. Anup Ramani, a penis cancer surgeon can lead to better treatment outcomes. Additionally, we will look at the role of penis cancer treatment and why choosing the right penis cancer surgeon in India, is essential for achieving the best results.
The Role of Patient Counseling in Penile Cancer Treatment
Patient counseling is the process of providing patients with the information they need to make informed decisions about their health and treatment. In the case of penile cancer, counseling involves discussing various treatment options, their potential side effects and the expected outcomes. It also includes addressing the emotional and psychological challenges associated with the diagnosis and treatment.
For many men, the prospect of undergoing penis cancer surgery can feel intimidating. A penis cancer surgeon plays a vital role in alleviating concerns, providing detailed explanations of the procedure and ensuring that patients understand what to expect during recovery. Patient counseling creates an open dialogue, allowing patients to voice their concerns, ask questions and become active participants in their treatment plan.
Understanding Treatment Options through Counseling
- Partial Penectomy: This type of surgery involves the removal of part of the penis, usually when cancer is localized to the glans or distal penis. A partial penectomy can be a form of organ-preserving surgery, which aims to maintain as much function as possible, including sexual and urinary functions, depending on the surgical approach.
- Total Penectomy: In cases where cancer has spread more extensively, a total penectomy may be necessary, which involves the complete removal of the penis. This decision can be emotionally challenging and counseling helps patients understand how this surgery will impact their physical and emotional well-being.
Counseling helps the patient understand how each treatment affects their body and their future.
Patient Decision-Making: Factors to Consider
Emotional and Psychological Support
The emotional impact of penile cancer and its treatments cannot be understated. For many men, the diagnosis and the prospect of surgery can lead to feelings of fear, shame and anxiety. It is important for patients to feel supported throughout the treatment process.
Counseling should also focus on helping the patient cope with the potential changes in their self-image, sexual function and overall quality of life. In cases of partial penectomy, where part of the penis is removed, there may be concerns about sexual function and body image. Penis cancer surgeon can explain how reconstructive procedures or therapies can help manage these issues.
Impact on Sexual Function and Quality of Life
One of the most significant aspects of penile cancer treatment is the impact on sexual health. Counseling allows patients to openly discuss their concerns about sexual function after surgery. It’s crucial for patients to understand that while surgery may affect sexual performance, there are often ways to maintain sexual function and intimacy post-treatment. In cases of partial penectomy, preserving sexual function may be possible, depending on the extent of tissue removal and the success of reconstructive procedures.
Additionally, penis cancer surgery can affect urinary function. Patient counseling helps to clarify how surgeries can involve reconstructing the urethra to ensure that urinary function is preserved.
Long-Term Health Outcomes and Monitoring
For patients with penile cancer, the decision-making process extends beyond the immediate surgical procedure. Counseling helps patients understand the importance of long-term follow-up care, which typically includes regular check-ups and imaging tests to monitor for recurrence of cancer. A penis cancer surgeon in India will guide patients on the necessary lifestyle changes, nutritional advice and other post-surgery protocols that can improve long-term health outcomes.
The emotional aspect of knowing that regular monitoring is necessary can be daunting. However, a comprehensive counseling approach ensures that the patient understands the importance of follow-up visits, minimizing the stress of future appointments.
What Our Patients Are Saying
"Dr. Anup Ramani; to me, this name signifies confidence and authority. He is a recognized expert in his field and he was a BIG help to me and my family recently when he performed my complicated TURP surgery. The entire journey from detection to maintenance to cure was stress-free thanks to the amazing patient-handling skills Dr. Anup possesses."
Abhijit Sardesai
The Role of the Penis Cancer Surgeon in Decision-Making
Choosing the Right Surgeon
Choosing the right penis cancer surgeon is critical in ensuring that patients receive the best possible care and treatment. Dr. Anup Ramani, a penis cancer surgeon in Mumbai can offer cutting-edge surgical techniques that reduce recovery times and minimize complications.
The role of the urology oncology surgeon is not just to perform the surgery but also to explain the procedure thoroughly, address concerns and offer support throughout the process.
Conclusion
In the treatment of penile cancer, patient counseling and decision-making are integral to achieving the best possible outcomes. From addressing emotional concerns to understanding treatment options like robotic surgery, counseling allows patients to make informed choices about their care. The penis cancer surgeon plays a crucial role in guiding the patient through this process, explaining the benefits and risks of each option and offering support throughout treatment and recovery.
For patients in India, Dr. Anup Ramani, a penis cancer surgeon specializes in penis cancer surgery can lead to better functional and emotional outcomes. Through effective counseling, patients can approach their treatment journey with confidence, knowing they are well-informed and supported.
FAQs
What are the treatment options for penile cancer?
Treatment options for penile cancer include surgery (such as partial penectomy or total penectomy), radiation therapy and chemotherapy. The choice of treatment depends on the cancer’s stage and location.
How does patient counseling help in penile cancer treatment?
Patient counseling provides essential information about treatment options, helps manage emotional concerns and ensures that patients can make informed decisions about their care, which improves overall outcomes.
What is partial penectomy and why is it used in penile cancer treatment?
Partial penectomy is the removal of part of the penis, typically when cancer is localized to the glans or distal penis. It is an organ-preserving surgery designed to maintain urinary and sexual functions.
Can robotic surgery help in penile cancer treatment?
Yes, robotic surgery is increasingly used for penile cancer surgery, especially for partial penectomy. It offers minimal invasive surgery, reducing recovery time and preserving more function.
Why is choosing the right penis cancer surgeon important?
The right penis cancer surgeon ensures that the surgery is done with precision, minimizes complications and provides comprehensive post-surgery care. A skilled surgeon can also offer the best possible options for preserving function and quality of life.
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PARTIAL PENECTOMY
- Partial penectomy is done in cases where glans and distal penis is involved with carcinoma.
- Partial penectomy is a type of organ-preserving surgery. Preservation of sexual and micturational function depends on the surgical dissection and reconstruction of residual urethra.
Kidney Stone Removal
- Patients who develop stones in the kidney or ureter, often experience severe pain.
- This condition usually needs a procedure to remove the kidney stones.
- This procedure is called ureteroscopy and is performed very commonly.
- It does not require any cuts and hence it is painless.
- The procedure is performed with an endoscope inserted through the penis under spinal anesthesia.
- The scope is inserted through the penis into the kidney and stones are dissolved with a laser.
- The procedure takes about 40-50 minutes.
- A catheter (urine pipe) is kept after the procedure to drain the bladder. A stent is kept in the kidney at the same time.
- Patient is mobile and walking in the room the same evening.
- Hospital stay is one night and patient is discharged the next day after removal of the catheter.
- Patient has to come back after six weeks to remove the stent in the kidney.
- Patients can resume office a week after surgery and heavy activities like running, weight lifting, a month after the procedure.
- We offer fixed packages for this procedure which can be obtained by calling our helpline +91 9967666060.
- Men with an enlarged prostate, which is a normal ageing changes, often experiencing difficulty passing urine. This condition usually needs a procedure to trim the prostate and relieve the blockage.
- This procedure is called TURP and is performed very commonly.
- It does not require any cuts and hence it is painless.
- The procedure is performed with an endoscope inserted through the penis under spinal anaesthesia.
- The overgrown prostate is dissolved with a laser bloodlessly.
- The procedure takes about 40 minutes.
- A catheter (urine pipe) is kept after the procedure to drain the bladder.
- Patient is mobile and walking in the room the same evening.
- Hospital stay is two nights and patient is discharged with the catheter, which is removed after 4 days.
- Patients can resume office a week after surgery and heavy activities like running, weight lifting, a month after the procedure.
- We offer fixed packages for this procedure which can be obtained by calling our helpline +91 9967666060.
ROBOTIC ADRENALECTOMY FOR ADRENAL GLAND TUMOUR
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Robotic adrenalectomy is a sophisticated, complex surgery and it is very important that an experienced surgeon performs this surgery to avoid major complications.
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Once the anesthesia is done, and patient positioned, three micro cuts (3mm each) are made in the patient’s abdomen.
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The arms of the Da Vinci robot are connected to the cuts via ports (tubes).
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Dr. Ramani then sits in the controlling console to perform the surgery.
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On an average, a robotic adrenalectomy takes one hour.
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The surgery is almost completely bloodless and there has never been any need to transfuse blood after surgery.
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A urine catheter and bag to drain the bladder is inserted during surgery.
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A tiny drain pipe may be inserted in the surgical side of the abdomen, connected to a bag.
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Patient is kept nil-by-mouth the day of the surgery, with IV fluids. Sips of water are started the next day and solid food by day three.
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The drain pipe, if kept, is removed in the room on day 2 after surgery.
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The catheter is removed on day two after surgery.
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Total hospital stay for robotic adrenalectomy is 4 nights (including night before surgery).
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Post discharge, a doctor from the surgical team visits the patient at home/ hotel room once every day.
RETURN TO ACTIVITY
On the day of discharge, patient is totally self-sufficient. They are able to walk freely without any pain, dress themselves, shower, toilet and they do not need to hire any nurse or help at home. Almost all patients are back to work within 2 weeks of surgery.
Heavy activities like running, weight lifting can be resumed after a month
FOLLOW UP AFTER SURGERY
Follow up after an adrenalectomy is in the form of CT scans, once a year for 5 years.
Local patients usually meet Dr. Ramani after two weeks to discuss report.Outstation patients are counselled on a phone consultation.
ROBOTIC SURGERY FOR BLADDER CANCER
- Dr. Ramani is one of the very few surgeons in India who has the expertise to perform a robotic surgery for bladder cancer, which includes removing the urinary bladder and reconstructing a new bladder robotically.
- Robotic radical cystectomy is an extremely sophisticated, complex surgery and it is very important that an experienced surgeon performs this surgery to avoid major complications.
- Once the anaesthesia is done, and patient positioned, six micro cuts (3mm each) are made in the patient’s abdomen.
- The arms of the Da Vinci robot are connected to the cuts via ports (tubes).
- Dr. Ramani then sits in the controlling console to perform the surgery.
- On an average, a robotic radical cystectomy with an ileal conduit takes 3-4 hours.
- The surgery is almost completely bloodless and there has never been any need to transfuse blood after surgery.
- A urine catheter and bag to drain the new bladder is inserted during surgery.
- Two tiny drain pipe in inserted in the surgical side of the abdomen, connected to a bag.
- Patient is kept nil-by-mouth for 4 days after surgery with IV supplementation of patient’s daily requirements of calories, fats, carbohydrates, proteins and electrolytes.
- The drain pipes are removed in the room on day 3-5 after surgery.
- Total hospital stay for radical cystectomy is 8 nights (including night before surgery).
- Post discharge, a doctor from the surgical team visits the patient at home/ hotel room once every day.
RETURN TO ACTIVITY
- On the day of discharge, patient is totally self-sufficient. They are able to walk freely without any pain, dress themselves, shower, toilet and they do not need to hire any nurse or help at home.
- Almost all patients are back to work within 6 weeks of surgery. Heavy activities like running, weight lifting can be resumed after two months.
FOLLOW UP AFTER SURGERY
Follow up after a radical a cystectomy is in the form of CT scans, once a year for 5 years.
Histopathology report: Local patients usually meet Dr. Ramani after two weeks to discuss report.
Outstation patients are counselled on a phone consult. Depending on the report, patient may or may not need chemotherapy after surgery.
If chemo is needed, patients may choose to get it done with a medical oncologist of their choice or avail the services of one of the four medical oncologists on our team.
ROBOTIC RADICAL/PARTIAL NEPHRECTOMY FOR KIDNEY CANCER
- Robotic partial nephrectomy is a sophisticated, complex surgery and it is very important that an experienced surgeon performs this surgery to avoid major complications. Robotic radical (total) nephrectomy is
- relatively easier but still requires significant experience to consistently deliver results.
- Once the anaesthesia is done, and patient positioned, five micro cuts (3mm each) are made in the patient’s abdomen.
- The arms of the Da Vinci robot are connected to the cuts via ports (tubes).
- Dr. Ramani then sits in the controlling console to perform the surgery.
- On an average, a robotic radical nephrectomy takes one hour and a robotic partial nephrectomy takes about an hour and half.
- The surgery is almost completely bloodless and there has never been any need to transfuse blood after surgery.
- A urine catheter and bag to drain the bladder is inserted during surgery.
- A tiny drain pipe in inserted in the surgical side of the abdomen, connected to a bag.
- Patient is kept nil-by-mouth the day of the surgery, with IV fluids. Sips of water are started the next day and solid food by day three.
- The drain pipe is removed in the room on day 3 after surgery. The catheter is removed on day two after surgery.
- Total hospital stay for radical/partial nephrectomy is 4 nights (including night before surgery).
- Post discharge, a doctor from the surgical team visits the patient at home/ hotel room once every day.
RETURN TO ACTIVITY
- On the day of discharge, patient is totally self- sufficient.
- They are able to walk freely without any pain, dress themselves, shower, toilet and they do not need to hire any nurse or help at home.
- Almost all patients are back to work within 2-3 weeks of surgery.
- Heavy activities like running, weight lifting can be resumed after a month.
FOLLOW UP AFTER SURGERY
- Follow up after a radical/partial Nephrectomy is in the form of CT scans, once a year for 5 years.
- Local patients usually meet Dr. Ramani after two weeks to discuss report.
- Outstation patients are counselled on a phone consultation.