Medical Reports: Prostate Problems

WSVN -- James O'Donnell loves canine competition.

He raises and races hundreds of greyhounds.

James O'Donnell: "I've done it all my life."

But life in the fast lane recently slowed down for James because of an enlarged prostate.

It's a common condition in men over 50, where excess tissue builds up in the prostate.

The most common symptom: trouble with urination.

James O'Donnell: "You get up during the night maybe two or three times more than you should."

But it's more than a nuisance. Blockage from an enlarged prostate can lead to bladder or kidney damage.

James O'Donnell: "It was a danger point that I might have had a kidney shut down if I didn't take care of this."

Taking care of an enlarged prostate has traditionally meant prescription drugs or surgery with a long recovery time.

But Dr. Sanjay Razdan offered James an 'easier' alternative: a new high-powered laser.

Dr. Sanjay Razdan, Urology Center of Excellence of South Florida: "The water in the cells absorb this laser and evaporates, so, basically, you'll see the prosthetic tissue just fluffing up and evaporating right in front of you."

James O'Donnell: "It snaps like a rubber band, is about all you hear, but you don't feel anything."

There are several breakthrough benefits with this new laser:

• It's an outpatient procedure ... So patients can go home the same day.
• And because there's not much bleeding like with other surgeries and lasers, it's safe for high-risk patients on blood thinners, who aren't usually candidates.
• Also you're not stuck with a catheter for weeks.

Dr. Razdan: "About 80 percent of the patients will go without a catheter."

James saw instant relief and was able to go right back to work within days.

James O'Donnell: "I feel great, and I have no problems."

Action at the track is also great ... his dogs are winning.

James O'Donnell: "Always great to have a winner, everybody loves a winner (he laughs)."

This laser is also being used to break up kidney stones and bladder tumors.

Insurance does pay for this procedure.

For more information:

Urology Center of Excellence of South Florida
Prostate Institute of Miami
Comprehensive Stone Center of Miami
Professional Medical Building
1321 NW 14th Street, Suite 305
Miami, Florida 33125
(305) 547-2364