Keyhole surgery for prostrate cancer in Sri Lanka

by Carol Aloysius

A medical team at the Sri Jayewardenepura General Hospital has successfully performed the first ever laparoscopic surgery for prostrate cancer.

The surgical team of five was led by Consultant Urologist, Sri Jayewardenepura Hospital, Dr. Niroshan Seneviratne. “The operation performed recently on a 62-year-old patient was a success. We are now offering this new treatment to any patient with prostrate cancer, at the Sri Jayewardenapura Hospital”, Dr Seneviratne told the Sunday Observer. He said the non invasive keyhole surgery was different to the open surgery for removing a cancerous prostrate gland traditionally used here. “It is much more precise, gives less pain to the patient and allows him to return to his normal work in a fortnight.” He said that it would be the “surgery for future prostrate cancer patients”.

Prostrate cancer is currently on the rise in Sri Lanka and the world over, affecting nearly one in a thousand men in the West. A study done in Sri Lanka in 2005 estimated nearly 300 cases being reported within the year. “This is because we are an ageing population. The disease affects mostly men over 50 years”, Dr Seneviratne said.

Early symptoms include pain in the back, hips, thighs, swelling of the scrotum and penis, weight loss, fatigue and loss of appetite.

“Prostrate cancer is curable with early detection. If a person has any of these symptoms he should get himself tested by a reputed doctor”, he said.