Does it go by another name? Focal Laser Ablation, FLA, Ablation therapy
What is it? Use real-time MRI guidance to identify and remove cancerous tissue with highly focused, precise, and accurate lasers
Who are good candidates? Low to intermediate stage, Gleason score of XX to YY, and PSA of AA to BB, with no family history, not African American
When did this procedure begin? Since 1990
What kind of therapy is it? Removal of individual lesions or hemi-glands
Where does it happen? A same day outpatient procedure in an MRI suite
How long does the actual procedure take? 1-3 hours
What kind of anesthesia will I need? Moderate sedation
Recovery Time: Return to work 3 days post-op
What is follow up like? PSAs every 6 months, MRIs every year
How much does it cost: $20-40,000 depending on the provider
Does insurance cover this therapy? Maybe, depends on your plan. Frequently the diagnostic and follow up MRIs are covered.
What options do I have if something goes wrong? You can choose any procedure
What are other reliable sources of information? Sperling Prostate Center and University of Chicago
What research institutions are the leader in this procedure? University of Texas Medical Branch and Mayo Clinic
What are the possible side effects?
| Symptom | Presentation | Risk |
| Erectile Issues | ||
| Erectile Dysfunction
|
Can’t maintain an erection | 1% |
| Reduced Ejaculate Volume | Semen volume is low or doesn’t exist | Negligible |
| Retrograde Ejaculation | Semen comes into the urinary bladder not out of the body | Negligible |
| Urinary Issues | ||
| Urinary Incontinence | Urine leakage | Negligible |
| Urinary Retention | Urgency with no ability to void | |
| Dysuria | Pain on urination | |
| Hematuria | Blood in the urine | Moderate for 2 weeks post-op |
| Rectal Issues | ||
| Hematochezia | Blood in the stool | Negligible |
| Rectourethral Fistula | Air, gas bubbles, or stool on urination | Negligible |
| Rectovesical Fistula | Recurring UTI, urine passes through rectum | Negligible |
| Other | ||
| Recurrence | Cancer cells reappear post-op | 10-15% |
| Infection | 1-2% | |
| Hot flashes | Quick rise in temperature | Negligible |
| Loss of muscle | Negligible | |
| Fatigue | Negligible | |
| Osteoporosis | Negligible | |
| Arthritis | Negligible | |
| Breast Enlargement | Negligible | |
| Mood Swings | Negligible | |
| Diabetes Risks | Negligible | |
| Cardiovascular Risks | Negligible | |
| Reduced Testosterone | Negligible | |
| Penile Shortening | Negligible | |
| Radiation-Induced Cancer of bladder, rectum, other | Negligible |