The announcement of a new laser treatment for prostate cancer, soon to be made available to the public, marks a significant milestone in healthcare for Guyana. Unveiled during a recent prostate cancer webinar hosted by the Georgetown Chamber of Commerce and Industry (GCCI) in collaboration with OnCall Health, this development offers much-needed hope for men facing prostate-related health challenges. The introduction of cutting-edge treatments such as laser surgery represents a transformative step in expanding modern treatment options for citizens.
Dr. Rajendra Sukhraj, a specialist urological surgeon, explained during the event how prostate removal techniques have evolved, with laser surgery now emerging as the preferred method. He highlighted that traditional methods such as using a hot wire loop have given way to more sophisticated and less invasive options. These advancements are not only aimed at improving patient outcomes, but also at reducing recovery times and minimizing complications like bleeding.
One particularly exciting development on the horizon is the imminent availability of the holmium laser enucleation procedure. According to Dr. Sukhraj, this technique would soon be introduced in Guyana, thereby offering a more precise and effective way of treating enlarged prostates by removing the tissue entirely. The analogy he used, likening the procedure to “drilling a hole in a coconut and removing the jelly”, vividly illustrates how this technique provides a clean, complete removal without invasive surgery.
What makes laser surgery so appealing is its advantage over traditional procedures, such as transurethral resection of the prostate (TURP) and open prostatectomy. With laser surgery, patients can expect quicker recovery times, fewer risks of bleeding, and more immediate relief of urinary symptoms — benefits that are especially important for older men, who are most vulnerable to prostate issues. This advancement promises to not only improve the quality of life for many, but also significantly reduces the physical and emotional tolls that come with longer recovery periods from traditional surgeries.
However, the introduction of advanced medical technology must go hand-in-hand with increased awareness and proactive healthcare practices. Both Dr. Sukhraj and Dr. Dason McKenzie, director of OnCall Health, stressed the critical need for better advocacy and education surrounding prostate cancer. Despite its prevalence, prostate cancer remains a taboo subject in many parts of the country. As Dr. Sukhraj pointed out, there is still no national prostate cancer screening guideline in Guyana, which underscores the need for a more robust public health strategy to combat this disease.
Encouragingly, the Guyana Cancer Society (GCS) has taken up the mantle with an initiative that aims to screen over 1,000 men for prostate cancer this month. This effort, which includes the use of the prostate-specific antigen (PSA) test, is a crucial first step toward detecting prostate cancer early, when it is most treatable. Dr. McKenzie emphasized the importance of such screenings, noting that prostate cancer is one of the most common cancers affecting men, particularly as they age. Early detection, he reiterated, is key to saving lives.
As we enter Prostate Cancer Awareness Month, the message is clear: prostate cancer is a critical health issue that requires attention, discussion, and action. The introduction of new laser treatment techniques is a major breakthrough, but it must be accompanied by a nationwide effort to raise awareness and encourage men to get screened. The strides made in medical technology mean little if men continue to suffer in silence, unaware of the life-saving treatments available to them.
It is now up to the healthcare community, Government, and civil society to work together to ensure that all men have access to both the information and the healthcare they need. Guyana is on the cusp of a new era in prostate cancer care, but realizing the full potential of these advancements would require ongoing advocacy and education in the healthcare system.
