Dr. Roy McGregor

Frequently Asked Questions

Who treats prostate cancer?

A urologist is usually one of the main specialists involved in diagnosing and treating prostate cancer. Depending on the stage and treatment required, care may also involve radiation oncologists, medical oncologists, radiologists and other specialists.

What is Cobot-Assisted Laparoscopic Prostate Cancer Surgery?

Cobot-assisted laparoscopic prostate surgery is a minimally invasive approach in which the surgeon performs the operation using laparoscopic instruments with assistance from a collaborative robotic system. The surgeon remains in control of the procedure.

Does Dr. McGregor perform minimally invasive prostate cancer surgery in Jamaica?

Yes. Dr. McGregor performs Cobot-Assisted Laparoscopic Prostate Cancer Surgery in Jamaica and has performed over 200 cases.

How is laparoscopic prostate cancer surgery different from open surgery?

Traditional open prostate surgery requires a larger incision. Laparoscopic surgery is performed through several small incisions, which can reduce blood loss, postoperative pain and recovery time in appropriately selected patients.

How many incisions are made during Cobot-Assisted Laparoscopic Prostate Surgery?

Dr. McGregor performs the procedure through approximately five small incisions, rather than the larger incision required for conventional open surgery.

Is there less blood loss with laparoscopic prostate surgery?

Minimally invasive prostatectomy generally results in less blood loss than traditional open surgery. Dr. McGregor reports blood loss of approximately 200 mL in many laparoscopic cases and sometimes below 100 mL, compared with substantially greater blood loss that can occur during open surgery. Individual results vary.

Is laparoscopic prostate surgery an option for Jehovah's Witnesses?

The lower expected blood loss associated with minimally invasive surgery may make it an important option to discuss for patients who wish to avoid blood transfusion, including Jehovah's Witnesses. However, no operation can guarantee that significant bleeding or transfusion will not occur, and individual blood-management preferences should be discussed carefully before surgery.

Will I have urinary incontinence after prostate cancer surgery?

Temporary urinary leakage can occur after radical prostatectomy. Urinary control generally improves during recovery, but the degree and speed of recovery vary between patients. Factors such as age, baseline urinary function, cancer characteristics and surgical factors can affect outcomes.

Can I still have erections after prostate cancer surgery?

Erectile dysfunction is a recognized potential complication of radical prostatectomy. When oncologically appropriate, nerve-sparing surgery may help preserve erectile function. Recovery varies considerably according to age, preoperative erectile function, cancer location and other factors.

What is nerve-sparing prostate cancer surgery?

Nerve-sparing radical prostatectomy attempts to preserve the nerves alongside the prostate that are important for erections while removing the cancerous prostate. Whether one or both nerve bundles can safely be preserved depends on the location and extent of the cancer.

What are the common symptoms of prostate cancer?

Early prostate cancer frequently causes no symptoms, which is why appropriate screening and risk assessment are important. Urinary symptoms can occur but are often caused by benign prostate enlargement rather than cancer.

When should I get my prostate checked?

Men should discuss prostate cancer screening with their doctor based on their age, family history, ancestry and individual risk factors. Screening commonly involves a PSA blood test, with further assessment when indicated.

Does a high PSA mean I have prostate cancer?

No. A raised PSA does not automatically mean prostate cancer. PSA can also increase because of benign prostate enlargement, inflammation or infection. Your urologist may recommend repeat testing, examination, imaging or biopsy depending on the circumstances.

Who treats an enlarged prostate?

A urologist assesses and treats benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), commonly called an enlarged prostate. Symptoms may include a weak urinary stream, difficulty starting urination, frequent urination, urgency and waking repeatedly at night to urinate.

Who treats kidney stones?

A urologist treats kidney and ureteric stones. Treatment depends on the stone's size, location, symptoms and whether it is obstructing urine flow or causing infection.

When is a kidney stone an emergency?

Seek urgent medical attention for severe flank pain accompanied by fever or chills, inability to pass urine, persistent vomiting or severe illness. An infected obstructed urinary system can become a medical emergency.

Who should I see for blood in my urine?

Visible blood in the urine should be medically evaluated, even if it happens only once or is painless. A urologist may investigate for stones, infection, prostate disease, kidney disease and cancers of the urinary tract.

Who treats recurrent urinary tract infections?

Recurrent UTIs may require assessment by a urologist, particularly when infections repeatedly return, occur in men, are associated with kidney stones or urinary obstruction, or have another suspected structural cause.

Who treats erectile dysfunction?

A urologist can investigate and treat erectile dysfunction. Because erectile dysfunction can sometimes be associated with cardiovascular disease, diabetes, hormonal disorders, medications or psychological factors, assessment may involve other healthcare professionals as well.

Who treats male infertility?

A urologist, particularly one with expertise in male reproductive health, can investigate male infertility. Assessment may include medical history, examination, semen analysis and other investigations where appropriate.

Who treats testicular lumps?

A new testicular lump or swelling should be assessed promptly. A urologist evaluates conditions affecting the testicles, including cysts, infection, hydroceles, varicoceles and testicular cancer.

What conditions should I see a urologist for?

Consider seeing a urologist for prostate problems, kidney stones, blood in the urine, difficulty urinating, recurrent urinary infections, bladder problems, erectile dysfunction, male infertility, testicular lumps or suspected cancers of the urinary system.

Do all urological problems require surgery?

No. Many urological conditions can be treated with observation, lifestyle changes or medication. Surgery or minimally invasive procedures are recommended only when clinically appropriate.