Prostate Laser Treatment

In 2023, I was diagnosed with a Gleason 4+4. For two months, I conducted research in various countries, including Canada, Germany, Australia, France, and the United States, seeking the best possible solution. Most of the time, after reviewing my MRI and biopsy reports, doctors agreed on two options: either removing the prostate or destroying the tissues with a combination of radiotherapy and hormone therapy. Even though I was in my late sixties, I wasn’t convinced by these recommendations. By chance, I discovered the Prostate Laser Center in Houston. Today, more than two years later, my latest MRI shows a PI-RADS 1—the lowest possible level after such a procedure. While I do need some medication to support my marital life (which doesn’t bother me), I am incredibly grateful I met Dr. Karamanian and his outstanding team. I continue with regular follow-ups: an annual MRI to monitor my condition and PSA tests twice a month. This ongoing care reassures me and gives me peace of mind. My case was right at the limit of what laser treatment could achieve, and I feel very fortunate to have benefited from their expertise. A heartfelt thank you to Dr. Karamanian and the entire team.

Having the laser ablation procedure performed by the Prostate Laser Center in 2023 has been a God send. I have been cancer free since the procedure without any ugly side effects that occur in other cancer treatments. I would highly recommend anyone with prostate cancer to use the Prostate Laser Center as their choice for treatment. My results after treatment was that my PSA dropped 98% down from its high point...and my MRI checks show cancer free for the past two years.

I am now 8 months out from Dr. Karamanian's surgery, the MRI-guided Focal Laser Ablation (FLA). I continue to be incredibly thankful for the new life that it has given me. The burden of frequent urination was significantly degrading my quality of life. I chose Dr. Karamanian because of the considerable precision (lower risk) that he offers with this unique procedure versus the (higher) risks related to other options. The MRI guidance is what cemented my decision, because reducing risk of incontinence and reduced sexual function to the lowest possible level was primary in choosing which procedure to use. Additionally, any biopsies needed are completed with the same precision and then the exact area is ablated. The personal focus and care that both Dr. Karamanian and Donnie give is really wonderful. They made sure that all my questions were answered in pre-op meetings, post-op checkups, and later followups. I rapidly resumed activities and after the requisite recovery period ran 5k the next day, started skiing and running, and worked up to a 50k race 5 months post surgery. From a function standpoint, my urination went from frequent, urgent, low volume, weak, and strained to something I have not experienced for decades - strong stream, comfortable bladder control, full emptying, and the confidence not to worry about having a bathroom always accessible. My sexual function was not disrupted at all. The extreme precision that the MRI affords allows the surgeon to ablate the needed prostate areas without damaging surrounding tissues and nerves. My procedure was to reduce the size of my prostate, and to biopsy an area of question. The biopsy benefits from the same precision to assure exact targeting of the area of concern and then immediate ablation of the same exact area rather than a separate needle biopsy procedure. In my opinion, the TURP or GreenLight alternatives could not provide the precision to reduce risk of damage to the nerves controlling continence and sexual function, nor the biopsy precision that the MRI/FLA delivers. The specter of incontinence and sexual dysfunction were too great for me. The MRI guidance gave me the confidence to go into this surgery with the lowest risks possible. I am incredibly thankful to Dr Karamanian and team and so pleased with the result.

I couldn't be happier with the outcome of my laser oblation procedure. My PSA was rising and the non targeted biopsy showed Gleason 3+4 7. My local urologist just wanted to remove my prostate. He didn't really care that I would have to deal with all the side effects and may never be normal again. I had my procedure with the Prostate laser center in Houston. They were very caring and wonderful through the whole procedure. As I stand here today 2 years later, I am 100% normal with no side effects. I feel so blessed that I was able to have this option and would highly recommend Prostate Laser Center in Houston.