Page 19 - UHN Year In Review 2014-15: Patients As Partners In Care

About half of all men over the age of Ontario trained in the use of this Even though he was on medication,
50 will have an enlarged prostate, tool, which works by vaporizing the he was always conscious about
a process also known as benign prostate tissue. needing to be near a bathroom and
prostatic hyperplasia (BPH). was waking up numerous times in
“Men are very satisfied with this the night to urinate.
This may create blockage of urine technology because it allows them
flow causing bothersome urinary to be treated quickly, efficiently, with “I thought I was adequately
symptoms such as frequent an easy recovery,” says Dr. Elterman, controlling the problem with
urination, weak or slow urine stream, adding that it also alleviates medication. But it turns out I wasn’t
and waking up frequently at night. pressures on the healthcare system and if I had not had the surgery
If left untreated, serious bladder and with no overnight hospital I might have easily caused irreversible
kidney damage, frequent urinary admissions required.” damage to my bladder and kidney,”
tract infections, significant bleeding says Gary. “It was gratifying to be
or stones in the bladder could result. Gary Klein, the first patient at UHN treated with the GreenLight Laser.
to receive GreenLight Laser surgery,
Dr. Dean Elterman, a men’s health was experiencing the typical “The surgery itself was remarkable,
expert who teaches other urologists symptoms associated with an there was a very small amount of
how to use the GreenLight Laser, enlarged prostate. pain and I recovered quite quickly.”
is one of a handful of surgeons in

Highlights The program, established by Steve McCabe,
launches a new era of plastic and
Program improves patient quality of life reconstructive surgery. (Photo: UHN)
A preventative and rapid assessment program was developed for patients with
excess fluid in their chests as a result of their cancer. Previously these patients
were admitted to hospital, but this program improves patient quality of life
and reduces hospital admissions by identifying, treating and following at-risk
patients as outpatients.

One robot, two surgeries
Drs. Fayez Quereshy, Sean Cleary and Alice Wei performed the first combined
robotic rectal and liver resection in Canada. Using the da Vinci Robotic Surgical
System surgeons successfully treated a patient with Stage 4 colon cancer and
a liver metastasis in a single surgery. With robotic surgery, surgeons are able
to use minimally invasive techniques that result in more precise removal of
cancer cells, smaller incisions, and fewer complications.

Canada’s first Hand Transplant Program Established
Dr. Steve McCabe established Canada’s first Hand Transplant Program, which
will begin a new era of plastic and reconstructive surgery, including partial
and full face transplants. The surgeons and medical teams are internationally
known for treating complex hand, wrist and arm injuries, and are trained and
experienced in all areas of transplant surgery.

Year in Review 2014 – 2015 19