Men face unique health challenges and are statistically more likely than women to be diagnosed with conditions such as heart disease, high blood pressure and certain cancers. In fact, heart disease remains the leading cause of death among men in the US. Men are also less likely to regularly visit a doctor, which can lead to delayed diagnoses and treatment.

PMC is committed to providing comprehensive,compassionate care tailored to men’s specific health needs. The medical center offers a variety of specialty services including cardiology, urology, oncology, primary care and more, providing patients with access to expert care close to home. Professionals recommend men receive regular screenings such as colonoscopies and prostate exams, and others dependent upon personal health history. By focusing on prevention, early detection and management of chronic conditions, PMC empowers men to take charge of their health.

Pikeville Medical Center encourages men throughout Eastern Kentucky and beyond to schedule routine visits with their healthcare provider, maintain a healthy lifestyle and seek support when needed. Men’s Health Month is a call to action and a reminder that good health starts with taking the first step! Call (606) 430-3500 to schedule an appointment.

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The risk of developing prostate cancer increases as men age. Other than skin cancer, prostate cancer is the most common cancer in American men. Statistics show about 1 in 8 men will get prostate cancer in their lifetime, with 60% of cases diagnosed in men ages 65 and over,according to the American Cancer Society.

“We are so excited to be able to offer this diagnostic test at Pikeville Medical Center,” said Joni Fields, PMC Vice President of Diagnostic Services. “Being able to provide this advanced testing gives patients of this region access to technology that is not typically offered at rural hospitals.”

The prostate PET scan can be used as a tool to diagnose or help guide treatment for prostate cancer. Prior to the scan, a patient will receive an injection that will highlight prostate cancer cells.

This PET scan technology is particularly beneficial to urologists treating patients who are at high risk of or suspected of having prostate cancer by expediting a cancer diagnosis and treatment. Knowing if the cancer has spread beyond the prostate at the time of diagnosis is a monumental step in helping patients achieve the best possible outcome.

In its early stages, prostate cancer may not exhibit any symptoms, but as it advances, it may cause men to experience trouble urinating, decreased force in the urine stream, blood in the urine, weight loss without trying or erectile dysfunction.For more information about this technology at Pikeville Medical Center, visit pikevillehospital.org/prostate-cancer-detection.

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Aquablation is a minimally invasive procedure using waterjet technology performed by the AquaBeam Robotic System, the first FDA-cleared, surgical robot utilizing automated tissue resection for the treatment of LUTS due to BPH. Aquablation therapy combines real-time, multi-dimensional imaging, automated robotics and heat-free waterjet ablation for targeted, controlled and immediate removal of prostate tissue. It is the only procedure that combines a camera (cystoscope) with ultrasound imaging, which allows surgeons to see the entire prostate in real
time, unlike other surgical procedures which only use a camera.

With Aquablation therapy, surgeons can create a personalized treatment plan tailored to each patient’s anatomy.

With this procedure, ultrasound imaging is used to map which parts of the prostate need to be removed. Once the map is complete, the robotically controlled water jet ablates the prostate tissue, avoiding critical structures to  preserve sexual function and continence. Proven in numerous clinical studies, Aquablation therapy offers predictable and reproducible outcomes, independent of prostate anatomy, prostate size or surgeon experience.

“We are proud to be the first in our region to offer a solution for men with BPH that provides significant, long-lasting symptom relief with lower risk to their sexual function or continence,” said PMC Urologist Dustin Gayheart, MD. “Aquablation therapy is the next step to furthering our commitment to utilize robotic surgery to treat issues affecting men’s health.”

BPH, also known as an enlarged prostate, is a non-cancerous condition where the prostate has grown to be larger than normal. Statistics show that 1 in 2 men ages 51 to 60 have BPH, and the incidence increases every decade of life. If left untreated, BPH can cause significant health problems, including irreversible bladder or kidney damage, bladder stones and incontinence.

“At Pikeville Medical Center, we are committed to meeting the healthcare needs of our community,” explained PMC Chairman, President and CEO Donovan Blackburn.

“Utilizing cutting-edge technology and offering advanced procedures such as this, coupled with a highly experienced physician team, allow PMC to offer patients in our region access to quality healthcare close to home.”

Pikeville Medical Center continues to be a medical leader in the region by utilizing state-of-the-art technology and offering advanced procedures. For more information about Urology services offered at Pikeville Medical Center visit https://www.pmcky.org/services/urology/.

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Kidney stones are hard deposits made of minerals and salts that initially form clumps inside the kidneys. Over time, they calcify and develop into tiny stones. This process is primarily caused by dehydration, but can also be caused by diet, excess body weight, different medical conditions and certain supplements and medications.

“Kidney stones can happen to anyone at any time, but summertime does put you at a higher risk of developing them,” explained PMC Urologist Mark J. Swofford, DO. “It’s important to drink plenty of water, stay hydrated and refer to the tips below to increase your chances of remaining kidney stone free this summer.”

TIPS FOR STAYING “KIDNEY STONE FREE” THIS SUMMER:

• Drink plenty of fluids, especially water, to stay hydrated
• Avoid dark-colored sodas, tea and coffee
• Limit salt intake
• Limit meat intake to 6-8 oz daily

Although kidney stones can be quite painful to pass, they usually don’t cause permanent damage if they are found in a timely manner. Kidney stones can usually be passed by drinking plenty of water. In more severe circumstances, stones becoming lodged in the urinary tract, stones associated with a urinary tract infection or stones that cause other medical complications may require surgical intervention.

To learn more about the Pikeville Medical Center Urology department, or to schedule an appointment, visit pikevillehospital.org/services/urology or  call 606-430-2202.

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At Pikeville Medical Center (PMC), patients can expect to receive advanced care from highly skilled and compassionate staff in all departments, and urology is no exception.  PMC offers the services of two experienced board-certified urologists, Dustin Gayheart, MD, and Mark J. Swofford, DO. Drs. Gayheart and Swafford along with their team see patients on the 2nd floor of the PMC Clinic Building.

Together, they specialize in treating enlarged prostate, bladder and kidney cancer, kidney stones, bladder leakage, testicular masses and cancer, and certain trauma surgical procedures. While many medical issues can be treated in the office, PMC urologists also perform many types of surgical procedures including robot-assisted surgeries utilizing the state-of-the-art da Vinci Xi Surgical System. The da Vinci System allows PMC Urologists to perform minimally invasive procedures with enhanced precision. This approach, in most instances, leads to less pain and faster recovery times for patients.

By nature, urology is a very diverse field of medicine and covers a wide variety of medical conditions and diseases. The PMC Urology department offers a wide range of care, including, but not limited to:

• Bladder scans
• Cystoscopy
• UTI treatment
• Testosterone replacement therapy
• Routine prostate screening with blood work and prostate exam
• Prostate cancer hormone injection therapy
• Erectile dysfunction (including penile injections)
• Bladder cancer surveillance (in-office cystoscopy)
• Urodynamics
• Vasectomy
• Prostate biopsy

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The risk of developing prostate cancer increases as men age. Second to skin cancer, prostate cancer is the most common cancer in American men. Statistics show about 1 in 8 men will be diagnosed with prostate cancer, with 60% of cases diagnosed in men aged 65 and over, according to the American Cancer Society.

“We are so excited to be able to offer this new diagnostic test at Pikeville Medical Center,” said Joni Fields, PMC Vice President of Diagnostic Services. “Being able to provide this advanced testing gives patients of this region access to technology that is not offered at any other facility in Eastern Kentucky.”

The prostate PET scan can be used as a tool to diagnose or help guide treatment for prostate cancer. Prior to the scan, a patient will receive an injection which will highlight prostate cancer cells.

This new PET scan technology is particularly beneficial to urologists treating patients who are at high risk of or suspected of having prostate cancer by offering an advanced tool to expedite a cancer diagnosis and treatment. Knowing if the cancer has spread beyond the prostate at the time of diagnosis is a monumental step in helping patients achieve the best possible outcome.

In its early stages prostate cancer may not exhibit any symptoms, but as it advances may cause men to experience trouble urinating, decreased force in the urine stream, blood in the urine, weight loss without trying or erectile dysfunction.

For more information about this new technology at Pikeville Medical Center, please visit https://www.pmcky.org/services/diagnostic-center/

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Pikeville Medical Center’s (PMC) highly skilled Urology team consists of Dr. Mark Swofford and Dr. Dustin Gayheart, who offer the latest treatments and surgical procedures. PMC’s urologists are committed to diagnosing and treating conditions relating to diseases of the urinary tract in both men and women. For qualifying patents, PMC offers minimally invasive robotic surgery using the da Vinci Xi Surgical System. This 3D system provides intelligent technology using a minimally invasive approach.

“In the past, surgery would typically require large open incisions, but with the da Vinci System, we make several small incisions,” explained Dr.Gayheart. “In doing robotic surgeries, we use a control system which allows our hand movements to make very precise incisions using tiny instruments inside the body.”

PMC’s urology department helps keep patients close to home and helps them get back to their everyday lives as quickly as possible.

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Urologic diseases or conditions include urinary tract infections, kidney stones, bladder control problems and prostate problems, among others. Some urologic disorders last a relatively short amount of time, while others affect the patient for a much longer time.

Pikeville Medical Center (PMC) offers a team of specially trained physicians focused on treating disorders and diseases affecting the urinary tract in both males and females. PMC’s Urologists, Mark Swofford, DO, and Dustin Gayheart, MD, focus on surgical and medical diseases of the male and female urinary tract system and the male reproductive organs.

Drs. Swofford and Gayheart are each Board Certified and have the ability to offer a wide assortment of procedures to patients. This highly trained and dedicated team works together to provide the region with services and procedures such as cystoscopy, prostate biopsy, urodynamics, urethral dilation, bladder scans, heparin injections, penile implants, bladder sling, prostate cancer hormone injection therapy and many other specialized procedures.

“In the past, surgery would typically require large open incisions, but with the da Vinci System, we make several small incisions,” explained Dr. Gayheart. “We perform many different robotic surgeries using a control system which allows our hand movements to make more precise movements using tiny instruments inside the body.”

The Urology Department is located on the second floor of the PMC Clinic Building. Office hours are Monday through Friday, 8:30am through 4:00pm. To learn more about the PMC Urology Department, visit www.pmcky.org/urology, or call 606-430-2202.

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