Prostate Cancer Treatment

Prostate cancer is a malignant tumour that develops in the prostate gland,
most commonly detected through PSA blood testing, MRI, or biopsy.
It is one of the most frequently diagnosed cancers in men over 50 in countries such as the UK, Australia, Canada, and New Zealand.

Treatment options depend on cancer stage, Gleason score, PSA level, age, and patient priorities.
In selected low-risk cases, active surveillance may be appropriate.
For localised or locally advanced disease, surgery or radiation therapy is typically recommended.

In many countries with public healthcare systems, waiting times for cancer surgery
can extend to several months — even for patients with confirmed prostate cancer.
Delayed treatment may increase the risk of disease progression.

At Kishiwada Tokushukai Hospital, there is no waiting list.
International patients with existing biopsy and imaging results
can typically be assessed and scheduled for surgery within weeks of first contact.

Overseas test results — including PSA history, MRI reports, biopsy pathology,
and previous treatment records — are accepted and reviewed before your visit.

Robot-assisted laparoscopic radical prostatectomy (RALP) uses the da Vinci surgical system
to remove the prostate through small incisions under robotic guidance.
Compared with conventional open surgery, this approach is generally associated with
reduced blood loss — blood transfusion is rarely required — and a shorter hospital stay.

The da Vinci system provides the surgeon with a magnified 3D view of the operative field
and highly precise instrument control.
At this hospital, the procedure has been performed continuously since 2013,
and the surgical team has accumulated substantial experience with the technique.

Suitability for robot-assisted surgery is assessed individually,
based on disease stage, anatomy, and overall medical condition.
The surgeon will explain expected benefits, risks, and alternatives before any decision is made.

Prostate cancer surgery at this hospital is performed by
Dr. Masaya Nishihata,
who holds certification as a da Vinci Robotic Surgery Proctor —
meaning he is authorised to train and assess other surgeons in robotic technique.
This certification is held by only a limited number of urologists in Japan.

For patients, Proctor status means your surgery is performed by a surgeon
whose robotic technique has been independently validated at a high level.

For patients who are not surgical candidates, or who prefer a non-surgical approach,
radiation therapy options are available.
External beam radiation therapy and brachytherapy may be used individually
or in combination, depending on disease risk and patient preference.

Treatment strategy is determined after full clinical assessment and discussion of goals.

All treatments for prostate cancer carry potential side effects.
After RALP, urinary incontinence and erectile dysfunction may occur;
these often improve over weeks to months following surgery.
After radiation, bowel symptoms or urinary changes may develop over time.

We provide structured follow-up to support recovery and manage any symptoms.
For international patients, remote follow-up coordination is available through
the International Medical Support Office.

Appointments are required in principle. A referral letter from another medical institution is recommended but not mandatory.

For appointment requests and language support, please see the
Urology department page.