Urology
The genito urinary cancer group at The Christie is
one of the most advanced urological cancer teams in the country.
This multi-disciplinary group combines specialist urological cancer
surgeons with uroradiotherapists, specialist medical oncologists,
urological cancer nurses and a comprehensive research team for the
management of all urological cancers and for research in to
genito-urinary malignancy.
There is specific expertise for dealing with conventional and
complex kidney (renal), bladder, prostate, penile and testicular
cancers and published outcomes from treatment are amongst the best
in the UK. All modalities of treatment are available for these
cancer types and since January 2008, the Da Vinci operating robot
has been in service for the treatment of localised prostate cancer
using robotic laparoscopic techniques. This is the only instrument
of its type in the North West of England.
In addition to this, the urological team is a key member of the
integrated Christie "Pelvic Team". This multi-disciplinary group
provides advanced surgical expertise for the diagnosis and
treatment for patients with ultra-complex or advanced pelvic
tumours of both gynaecological, large bowel and sarcomatous origin.
The team accepts referrals from local regional national and
international sources.
Conditions Treated:
Kidney, adrenal, bladder, prostate, urethral, penile,
testicular, retro-peritoneal and pelvic sarcoma.
Robotic Prostatectomy:
Since January 2008, the Da Vinci operating robot has been in
service for the treatment of localised prostate cancer. Robotic
prostatectomy involves the surgeon making 5-6 small openings
(ports) in the abdominal wall that measure 1-2cm. These small
openings in the tummy then facilitate the insertion of very
sophisticated robotic instruments that are extremely manoeuvrable,
apart from being small in size.
The surgeon sitting at a console then controls these instruments
to carry out the operation. The significantly enhanced
magnification, scaling and precise movement of the instruments
allow the surgery to be carried out with reduced blood loss,
reduced pain and discomfort than routine surgery. Apart from
facilitating the precise nature of the operation, it allows a
faster recovery time.
The whole theatre team, including theatre sisters, anaesthetist
and two surgeons (Mr Ramani and Mr Lau) have received training in
several different centres in the USA and Europe. Apart from this,
the surgeons were also mentored by other surgeons who had been
carrying out this procedure previously. We have not had to convert
any patient to an open operation and the length of stay has been
less than three days. No patient has needed a blood transfusion and
the early outcomes have been very promising.
Who to contact
Surgeons:
- Professor Noel Clarke, professor of urological oncology
- Mr Vijay Ramani, consultant surgeon in urological oncology
- Mr Vijay Sangar, consultant surgeon in urological oncology
- Mr Maurice Lau, consultant surgeon in urological oncology
Clinical oncologists:
- Dr Richard Cowan (bladder/prostate)
- Dr Ananya Choudhury (bladder/prostate)
- Dr Tony Elliott (bladder/prostate/penile)
- Dr John Logue (bladder/prostate/testis)
- Dr Jac Livsey (bladder/prostate/gynaecology)
- Dr James Wylie (bladder/prostate/sarcoma)
- Dr Richard Welch (testis)
Medical oncologists:
- Professor Robert Hawkins (renal/adrenal)
- Dr Michael Leahy (testis/sarcoma)
Specialist nurses:
- Ms Jane Booker, Macmillan urology clinical nurse
specialist
- Mrs Catherine Gwatkin, Macmillan urology clinical nurse
specialist
- Ms Sinead Collins, Advanced nurse practitioner
Research nurses:
- Damian McCaul, research nurse manager
- Vivian Thomas, research nurse
- Catherine Redshaw, research nurse.
Chief scientist:
Contact tel: 0161 446 3363 or 0161 446 3364
Patient booklets can be found in our patient information booklet database
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