Amir Lebastchi, MD

Amir Lebastchi, MD, explores complications associated with focal therapy for prostate cancer, emphasizing the variability influenced by patient characteristics, disease features, treatment factors, and operator experience.

In this 14-minute keynote presentation, Dr. Lebastchi highlights studies reporting a 13-32% overall complication rate. Bleeding complications, sensory changes like penile numbness, and functional impacts such as erectile dysfunction and transient urinary incontinence are discussed.

To minimize risks, operator expertise and careful patient selection are emphasized. Strategies for prevention and management include tailored ablation templates, urethra-sparing techniques, and post-procedure interventions like alpha-blockers and antibiotics. Advanced techniques such as hydro-dissection and real-time monitoring with temperature probes further mitigate risks.

Dr. Lebastchi stresses the safety profile of focal therapy, noting its significantly lower morbidity compared to radical treatments like prostatectomy or radiation. Close postoperative monitoring is recommended to ensure patient recovery and address complications promptly.