17 hours ago
Men, don't wait for pain to be the wake-up call
GLENEAGLES Hospital Johor (GHJ) urologist consultant Dr Zainal Adwin Zainal Abiddin said many Malaysian men continued to view symptoms such as weak urine flow or sexual dysfunction as too sensitive to discuss and often brush them aside until the problem worsens.
"These symptoms are frequently downplayed because they are seen as private or emasculating. But delaying treatment can lead to more invasive procedures, higher complication rates and poorer recovery outcomes."
Dr Zainal also one of Malaysia's few fellowship-trained robotic urology surgeons who underwent advanced training in Glasgow, Scotland.
He said many men are raised to see pain as weakness. Many view urological symptoms as embarrassing, so there's a tendency to downplay or ignore them, hoping the symptoms will go away.
He warned that early signs like frequent urination, blood in the urine, testicular lumps or erectile difficulties could point to more serious conditions, such as prostate enlargement, kidney disease, or even undiagnosed or early-stage cancers.
Dr Zainal said men in their 40s and 50s commonly face issues like benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), erectile dysfunction and prostate or kidney cancers.
Early detection, he stressed, allows for less invasive intervention and better long-term quality of life.
"Once symptoms progress, treatment may no longer be straightforward. Some men end up with irreversible damage or need more aggressive treatment than if they had come earlier.
"Men in this age group often downplay or ignore symptoms like frequent or painful urination, weak urine flow blood in urine, besides testicular lumps and erectile dysfunction.
"These symptoms are seen as embarrassing, so they often suffer in silence.
"But by delaying treatment, they miss the window for less invasive options and that can lead to irreversible complications like incontinence, sexual dysfunction or even cancer progression," he said.
Gleneagles Hospital Johor pulls out all the stops by investing heavily in cutting-edge medical equipment and technologies.
The hospital aims to deliver faster recovery and treatments with minimal pain for its patients.
The robotic urology surgery merges machine precision with human mastery. Using robotic arms controlled from a console, surgeons are able to operate in tight pelvic areas with unmatched dexterity, 3D vision, and minimal trauma to surrounding tissues.
GHJ's growing team of consultants are pioneering the use of robotic-assisted surgery — a state-of-the-art technique that's revolutionising treatment for conditions such as prostate cancer, kidney tumours, bladder complications and ureteric disorders.
Among the tools changing the game is robotic-assisted surgery. Using robotic arms controlled via a console, surgeons are able to perform complex procedures through small incisions with unparalleled precision.
"Robotic surgery offers 3D high-definition vision and fine control. It's especially useful in the pelvic area where space is tight, like in prostate surgery. We're talking smaller cuts, less blood loss and faster recovery," Dr Zainal said.
Unlike the name suggests, the robot does not operate on its own. It's an extension of the surgeon's hands, offering better dexterity and control. Patients regain urinary and sexual function faster with fewer complications.
"The word 'robot' makes some people nervous."
"But let's be clear, the robot doesn't move unless I move. It's not autonomous — it's an advanced surgical tool that lets me do far more, with far less harm," Dr Zainal explained.
Robotic procedures involve smaller incisions, less blood loss, lower infection risk, shorter hospital stays, faster recovery and better preservation of urinary control and sexual function.
Apart from being less invasive, robotic-assisted surgeries significantly shorten recovery time, allowing patients to heal faster and return to their routines sooner.
"Many of my patients return to work within a few weeks. More importantly, they return to their lives — restored confidence, relationships and independence," said Dr Zainal.
He urged families, particularly spouses and children, to speak up when they notice changes in their husbands, fathers, uncles and brothers.
"Often times men will ignore the symptoms, but will act for the people they care about."
Dr Zainal's message to men is clear: "own your health".
"Health is a man's greatest wealth but unlike money, it can't be earned back once it's gone," he said.
"I've seen how early action, combined with advanced treatments, like robotic surgery, can give men a second chance. But that chance starts with a decision — to own your health, today."
"So, gentlemen, please don't wait for pain to be the wake-up call. Get checked. Get treated. And get back to living fully."
