The Earlier, The Better. The Faster the Diagnosis, the Easier For You to Deal With
“Early diagnosis of prostate cancer makes treatment easier and improves post-treatment quality of life.”
Early detection significantly enhances the likelihood of regaining a high quality of life for most diseases. Nevertheless, the effectiveness of treatment and technological progress must go hand in hand.
Dr Paibul Boonyapanichskul, a urologic surgeon, prioritizes advanced, cutting-edge treatments. This approach enables him to spearhead innovative treatment methods, thereby contributing to the improvement of the healthcare sector in Thailand.
Nearly relinquishing medical career to assume responsibility for the family business.
During his childhood, Dr. Paibul's family would often seek medical care from Dr. Sommai Thongprasert when they fell ill. Dr. Sommai, known for his dedication and affordable treatment fees, served as a role model of an exemplary physician. Dr. Paibul held great admiration for him, and this fueled his determination to pursue a career in medicine.
“During that time, aspiring to become a doctor was common for children who excelled academically. I displayed academic aptitude from a young age, and with Dr. Sommai as my inspiration, I made the choice to pursue this career path. My affinity for the profession was so strong that even in school plays, I would enthusiastically take on the role of a doctor, further cementing my attachment to the thought of becoming a physician.”
Although he possessed unwavering determination and ranked among the top students in his province, Dr. Paibul came close to forsaking his dreams.
“My family owned a business, and being the son of a Chinese family, my parents had hoped that I would eventually assume control of it. At one point, I nearly had to give up my dreams. However, due to my strong academic performance and the opportunity to pursue a medical education, I was able to continue in my studies, and I have remained committed to this path ever since.”
Pioneering GreenLight laser prostatectomy in Thailand
Upon entering the medical field, Dr. Paibul harbored a keen interest in surgery. Consequently, he pursued a course of study in general surgery at Bhumibol Hospital and later had the privilege of advancing his education in the United Kingdom. During this period, he trained under the guidance of a urologic surgeon renowned for thriving clinical practice.
Dr. Paibul had the opportunity to observe state-of-the-art treatment technologies at various academic institutions, such as kidney transplant surgery, percutaneous nephrolithotomy (PCNL), and ureteroscopy (URS). These experiences solidified his determination to assume a career as a urologic surgeon.
“When Rajavithi Hospital established its Stone Disease Center, I was invited to join as a full-time staff. This opportunity allowed me to introduce and pioneer the uses of PCNL and URS procedures for the first time in Thailand.”
In addition to pioneering treatment technology for stone disease, Dr. Paibul paved the way for innovative treatments for enlarged prostates.
“During that period, the conventional treatment for an enlarged prostate involved using a resectoscope to remove a portion of the prostate. However, I believe there should be a treatment option that would minimize pain and reduce complications.”
“When laser surgical technology was introduced to Thailand, I was among the pioneers who eagerly explored its applications in treating enlarged prostates. Over the years, I've transitioned from older laser technologies to the most recent advancements, such as the GreenLight Laser. This innovative approach better aligns with our goal of preserving patients' quality of life while minimizing discomfort and complications.”
Dr. Paibul holds the distinction of being the first physician in Thailand to employ the GreenLight Laser and is the sole Asian doctor serving on the United States physician task force responsible for instructing and mentoring fellow physicians in Asia on GreenLight Laser treatments.
Furthermore, he introduced a novel treatment approach for prostate cancer known as brachytherapy, which has shown highly beneficial outcomes in Thailand.
Prostatectomy becomes more manageable with increased expertise, especially when tackling complex cases.
Based on his extensive experience as a urologic surgeon, Dr. Paibul has observed that most older men encounter symptoms related to enlarged prostates. This prevalent condition arises from age-related hormonal shifts, leading to prostate enlargement. When questioned about his memorable experiences, Dr. Paibul noted that there are numerous instances that stand out in his career.
“One remarkable case stands out in my memory. I utilized laser surgery to treat prostate cancer, and thanks to the properties of laser technology, the patient regained the ability to urinate without any assistance. This was in stark contrast to the traditional treatment method, which required the patient to have a urethral catheter for several days post-surgery. The patient was overjoyed because he had struggled with abnormal urination for over two decades. He felt rejuvenated, almost like a teenager, and even expressed regret that he hadn't sought treatment sooner.”
“In another case, I performed a kidney transplant. During the follow-up, the patient expressed immense satisfaction with the new kidney. He had endured a challenging period of dialysis and a significantly reduced quality of life. With the successful transplant and the kidney functioning normally, he could return to his previous way of life, enjoying meals and daily activities as he once had. His gratitude was palpable, and I too felt a deep sense of fulfillment in having the opportunity to offer him a fresh start in life.”
When reflecting on the most challenging surgery of his career, he unequivocally points to the open prostatectomy procedure. This was during the time when surgical technology was not as advanced as it is today. Performing this operation required an immense amount of skill and unwavering determination.
“In one particularly remarkable case, I encountered the largest prostate I've ever seen, weighing nearly 250 grams. With the utilization of PVP (Photoselective Vaporization of the Prostate) or GreenLight Laser surgery, we were able to navigate and treat this outsized prostate. To date, I've had the privilege of employing GreenLight Laser surgery to treat over a thousand patients, contributing to their improved quality of life.”
A brilliant surgeon and a green thumb gardener
It might come as a surprise, but Dr. Paibul took up gardening as a leisure activity. He began this hobby during the COVID-19 pandemic when his hospital visits became infrequent, necessitating several weeks of staying home. Seeking relaxation and a break from monotony, he turned to gardening as a source of enjoyment.
“I realized that if I had idle time, I could pursue gardening, a daily activity I've always enjoyed. I've cultivated mango trees and orchids, even constructing a dedicated orchid house. With plants, the care required is not as intensive as that for animals. Many have remarked that I have a natural talent for gardening, often referring to it as having a 'green thumb'.”
Furthermore, drawing upon his family business acumen and his own medical expertise, Dr. Paibul ventured into the medical device import sector. He entrusted the operation of this company to his
daughter.
If any signs or symptoms arise, it's crucial not to delay. Early detection simplifies the treatment process.
When discussing urologic health, Dr. Paibul, a specialist in urology and the genital system, advises women to avoid holding urine for more than 4 hours, as doing so can lead to cystitis. Conversely, frequent urination, such as every hour, should also be avoided, as it can restrict the bladder's ability to expand optimally.
Men should be vigilant about prostate diseases and observe if their urinary flow is now weaker compared to when they were teenagers. If the urinary stream is half as strong, they should not wait until urinary retention occurs. Many people often notice warning signs but do not hustle to see a doctor until they reach the point where they cannot urinate, which may be too late, making it difficult to treat. If they see a doctor as early as possible, not only would the treatment be simpler, but they also have a chance to return to a good quality of life.
“Furthermore, it is recommended that all men begin annual prostate cancer screening at 50 and continue this practice as a routine. In cases where an abnormal trend is detected, more frequent screenings may be necessary. For individuals with a family history of prostate cancer, it is advisable to initiate screening at age 40, and maintain regular check-ups. Screenings allow early detection, which can be crucial for effective treatment of prostate cancer.”
