ANNUAL REVIEW master Final3a - St Vincent's University Hospital

Cancer remains a significant focus for the Urology Department in St Vincent’s University Hospital and has
done so for the last 4 decades. The 2005 Irish National Cancer Registry figures (the latest figures available)
show that nationally prostate cancer was the commonest solid organ cancer with 2407 cases, breast cancer
was second at 2379 cases and colorectal cancer third at 2184 cases. If one adds in cancers of the kidney
(375), bladder (504) and testis (162) the total number of Urological Cancers numbers 3,448 cases. This
figure does not include less common Urological cancers such as cancer of the ureter, urethra, penis and
scrotum (Table 1).
Table 1: Common Cancers in Ireland 2005 (National Cancer Registry)
Cancer
Number of New Cases
Prostate 2407
Bladder 504
Kidney 375
Testis 162
Total Urological 3448
Breast 2379
Colorectal 2184
St Vincent’s Urology has had a sizeable contribution to these figures. On average over the past five years
434 Urological Cancers were diagnosed and treated at St Vincent’s University Hospital. This comprises
15.1% of all newly diagnosed Urological Cancers in Ireland. On average 300 prostate cancers are
diagnosed and treated each year at St Vincent’s University Hospitals. This comprises 12.96% of all newly
diagnosed prostate cancers in the Republic of Ireland. On average 91 radical prostatectomies are performed
per annum by St Vincent’s University Hospital Urologists with an almost similar number being referred for
radiation therapy. These figures do not reflect the large numbers of ongoing Urological Cancer patients
undergoing continuing care at St Vincent’s. These patients require outpatient appointments and admissions for
ongoing care. This group of ongoing patients are a large proportion of the patients attending outpatient clinics.
Surgically 2007 has also seen the further development of Laparoscopic Urology under the direction of Mr
David Mulvin. Laparoscopic nephrectomies and pyeloplasties are now a weekly occurrence with more
laparoscopic nephrectomies now being performed for renal cell carcinoma. This is providing significant
improvements in hospital stay and early return to work for patients. Mr Lennon has continued to expand
Return to Contents
241