Griffin Health introduces robotic treatment for prostate condition

DERBY – Griffin Health is offering men an advanced, minimally invasive solution to Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia (BPH), a condition that affects 70% of men over age 60, that eliminates the need for long-term medication treatment and its associated side effects.

Aquablation is a revolutionary procedure that uses an ultrasound-guided, robotic-assisted waterjet to precisely target excess prostate tissue while safeguarding critical anatomy. This treatment offers faster, more effective symptom relief than traditional treatments for BPH.

“Aquablation is a person-centered and compassionate solution for men who want relief from the discomfort and embarrassment of BPH,” said Griffin Faculty Physicians Urologist Dr. Johnson Tsui. “This safe and effective therapy allows men to regain control and improve their quality of life in a matter of days instead of ongoing medication that can have life-changing side effects including dizziness, low blood pressure and sexual dysfunction.”

BPH is a common, non-cancerous enlargement of the prostate gland that affects nearly all men as they age. The prostate surrounds the urethra, which directs urine out of the body. As men get older, hormonal changes can cause the prostate to grow. This can lead to considerable discomfort and, as the prostate presses on the urethra, disrupts urination.

Common symptoms of BPH include frequent urination, especially at night, difficulty starting urination, weak or interrupted urine stream, and a feeling that the bladder isn’t fully empty.

Managing BPH symptoms can involve simple lifestyle changes like reducing fluids before bed, limiting caffeine and alcohol, and staying active. Individuals with BPH are commonly prescribed medications to relax or shrink the prostate. These medications can help, but often cause side effects like dizziness, sexual dysfunction, increased risk of falling, reduced cognitive function, or cardiovascular concerns. Additionally, medications often require ongoing daily use, and some patients may find that their symptoms persist or worsen over time despite treatment.

Aquablation therapy uses advanced ultrasound guided waterjets to deliver a high-velocity stream of water that precisely removes excess prostate tissue, offering faster, more significant symptom relief and reducing the need for long-term drug therapy. This technique is performed under visual guidance, allowing for targeted treatment with minimal damage to surrounding structures. Recovery is typically short and any needed hospital stays are brief.

Clinical studies have shown that waterjet-based therapy delivers superior outcomes compared to medication alone, with higher rates of symptom improvement and patient satisfaction as it preserves sexual function and continence better than many traditional procedures including the most common - Transurethral Resection of the Prostate (TURP). It is especially beneficial for men with larger prostates or those who have not responded to medications.

“If you are experiencing persistent urinary symptoms due to BPH and want a solution that goes beyond medication, this innovative approach may help you regain control and improve your quality of life,” said Dr. Tsui.

For more information about Aquablation therapy at Griffin Health visit www.griffinhealth.org/aquablation or call Griffin Faculty Physicians Urology at 203-944-3712. 

This is a press release from Griffin Health.

Griffin Health expands PET imaging to aid in dementia diagnosis

DERBY - Griffin Health is proud to announce the expansion of its Positron Emission Tomography (PET) imaging capabilities to include Vizamyl, a breakthrough tool in dementia diagnosis.

Vizamyl (flutemetamol F18 injection) is an FDA-approved radiopharmaceutical agent used in PET scans to visualize beta-amyloid neuritic plaques in the brains of adult patients. 

The presence of these plaques is a critical biomarker in the diagnosis of Alzheimer’s disease. With the integration of Vizamyl into its imaging portfolio, Griffin is equipped to assist neurologists, geriatricians, and referring physicians in the complex process of dementia diagnosis and treatment planning.

“The availability of Vizamyl PET imaging represents a significant step forward in Griffin Health’s commitment to providing comprehensive, state-of-the-art diagnostic tools for cognitive health,” said Griffin Health Vice President of Diagnostic and Cancer Services Christine Cooper, MS, CNMT, RT(N), RSO, FACHE, FAB. “Early and accurate diagnosis is key to effective patient care, and this expansion ensures our facility is aligned with the most current standards in neuroimaging.”

Vizamyl PET imaging is particularly valuable in cases where the cause of cognitive decline is uncertain, or where a definitive diagnosis would guide clinical decision-making. 

The scan results can provide additional information to either support or rule out the presence of Alzheimer’s pathology, contributing to a more informed and confident diagnosis.

Griffin offers a comprehensive approach to support neurology patients and their families, including affiliated neurologists (for indicated treatments), physical and occupational therapy, primary care, support groups, and community resources.

For more information about Vizamyl PET, call 203-732-7265 or visit www.griffinhealth.org/vizamyl. 

Healthcare providers can schedule Vizamyl PET scans for eligible patients by faxing orders to Central Scheduling at Griffin Health at 203-732-1559.

Griffin Health to host virtual presentation on joint pain, replacement surgery

Griffin to host virtual discussion on joint pain, treatment options./ Contributed photo

DERBY -  Griffin Health will offer a free virtual presentation on joint replacement options at 6 p.m. Sept. 14.

Orthopedic surgeon Gary R. Richo, M.D., PhD, will present “Advances in Joint Replacement,” an open discussion of the causes of joint pain, conservative treatment options, total joint replacement techniques, post-surgical recovery, and the return to normal activities.

The presentation will also include information about Griffin’s advanced surgical technology, including 3D Mako SmartRobotics™ which provides unmatched precision in knee procedures.

Dr. Richo will be available at the end of the presentation to answer any questions from attendees.

These seminars are offered monthly. 

For more information about joint replacement or to get log-in information for the virtual presentation, contact Vivian Ramia at vramia@griffinhealth.org.

This is a press release from Griffin Hospital.

Ansonia boy, 4, in NYC battling cancer loves to get mail

Roman poses with Ronald McDonald.

Sharing a post from Roman's aunt, Sara German Aylward:

Ansonia resident Roman Santiago, 4, son of Kellie German Santiago, is in New York City for treatment and is loving staying at the Ronald McDonald House! 

His big obsession: checking the mail. So if anyone wants to send him a little note, he would love to find your letter in the mailbox! He'll be there until March 12 (as of right now).

Roman Santiago, Room 402
Ronald McDonald House New York
405 E. 73rd St.
New York, NY 10021

Thanks in advance!

Griffin Hospital in Derby raises awareness of hernias

An estimated 5 million persons in the U.S. have some type of hernia, but only 750,000 people seek medical attention each year./ Contributed photo

DERBY - June is National Hernia Awareness Month, and Griffin Hospital is joining in the cause by providing information about hernias and effective treatment.

A hernia is the protrusion of an internal body part through a muscle or surrounding tissue. This can happen through a rupture, tear, or weakness in the structure.

Many believe hernias are the result of lifting heavy objects, but there are several causes, including a natural weakness in the abdominal wall or inguinal or femoral canal, overexertion, coughing, surgery, or trauma.

An estimated 5 million persons in the U.S. have some type of hernia, but only 750,000 people seek medical attention each year. 

Hernias can greatly impact a person’s quality of life as the pain associated with hernias can prevent people from engaging in activities that they normally love to do. Ignoring symptoms can also lead to life-threatening complications.

Hernias can occur in both men and women of all ages, as well as in children. 

However, hernias tend to be more common in men. The most common type of hernias for men are called inguinal hernias which occur mostly in the groin area where the abdominal folds meet the thighs.

Women may be more prone to develop hernias at the top of the thigh, often resulting from the strain of pregnancy and childbirth.

Umbilical hernias are most commonly seen in infants, and generally appear as a protrusion in the naval area. 

Umbilical hernias in infants are less troublesome than other types of hernias, since they tend to close without any treatment by the time the child is 3-4 years old.

Symptoms of a hernia

Generally, individuals notice a small lump somewhere in the groin or abdominal area. Many hernias are reducible, which means the tissue can be pushed gently back into its normal place. If a bulge does not resolve itself or if pain develops at the site, seek medical treatment.

Other symptoms include:

• Burning, gurgling or aching in the area of the hernia bulge
• Weakness, pressure or a feeling of heaviness in the abdomen
• Chest pain
• Difficulty swallowing
• Acid reflux

If left unattended, the protrusion through the hole or gap can cause increasing amounts of pain, as more of the abdominal tissue pushes through the gap. As long as the hernia is reducible, it is not considered dangerous, but it can still put pressure on the surrounding tissue. A non-reducible hernia can become life-threatening if a part of the bulging tissue becomes trapped and circulation is cut off to the tissue.

With the exception of umbilical hernias in infants, hernias will not go away on their own. It can take months or even years to worsen. Suspected hernias in children should be checked by a doctor because of the possible danger of strangulation. 

In the short term, reducing strenuous physical activity, losing weight, and/or wearing a truss can lessen the discomfort caused by a hernia. Ultimately, the only way to fix a hernia is with surgery.

To have a physician check a possible hernia, contact Griffin Faculty Physician Surgical Services at 203-732-3443 or visit griffinfacultyphysicians.org. 
Depending on the health insurance, a referral by a primary care physician may be required before speaking with a surgeon. 

This is a press release from Griffin Hospital.

Surgeon to speak about joint replacement at Griffin Hospital in Derby

Ignatius Komninakas, M.D.

DERBY - Griffin Hospital will offer a free presentation on joint replacement options at 5:45 p.m. April 9 at the hospital.
Orthopedic surgeon Ignatius Komninakas, M.D., will present “Advances in Joint Replacement," an open discussion of the causes of joint pain, conservative treatment options, total joint replacement techniques, post-surgical recovery and the return to normal activities.

Komninakas will be available at the end of the presentation to answer questions from attendees.
Refreshments will be served. The hospital is at 130 Division St.

For more information or to reserve a spot, call Griffin Hospital Orthopaedic Care Specialist Amy Gagne at 203-732-7524.

This is a press release from Griffin Hospital.

Colon cancer is topic of March 25 talk at Griffin Hospital in Derby

DERBY - Griffin Hospital will host an in-depth overview on colon cancer prevention and treatment options from 7-8:30 p.m. March 25 at the hospital. 

Gastroenterologists Dr. Harold Schwartz and colorectal surgeon Dr. Daniel Lavy will present “Colon Cancer: From Prevention to Cure,” a comprehensive presentation on colon cancer including the extent of the disease, risk factors, prevention and screening, and therapeutic and surgical options. 
Both doctors will be available for questions at the end of the presentation.

Colorectal cancer is the third most commonly-diagnosed cancer and the second leading cause of cancer death - colon cancer. 
Colorectal cancer affects men and women equally, and people of all races and nationalities, and the lifetime risk of being diagnosed with colorectal cancer is about one in 20. 
With early screening and testing, colon cancer is preventable, treatable and beatable.

Refreshments will be served. The hospital is at 130 Division St.

For more information or to reserve a spot, contact Donna SanGiovanni, at dsangiovanni@griffinhealth.org or 203-736-9919.


This is a press release from Griffin Hospital.

Conroy, Blumenthal, Esty promote Overdose Awareness Day in Hartford

State Rep. Theresa Conroy, D-Seymour, at podium, is joined Wednesday by U.S. Rep. Elizabeth Etsy, left, and U.S. Sen. Richard Blumenthal. /Submitted photo

HARTFORD - State Rep. Theresa Conroy, D-Seymour, joined U.S. Sen. Richard Blumenthal, U.S. Rep. Elizabeth Esty and AIDS Connecticut advocates Wednesday in Hartford to recognize Overdose Awareness Day. 

The officials reaffirmed their pledge to keep fighting the stigma associated with addiction and continue working to get people the help and treatment they deserve.

Conroy said there were more than 700 overdose-related deaths in Connecticut in 2015 and the numbers of deaths have been climbing significantly each year.

“As an advanced practice registered nurse, I have seen an explosion of opioids being used as the primary treatment for pain – even moderate pain. It is an alarming epidemic, and we have to do everything possible to stop it.” 

To help in the fight against addiction and overdoses, Gov. Dannel P. Malloy also announced Wednesday that the Department of Consumer Protection has developed a new, interactive online map that will allow consumers to locate pharmacies across the state where pharmacists are certified to prescribe the overdose-reversing medication naloxone – commercially known as Narcan.

The map was developed utilizing Malloy’s Open Data Initiative and can be accessed by visiting www.ct.gov/DCP/naloxone.

Over the last year, the number of pharmacies making naloxone available has increased significantly, making it available at pharmacies in every region of the state.  To date, there are 363 pharmacies in the state with staff that prescribe naloxone.  

Those who are looking to obtain a prescription for naloxone are encouraged to call the pharmacy ahead of time to make sure there are appropriate staff and supplies available.

Pharmacists with questions about the prescribing of naloxone can call DCP at 860-713-6100 or 1-800-842-2649 (toll free).

Those suffering from addiction or their loved ones who are looking for support should call the Connecticut Department of Mental Health and Addiction Services at 1-800-563-4086 (toll free).

This is a press release from Conroy's office.  

Alliance for Prevention & Wellness to host screening in Seymour of addiction documentary

SEYMOUR - BHcare’s Alliance for Prevention & Wellness will host a special screening of GENERATION FOUND at 7:30 p.m. Sept. 15 at Entertainment Cinemas, 814 Derby Ave. 

The documentary is a powerful story about one community coming together to ignite a youth addiction recovery revolution in their hometown. 

Devastated by an epidemic of addiction, Houston faced the reality of burying and locking up its young people at an alarming rate. 

GENERATION FOUND takes an unprecedented and intimate look at how a system of treatment centers, sober high schools, alternative peer groups, and collegiate recovery programs can exist in concert to intervene early and provide a real and tested long-term alternative to the “War on Drugs.” 

GENERATION FOUND is a great way to catalyze a dialogue on youth addiction and recovery issues in your community. View the trailer at http://generationfoundfilm.com.

Tickets are $11 each and may be purchased at http://gathr.us/screening/16561.

The Alliance for Wellness and Prevention is a program of BHcare. For more information, visit www.APW-CT.org. 

For more information on BHcare, visit www.bhcare.org.

This is a press release from BHcare,a regional community provider of behavioral health, addiction prevention, and domestic violence services for the Lower Naugatuck Valley, Greater New Haven, and Shoreline communities.  

Conroy: State establishes hotline for treatment of opioid addiction

State Rep. Theresa Conroy (D-Seymour, Beacon Falls, Derby) announced today the state now has a 24-hour hotline for people seeking treatment for addiction to prescription opioids and heroin.

State Rep. Theresa Conroy

“There were more than 700 opioid-related deaths in Connecticut in 2015 – the numbers of deaths have been climbing significantly each year,” Conroy said. "This is a public health crisis that requires a broad response.” Conroy is an APRN.

The legislature this year approved a wide-ranging bill to limit opioid prescriptions and require first responders to carry Narcan, the life-saving overdose antidote.

The state Department of Mental Health and Addiction Services (DMHAS) has opened 1-800-563-4086. 

Callers will be immediately connected to a walk-in treatment clinic.


This is a press release from Conroy's office.