Advanced Nerve-Sparing Prostatectomy Removes Prostate Cancer While Preserving Quality of Life

At just 49 years old, Michael Brossia of Monroe, Michigan, was surprised when a routine physical led to a test that would change his life.

Michael, a trucking supervisor, father of five and grandfather of nine, had a prostate-specific antigen (PSA) blood test as part of his physical. PSA is a protein produced by the prostate gland, and elevated levels can be a sign of prostate cancer or other prostate conditions, including an enlarged prostate.

Michael’s PSA level was elevated.

“There wasn’t too much concern at that point, but I tried to exercise and eat healthier while I was monitored,” he recalls. “When my PSA continued to be elevated the following year, I was diagnosed with an enlarged prostate. A biopsy also confirmed that I had early-stage prostate cancer.”

Because the cancer appeared to be localized to the prostate, Michael was monitored for two years. Then, the tumor doubled in size, and treatment was recommended with either surgery to remove the prostate or radiation.

“I didn’t like either option,” Michael says.

Researching his options leads Michael to Henry Ford Health

When Michael was first diagnosed at a facility outside Henry Ford Health, his initial reaction was simple: He wanted the cancer gone.

“The first six months after the diagnosis were really hard, dealing with what might come next,” he says. “Fortunately, after researching my options, I was referred to Dr. Craig Rogers and was told he was the best. After meeting him, I knew I wanted him to perform my surgery.”

Dr. Rogers recommends an advanced nerve-sparing approach

After evaluating Michael, Dr. Rogers, chair, Henry Ford Department of Urology and a nationally recognized prostate cancer surgeon, confirmed that his cancer appeared to be confined to the prostate. Because his cancer was localized, Michael was a candidate for a nerve-sparing approach designed to remove the cancer while preserving important tissues and nerves associated with urinary control and sexual function.

But Michael was offered more than a conventional nerve-sparing prostatectomy.

Dr. Rogers offered Michael an advanced version of a procedure developed at Henry Ford Health called Menon Precision Prostatectomy, or MPP. The procedure represents an evolution of Henry Ford Health’s work in precision and nerve-sparing prostate surgery and is designed for carefully selected men with localized prostate cancer.

“Traditional nerve-sparing prostatectomy focuses on preserving the neurovascular bundles around the prostate while removing the entire prostate,” Dr. Rogers explains. The goal is to remove the cancer while protecting the structures that are important for urinary control and erectile function.

“The advanced Menon Precision Prostatectomy takes that concept a step further,” he adds. “With the newer version of the procedure, we remove the prostate while preserving both seminal vesicles and the surrounding nerve-rich tissue planes. The goal is to provide definitive cancer surgery while preserving as much of the anatomy important to function as possible.”

The original MPP procedure, now referred to as MPP V1, was developed at Henry Ford as a focal surgical approach for carefully selected patients with predominantly one-sided disease. The newer MPP V2 approach removes the prostate while preserving both seminal vesicles and surrounding nerve-rich tissue planes. This may allow the procedure to be considered for selected patients with tumor locations that would not be appropriate for the original MPP approach or for focal therapy.

For some patients, that distinction may be important. Rather than treating only a visible portion of the prostate, MPP V2 is intended to provide whole-gland cancer removal while preserving additional structures that may contribute to urinary and sexual function.

“The goal is what we call the trifecta,” says Dr. Rogers. “That means cancer control, urinary continence and preservation of erectile function which is what Michael experienced. For the right patient, we want to treat the cancer effectively while giving that patient the best possible opportunity to return to the quality of life they had before surgery.”

An early return to function

Michael underwent the advanced nerve-sparing procedure in June, 2026 and the results have been especially encouraging.

“Michael experienced an early return of both urinary continence and erectile function within weeks — earlier than we would typically expect following a conventional nerve-sparing prostatectomy,” says Dr. Rogers.

While Michael’s recovery has been encouraging, Dr. Rogers emphasizes that MPP V2 remains under clinical investigation. Early functional results are promising, but additional research and longer follow-up are needed to determine how the procedure compares with conventional prostatectomy over the long term.

“It’s important to understand that this is not a procedure for every prostate cancer patient,” Dr. Rogers says. “It is intended for carefully selected men whose cancer appears to be localized to the prostate. The anatomy and location of the tumor, along with MRI and biopsy findings, all play a role in determining whether someone is an appropriate candidate.”

The procedure also requires specialized expertise. Advanced nerve-sparing and precision prostatectomy techniques are not routinely available at every hospital, and patient selection and surgical experience are important considerations.

Cancer removed, quality of life preserved

For Michael, the outcome was what he had hoped for when he began researching his treatment options: His cancer was removed, and he was able to return to the activities he enjoyed before surgery.
“I am very pleased with the results and treatment and have been able to do everything I did before the surgery to live a normal quality of life,” he says.

Michael says he is relieved that he took the time to research his options and find a surgeon whose expertise matched his needs.

His experience also illustrates the value of seeking care at a center with extensive experience in robotic prostate surgery and access to emerging surgical techniques.

Learn more about the pioneering prostate cancer treatment options available at Henry Ford Health.

Cancer diagnosed twice in 2018

After being diagnosed with atypical carcinoid lung tumor, the bottom lobe of his left lung was successfully removed. Ray explains the Pet Scan ordered before the operation, showed the cancer had not spread, however, thyroid cancer showed up on the scan and follow-up biopsy. A few months after his lung surgery procedure in 2018, he also had successful thyroid surgery by Rupen Shah, MD, Henry Ford surgical oncologist.

His positive experiences with the Henry Ford medical team left an indelible impression.

“As an engineer, I especially value the state-of-the-art life-saving diagnostic and treatment equipment that Henry Ford offers (including those that saved my life). Combined with the expert team of doctors, nurses and technicians; Henry Ford is world class!”

High PSA test warrants further review

A few years later, during a routine checkup, his family physician ordered blood tests including a prostate specific antigen (PSA) test to measure the level of PSA in the blood. “After the test came back abnormal, my family physician suggested I follow up with a urologist based on the tests results. Since I really respect Henry Ford Hospital, I made an appointment with Dr. Craig Rogers,” noted Ray.

Ray benefits from new prostate cancer technology

Dr. Rogers, chair of Urology at Henry Ford Health, explains Ray was able to benefit from new advances in prostate cancer treatment including high-intensity focused ultrasound (HIFU) available at Henry Ford Health.

“After undergoing an image guided targeted biopsy to help diagnose the tumor, Mr. Poshadlo was a good candidate for the image guided HIFU procedure that we perform at Henry Ford,” explains Dr. Rogers. “This targeted approach to treating prostate cancer uses focused ultrasound waves creating heat at the site of the tumor to destroy cancer cells while preserving healthy tissue, minimizing the chance of side effects including impotence and urinary incontinence,” he adds.

Advice from Ray on HIFU

For others contemplating whether they should try the HIFU procedure for prostate cancer treatment, Ray advises it.

“If you’re lucky enough to be a candidate, go for it”, he says. “At best you are all set without being cut into. At worst you may have to remove your prostate in the future.

Ray had the procedure in March of 2022, and he remains optimistic.

“So far it appears that HIFU got all the cancer out.”

For further information visit Prostate Cancer Ultrasound Technology.