For many men diagnosed with prostate cancer, the biggest challenge is not only deciding how to treat the disease but understanding how treatment may affect their lives long after cancer is gone. For Robert McCauley, that question became central to his prostate cancer journey.
When McCauley first learned his Prostate-Specific Antigen (PSA) levels were elevated, his response was one of concern, determination, and the desire to gather as much information as possible. Following a referral to a urologist, further testing, and a biopsy, he received a diagnosis of localized prostate cancer.
“At first, the plan was simply to monitor it,” McCauley said. “But like a lot of people, once I heard the word ‘cancer,’ I needed to understand what that really meant for my life.”
Rather than rushing into a treatment decision, McCauley took time to research his options. He wanted to better understand which treatments were effective as well as how they might affect his long-term health and quality of life. As he explored treatment options, McCauley became increasingly concerned about the potential side effects associated with traditional prostate surgery and radiation therapy.
“I’m an active person,” McCauley explained. “I wasn’t ready to give up quality of life, especially intimacy with my wife of more than 45 years. When I really understood the long-term risks of incontinence and sexual dysfunction, I knew I needed to look for something different.”
His search led him to the TULSA-PRO® (Transurethral Ultrasound Ablation) procedure, an innovative, incision-free treatment that precisely targets and destroys cancerous prostate tissue while preserving surrounding healthy structures.
McCauley scheduled a consultation with Dr. Sameer Siddiqui, a urologist at SSM Health Saint Louis University Hospital, to learn more about whether the procedure was right for him. He brought two important members of his support system with him to that first consultation: his wife and his daughter, who is a nurse.
“My daughter was skeptical at first,” McCauley shared. “She wanted to be sure there was enough evidence behind it. That’s why she came with us.”
By the end of the appointment, the family's concerns had been addressed.
“Dr. Siddiqui took the time to explain everything, how the procedure works, who qualifies, what the risks are, and what recovery realistically looks like,” McCauley said. “His knowledge, demeanor, and confidence were incredibly reassuring.”
The discussion left a lasting impression. Walking out of the appointment, McCauley’s daughter turned to him and said, “Dad, if you qualify for this, you should absolutely do it.”
Advanced Care with Incredible Outcomes
Following additional imaging that confirmed he was a candidate for the procedure, McCauley felt confident moving forward.
For many patients, the treatment experience extends beyond the procedure itself. McCauley said the level of care he received from the moment he arrived helped ease the anxiety that often accompanies a cancer diagnosis.
“From the moment I arrived, the staff were warm, attentive, and genuinely caring,” he said. “You could tell they understood how personal this is for men, not just medically, but emotionally.”
He also noted that the hospital environment reinforced his confidence in the care he was receiving. “The technology, the cleanliness, the feeling that you’re in a modern, state-of-the-art facility, all of that matters when you’re facing something like this,” explained McCauley.
The procedure itself went smoothly. Although McCauley went home with a catheter for several days, he felt well informed and supported throughout his recovery. Six months after treatment, McCauley says the results have been everything he hoped for.
“Any minor urinary issues I experienced early on are completely gone,” he said. “And on the intimacy side, I’m doing very well. I’ll take where I am now over what I was initially told to expect with surgery.”
Today, McCauley continues to enjoy an active lifestyle. He exercises regularly, spends time with his wife and family, and remains focused on the activities that bring him joy. Ongoing follow-up appointments and healthy PSA levels have further reinforced his confidence in the decision he made.
“Dr. Siddiqui told me exactly what to expect, and my experience matched those expectations almost perfectly,” McCauley said. “That builds trust.”
While McCauley is grateful for his personal outcome, he believes his experience carries a broader message for other men facing a prostate cancer diagnosis.
“I feel a responsibility to tell other men about this option,” he said. “Too many men only hear about surgery or radiation because that’s what’s most commonly offered.”
Since undergoing treatment, McCauley has spoken with several men navigating similar diagnoses. One of those conversations recently led another patient to pursue TULSA-PRO® treatment after hearing McCauley’s firsthand experience.
“I walked him through my experience, answered his questions honestly, and encouraged him to talk with Dr. Siddiqui,” McCauley said. “A few weeks after his procedure, he reached out to thank me. That meant a lot.”
McCauley has also worked with SSM Health leadership to help raise awareness of the technology, including co-presenting alongside Dr. Siddiqui about the procedure and its impact on patients.
“What SSM Health is doing by bringing this technology to St. Louis is incredibly important,” McCauley said. “Men need to know they have options and that quality of life doesn’t have to be sacrificed.”
As one of the few hospitals in the Midwest offering this technology, SSM Health Saint Louis University Hospital is helping eligible patients like McCauley achieve effective cancer treatment with fewer side effects and faster recovery.
About the Procedure
“This is a form of focal treatment for prostate cancer, meaning we can address only the affected area and spare the rest of the prostate,” explains Dr. Sameer Siddiqui. “By doing so, we significantly reduce the risk of side effects. Issues commonly associated with traditional treatments, such as sexual dysfunction or incontinence, occur far less frequently with this approach, which is tremendously exciting for our patients.”
Dr. Siddiqui was among the first surgeons in the Midwest to introduce TULSA-PRO®, and SSM Health Saint Louis University Hospital remains a regional leader in offering this advanced treatment option.
TULSA-PRO® combines directional ultrasound energy with real-time MRI guidance to precisely target and ablate cancerous tissue through the urethra, without the need for incisions. This highly targeted approach minimizes damage to surrounding nerves and structures that are critical to urinary and sexual function.
For eligible patients, potential benefits may include:
- Lower risk of urinary incontinence
- Better preservation of sexual function
- Minimal post-procedure pain
- Shorter recovery times compared to traditional surgery
While TULSA-PRO is not appropriate for every patient, it represents a significant advancement in prostate cancer treatment by offering a personalized approach that prioritizes both cancer control and quality of life. Through leading-edge technology, precision medicine, and compassionate care, SSM Health Saint Louis University Hospital continues to expand access to innovative treatment options for patients across the region.
