I had HIFU almost 3 years ago. I flew to Puerto Vallarta on a Sunday, had HIFU with Dr. Pugach on Monday, flew home on Tuesday and went back to work on Wednesday! I felt then, and I still feel now, like a young man again! My energy is great and I can't wait to go to work every day.

-TS

April 2, 2020

After undergoing a biopsy, Dr. Robert Pugach explained treatment options ranging from watchful waiting to HIFU. Even though my prostate cancer was in the early stages, I decided to be treated with HIFU. I’m not the type of man that can wait and watch. My HIFU procedure was performed in June 2014 in Puerto Vallarta. I'm very thankful that I was in the hands of one of the most experienced HIFU Doctors in the country. Also, thanks to the HIFU Prostate Services team, and a HIFU patient that I spoke with, who is now a good friend, for guiding me through the entire procedure. I’m a strong advocate for prostate cancer screening and will do all I can to help educate men about HIFU.

Tony March 14, 2019

I was very lucky when I was diagnosed with prostate cancer to be introduced to Dr. Pugach. He gave me all of the options possible for my treatments. After my research and talking with my Doctors, I decided to go with Dr. Pugach for the HIFU surgery. This was the best decision of my life. Dr. Pugach and his office staff have knowledgeable, patient, caring, and just took care of me. Dr. Pugach is the best in his field and I would strongly recommend him.

JV March 14, 2019

I studied HIFU for about ten years before it became legal in the USA. I was told by my Urologist that I was not a candidate for HIFU my Gleason score was #7 and that I had cancer on both sides of my Urethra. I Made an appointment with Dr. Pugach. They did an MRI and a Bone Scan and said I was a candidate. I made an appointment for the HIFU procedure It was done at 2:30 pm on 03/28/2018 I was done at 7:30 PM I had dinner at a restaurant at 8:30 PM everything went as he discussed with me. No cutting No Bleeding No Pain we stayed at the local Marriott and drove home 270 miles 2 days after the procedure two weeks later doing great. I would recommend highly this procedure to any one that has prostate cancer. Dr Pugach can give my contact Information for reference on request.

PS March 14, 2019

My brother was diagnosed 5 years ago with metastatic prostate cancer. He was the type of guy who didn’t visit the doctor and when he finally did, he found that he had stage 4 colon cancer and has his tumor removed. He now lives with a colostomy bag. He was lucky to survive that.

After dealing with the colon cancer, he learned he had prostate cancer which had travelled to his bones in the pelvic area and spine.

When Dr. Pugach heard about all of this 5 years ago, he said he was going to monitor me carefully because he thought it would be inevitable that I would also get prostate cancer. After 5 biopsies over 5 years and 3 MRI’s, Dr. Pugach found my prostate cancer.

Unlike my brother, I chose to have HIFU early and get rid of my cancer so that I could continue to live a long and healthy life. Five days before Christmas 2018, I had my HIFU treatment and enjoyed Christmas with my family. No one knew I was wearing a leg bag (catheter) and no one knew I even went through this procedure over the holidays except for my immediate family.

Today I had my catheter removed and I feel great! All I can say is, I hope your will get a doctor like Dr. Pugach who will be persistent in your situation and will take care of you the way he did for me. He had first hand experience with his brother and himself, so I knew I was in good hands.

Thank God for Dr. Pugach.

RF March 14, 2019

Five years cancer free!
Five years ago at the age of 62 I had a routine blood test that indicated my PSA was elevated to the point that further tests would be required.  I had no symptoms and felt normal.  One risk factor that was important was that my father had been diagnosed with prostate cancer in his 60's.  After discussing the situation with my wife, we decided further investigation was warranted.

As a retired firefighter of 30 plus years I was well aware of the issue of prostate cancer as it had affected numerous friends that I had worked with.  The majority had been less than satisfied with the treatment and results post-surgery.  Incontinence and loss of sexual function seemed to be the norm.  After numerous conversations with people I trusted I was really in a quandary as to how to proceed.  Fortunately, I ran into a good buddy who is a retired police officer with the City of Long Beach.  He had recently had been diagnosed with prostate cancer and had been referred to Dr. Pugach in Los Alamitos.  Following his diagnosis and ultimate treatment he was ecstatic with the results.  He was back to pretty much normal within a couple of months and most importantly cancer free.

I made the decision to put myself in the hands of Dr. Pugach and hope for the best.  Five years later I am cancer free and have full sexual function, no incontinence and pretty much lead a normal life.  HIFU was something I had never heard of but because of word of mouth from people I trusted I decided to give it a try.  It worked and I have been very pleased with the results.  Dr. Pugach and his staff have been exceptional.  I highly recommend HIFU as a treatment option for prostate cancer.  Dr. Pugach has an extensive history with HIFU and is considered one of the preeminent urologists in his field.  He's also a good guy.

DT March 14, 2019

I was very lucky when I was diagnosed with prostate cancer to be introduced to Dr. Pugach. He gave me all of the options possible for my treatments. After my research and talking with my doctors, I decided to go with Dr. Pugach for the HIFU surgery. This was the best decision of my life.
Dr. Pugach and his office staf have been knowledgable, patient, caring, and just took care of me. Dr. Pugach is the best in his field and I would strongly recommend him.

-Jeff V. June 4, 2018

Six and 1/2 years ago I was diagnosed with prostate cancer by Dr. Pugach.  I had come in for a couple of years for urology check- ups.  After a high PSA, he did a biopsy and confirmed the diagnosis.
Dr. Pugach discussed all of my options with me.  At the time, he was doing HIFU in Puerta Vallarta, Mexico.  I chose HIFU because it was the best I could do.   Mexico was great, I came home a couple days later.  I returned to work feeling great, the same as I did before surgery.  I work on my own so I was able to work when I was ready.
Today I feel great.  I feel like I never had surgery.  I would recommend HIFU to anyone considering treatment of their prostate cancer.  I am happy with everything he did and I’m grateful to have a great quality of life. Thank you Dr. Pugach
Hace 6 años ½ me diagnosticaron con cáncer de próstata por el Dr. Pugach . Yo había sido objeto de un par de años para copias de urología check.
Después de un alto nivel de PSA, me hizo una biopsia y se confirmó el diagnóstico . El Dr. Pugach discutido todas mis opciones conmigo . En ese momento, él estaba haciendo HIFU en Puerto Vallarta , México.
Elegí HIFU porque era lo mejor que podía hacer. México era grande , llegué a casa un par de días más tarde. Volví a trabajar sensación grande, lo mismo que lo hacía antes de la cirugía. Yo trabajo por mi cuenta, así que era capaz de trabajar cuando estaba listo.
Hoy me siento muy bien . Siento como si nunca hubiera tenido la cirugía . Yo recomendaría a cualquiera que esté considerando HIFU el tratamiento de su cáncer de próstata. Estoy contento con todo lo que hizo y estoy agradecido de tener una gran calidad de vida. Gracias Dr. Pugach - Abel

Abel August 25, 2016

Four years ago I was diagnosed with early stage of prostate cancer. Dr. Pugach explained my options and after research I chose cryoablation.  The procedure was easier than I expected and my recovery was short. I was back to normal quickly and four years later I'm cancer free. I would recommend Dr. Pugach to anyone. 

Peter October 30, 2015

I had a bad experience with a previous urologist two years ago. He misdiagnosed me and performed a procedure that was not necessary and extremely painful. It took me two years to get up the courage to see another urologist. My internist referred me to Dr. Pugach in April of this year. I took the first appointment I could get. I told Dr. P of my previous experience and he assured me we wouldn't do the same thing again. He examined me and asked me a number of pointed questions. After new tests I had not had before, the doctor confirmed that I had an enlarged prostate, not a urethral restriction. Dr. P explained my treatment options for inpatient surgical procedures and a less invasive outpatient procedure called CoolWave, which I chose. I would definitely advise anyone else with the same issue to consider this procedure. I'd also like to mention that I used to need the bathroom at least a dozen times in a 12 hour work shift. Now I go maybe twice! After 40 years of happy marriage, this procedure renewed my confidence in intimacy with my wife. I feel like a newly married man! I really appreciate my referring doctor sending me to a smaller practice. Its more personalized care and I can get to know my doctor and his staff. I thank Dr. Pugach as does my wife! 

Bob C. October 30, 2015

Dr. Pugach is a fantastic, understanding doctor. His staff relates to him and they are very efficient and professional, which makes me feel very comfortable. Dr. Pugach operated on my prostate 18 years ago! I would recommend him to anyone.  

Stanley Y. October 30, 2015

Good morning Gladys, Dr. Pugach and your entire team,
I wanted to take a minute to tell you how grateful that Jane and I are for your quick action, logical diagnosis process, recommendations and general responsiveness to our diagnosis of prostate cancer, Gleason 4+5. In the end, we decided on removal of the prostate at City of Hope as opposed to the HIFU process. I think it might be helpful for you to know our decision making process. I was concerned about the aggressive type of cancer, the odds of reoccurrence in five years, and the risk that insurance would not stick with me once HIFU was performed. I was also very concerned about the method the body cleans up the detritus created by HIFU and bladder and urethra issues associated with it. All this considered, I just wanted the prostate out. I would deal with the known consequences. You were all fantastic, but in the end run, I took your advice and called City of Hope. It was clear to them that we needed to move quickly. Surgery using the DaVinci microsurgery was performed Saturday, January 22, by Dr. Lau. One week later, I have been diagnosed "cancer free." There was no cancer on the periphery and none in the lymph nodes. While we will watch this carefully over the next months and years this is as good an outcome as might be expected with my Gleason score. I have no incontinence, and, well, the rest, we will see. Thank you again for your role in this process. Without your expert testing and guidance, I could not be sitting here today giving this report. Regards,

Ron October 30, 2015

I wish that all doctors were like Dr. Pugach, knowledgeable, listens, friendly well organized staff and available when needed. I was having some urinary problems and was diagnosed by another doctor and I did not think it was correct. I met with Dr. Pugach and he listened carefully and indicated to me that he did not agree with the other diagnosis. As it turns out, I had prostate cancer. Dr. Pugach spent time and described all the various solutions and presented the pros and cons of each procedure. He patiently answered all my questions then and each time I met him both before and after the procedure, and always asked if he addressed all my questions. I chose to do the HIFU,  Intensity Focused Ultrasound which is not yet approved in the USA; however is approved in most of the world. Dr Pugach performs the procedure in Puerto Vallarta, Mexico. He was scheduled to be there in July 2011; however he did not want me to wait until then and made a special trip for me (missing a Urology convention) in May. I am very pleased with the outcome of the procedure and, especially, the fine treatment by Dr. Pugach who I unreservedly recommend to anyone with Urological needs.   

Duke O.  October 30, 2015

Deciding what kind of prostate cancer treatment to get is a critical decision. Every man is different. But do your research and get all the facts. I’m happy that I explored all options before deciding on a new procedure.  I’m so pleased that I selected  HIFU and wouldn’t hesitate to recommend this procedure.

Donald T. October 30, 2015

I found out that I had Prostate cancer in mid May 2008. I made an appointment with Dr. Pugach and he explained all the procedures available, after some thought I chose High Intensity Focused Ultrasound or much easier to say HIFU. I had the procedure done July 20, 2008 and I have been cancer free now going on 4 years. I cannot express the excellence in which the Dr. handled the procedure not just from the beginning but also follow-ups He Specializes in minimally invasive treatments. Anyone who reads this that thinks they have a Urologic condition of any kind make an appointment now. Also the caring does not stop with this Great Dr. it goes also to the Nurses and Staff they CARE about their patients more than the norm we all have experienced, I feel the rating system should allow for A+++++ I think you get the picture. I owe my Life to this Man, and I cannot say Thank You enough, there are no words that are good enough but Thank You Again. 

Bill D. October 30, 2015

My general practitioner (GP) diagnosed me with a high Prostate-Specific Antigen (PSA) score in March of 2012. With good intent, he referred me to a urologist. However, my wife, who is a registered nurse did some research, and found the highly regarded Dr. Robert Pugach. 
Dr. Pugach performed a biopsy procedure, which showed that I had prostate cancer (9 out of 10 cores of the biopsy were positive for cancer and all of them had a Gleason Score between 6 and 7). He explained all of the options that were available to me, and gave me an injection (Lupron) to stop the growth of the tumors for three months.
Then Dr. Pugach ordered a bone scan and MRI so that he could ensure that my cancer had not spread to my bones or the rest of my body. Thankfully, the results of the bone scan and the MRI came back negative, and Dr. Pugach determined that I was eligible for a variety of treatments, but I chose High Intensity Focused Ultrasound (HIFU). The FDA had not yet approved the HIFU procedure in the United States. As such, I elected to have my HIFU done in Puerto Vallarta, Mexico in May of 2012.
Dr. Pugach has an incredible network of doctors and caretakers in Mexico to assist him with the procedure, including the local urologist in Mexico, and the HIFU team from Charlotte, North Carolina. They helped me feel at ease during the procedure, and they ensured that everything went smoothly. The procedure itself was painless, as I was under anesthesia, and I had a very quick recovery. I walked out of the hospital with very little discomfort on the same day that Dr. Pugach performed my procedure. My speedy recovery validated my confidence in the abilities of Dr. Pugach and his team. Three months after my procedure, I went for my first PSA test, where my PSA was <0.01. This is the lowest possible PSA score that an individual can get, which means that my HIFU treatment worked, and I am cured of prostate cancer. Additionally, Dr. Pugach has been treating me for a frequent urination issue that I’ve had for about 10 years, and he is making incredible strides. My urination is becoming less and less frequent. I have a tremendous amount of respect for Dr. Pugach and his entire team, and I highly recommend him to anyone that has prostate or urinary problems.   

Adolph A. October 30, 2015