During National Prostate Health Month in September, Crozer-Keystone physicians remind the public that one out of every six men will be diagnosed with prostate cancer during his lifetime. Fortunately, the health system offers the latest treatments and technologies to care for men who are diagnosed with prostate cancer.
Among these technologies is the da Vinci Robotic Surgical System, which is located at Springfield Hospital. Urologists use this advanced technology to complete minimally invasive prostatectomies that can offer patients decreased recovery times, less blood loss and other benefits.
“The da Vinci system has been a breakthrough in surgical technology,” says Ilya Volfson, M.D., chief of the Section of Urology at Taylor Hospital, and who is fellowship-trained in robotics. “Da Vinci is a master-slave robotic system, meaning that the surgeon is in complete control of a robot that emulates the motions of the surgeon’s wrists.”
The da Vinci System consists of an ergonomically-designed surgeon’s console where the physician can sit comfortably to operate the controls that work like forceps; a patient cart with four interactive robotic arms that hold surgical instruments; a high-performance 3-D vision system, and EndoWrist® instruments that replicate the motions of the surgeon’s wrists.
“With traditional open surgery, there would normally be an 8-10 inch incision,” says Frank L. D’Elia, M.D., chief of the Division of Urology and Division of Urologic Oncology at Crozer-Chester Medical Center. “Using the da Vinci, there are usually about six small, dime-like incisions formed so that the tools that are attached to the robotic arms can be inserted easily. With these smaller incisions, it is easier and more comfortable for the patient to recover.”
“There are a number of benefits when using the da Vinci system for treatment,” says Craig Landow, M.D., a Crozer-Keystone urologist. “Not only is the recovery time about one to two weeks faster, but there is also less blood loss, less post-operative pain, less risk of infection and shorter hospital stays.”
“Because the prostate is surrounded by the bladder, the rectum and erectile nerves, it can be a very difficult and sensitive area to access with open surgery,” says Steven Salva, M.D., Crozer-Keystone urologist. “The da Vinci system gives the surgeon the tools to focus on the prostate area with optimal clarity and magnification, resulting in tremendous precision when trying to preserve important nerves and blood vessels that are needed for erectile function.”
Robotic-assisted prostatectomies are performed when a patient’s cancer is localized to the prostate. Although not all patients are candidates for surgery with the da Vinci Surgical System, Crozer-Keystone surgeons are trained in open and laparoscopic surgery and will meet with patients to determine which surgical option is best.
The surgeons remind men that diagnosing prostate problems early is the key to successful treatment.
“Starting at age 50, we recommend that men have annual prostate-specific antigen (PSA) blood tests and digital rectal exams (DRE),” says Pierre Ghayad, M.D., Crozer-Keystone urologist. “It is even more important to have it done if there is a history of prostate cancer in the family.”
The American Cancer Society recommends that African American men and men with a history of prostate cancer in the family should begin having prostate screenings at age 40. Crozer-Keystone Health System is offering free prostate screenings throughout September. For a complete listing of dates and locations, visit http://ckcancer.crozer.org or call 1-800-CK-HEALTH (1-800-CK-HEALTH). For more information about the da Vinci Robotical Surgical System, visit http://davinci.crozer.org.
In addition to da Vinci prostatectomy, Crozer-Keystone physicians offer the latest options in chemotherapy, radiation oncology and surgery for men with prostate cancer. Specialized radiation procedures include Intensity Modulated Radiation Therapy, or IMRT; high-dose-rate (HDR) brachytherapy; and robotic radiosurgery at Philadelphia CyberKnife, a department of Delaware County Memorial Hospital. Crozer-Keystone surgeons also perform laparoscopic cryoablation, a technique that destroys cancer by freezing the cells.
“At Crozr-Keystone we are proud to provide comprehensive and coordinated treatment for prostate cancer patients. We work closely with our colleagues, our patients and their families to develop the best possible treatment plans. The da Vinci System is one of several options that we have to help fight this cancer,” says Vance Moss, M.D.., Crozer-Keystone urologist.
To request an appointment with a Crozer-Keystone urologist who is specially trained in the da Vinci surgery, call 1-800-CK-HEALTH (1-800-254-3258) or visit www.crozer.org.
Visit http://ckcancer.crozer.org for more information about Crozer-Keystone’s cancer services, or call 1-866-695-HOPE (1-866-695-4673) to request a prompt appointment with a Crozer-Keystone physician who treats cancer patients. Crozer-Keystone is affiliated with Fox Chase Cancer Center through the Fox Chase Crozer-Keystone Cancer Partnership.