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Media
Contact:
Tim Ahlers, Director of Marketing and Community Relations
319-688-7340 or e-mail: tim.ahlers@mercyic.org
Robotic Surgery
for prostate cancer now in use at Mercy
November 14,
2008/Iowa City, Iowa: Prostate cancer is the most common non-skin
cancer in America, affecting 1 in 6 men. According to the Prostate
Cancer Foundation, among men ages 40 to 59, the rate is 1 in 39,
and for men ages 60 to 69, the rate is 1 in 14. However, new treatment
options have been developed to help combat this disease.
One of the most innovative forms of treatment for prostate cancer
is robotic prostatectomy using the da Vinci® Surgical System.
Urologist James Magera, MD, is currently providing the minimally
invasive, state-of-the-art procedure at Mercy Iowa City.
“The da Vinci system is a breakthrough technology that enhances
the surgeon’s ability to perform minimally invasive surgeries,”
said Dr. Magera. “Being minimally invasive, it enables patients
to recover more quickly and experience less pain and blood loss.”
Using the da Vinci system, the surgeon operates while seated at
a console viewing a 3D image of the surgical field. The surgeon's
fingers grasp the master controls below the display, with hands
and wrists naturally positioned relative to his or her eyes. The
system seamlessly translates the surgeon's hand, wrist and finger
movements into precise, real-time movements of the surgical instruments.
The robotic system allows surgeons to perform complex procedures
using a minimally invasive approach through 1 – 2 cm incisions
– routinely and with confidence.
Patients may experience the following benefits: reduced blood loss,
less post-operative pain and discomfort, less risk of infection,
shorter hospital stay, faster recovery and return to normal daily
activities, and less scarring.
To learn more about robotic prostatectomies performed at Mercy,
please call Mercy On Call at 358-2767.
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