EVERGREEN PARK, Ill., Jan. 5 /PRNewswire/ -- In 2005 alone, it is estimated that more than 232,000 men were diagnosed with prostate cancer, the most common form of cancer in the United States among males according to the American Cancer Society. Despite its prevalence, however, prostate cancer is highly treatable if it is found early and in the prostate. Surgical removal of the prostate, or prostatectomy, is one of the most effective treatments for prostate cancer, but the operation causes a great deal of anxiety for the patient because of the risks associated with prostate surgery and its effects on urinary control and sexual function. The investment in new technology and robotics at Little Company of Mary Hospital and Health Care Centers near Chicago (http://www.lcmh.org/prostate ) provides their surgeons the ability to minimize the risks while providing the same benefit of traditional open surgery. The procedure provides a nearly pain-free and highly efficient surgical experience.
Little Company is one of the only community hospitals in the greater Chicago area to employ the da Vinci surgical system in prostate cancer surgery. A minimally invasive approach, da Vinci employs the use of state-of-the-art robotic technology allowing surgeons to perform complex surgeries through tiny openings. The surgeon has the benefit of greater visualization and control of the instruments. In addition, the nerves and valves are more easily preserved using this technique which offers the patient improved urinary control and preservation of sexual function without compromising cancer control. The patient also enjoys a shorter hospital stay, less blood loss, minimal scarring and an earlier return to full activities.
Dr. James Sylora is the urologist at Little Company who championed the da Vinci technology. By mid-September of this year, LCMH finally had its own da Vinci system in-house. “Ninety to 95 percent of our prostatectomy patients are candidates for da Vinci surgery,” notes Dr. Sylora. “We’re already having impressive results with the system.” A leader in minimally invasive surgery techniques, Dr. Sylora is the only urologist in the Chicago area to offer and perform all minimally invasive prostate cancer treatments, including radioactive seed implantation, cryotherapy and now laparoscopic robotic da Vinci prostatectomy.
Ted Hollander of Chicago’s Beverly neighborhood, a 64-year-old business owner and technology enthusiast, learned in July of this year that he had stage one prostate cancer. Dr. Sylora recommended a prostatectomy using the da Vinci system, making Hollander the first patient at Little Company to be treated using the technology. “After learning the benefits of having the surgery with da Vinci versus the conventional method, there was no question in my mind that da Vinci was the way to go,” says Hollander. “I figured that if the operation had to be done I wanted it performed with the best equipment available.” Hollander felt very little pain following the procedure and was back at work within five days.
According to Dr. Sylora, the ideal candidate for a da Vinci prostatectomy is under the age of 65 with a PSA less then 10 and organ confined prostate cancer. As with any cancer treatment, however, early detection is the key to a successful outcome.
“Having used all forms of prostate cancer treatments, I feel comfortable saying that the da Vinci prostatectomy is one of the very best,” adds Dr. Sylora. “I have encountered many patients who believe that they must go to a university hospital to get such an innovative treatment option, but the truth is that Little Company has brought the most advanced prostate cancer treatment right to the community.”
Little Company remains committed to providing doctors and patients the most modern and advanced diagnostic and treatment options for prostate cancer available.
“We already have one of the best CT scanners in the area and our radiation therapy services are the finest available,” explains Dr. Sylora. “The da Vinci technology is yet another impressive addition to the service provided at the hospital.”
To learn more about Little Company, its team of urologists, and da Vinci robotic surgery for prostate cancer, call the Little Company’s health information center at 1.866.540.LCMH or visit http://www.lcmh.org/prostate .
Contact: Kelly Wood Little Company of Mary Hospital kwood@lcmh.org (708) 229-5049
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Little Company of Mary Hospital
CONTACT: Kelly Wood of Little Company of Mary Hospital, kwood@lcmh.org,+1-708-229-5049
Web site: http://www.lcmh.org/prostate/
