Press Release: Robot-Assisted Radical Prostatectomy for the Treatment of Prostate Cancer

ORLive Presents: Robot-Assisted Radical Prostatectomy for the Treatment of Prostate Cancer Reduced Postoperative Pain, Offers Faster Recovery and May Produce Better Potency Rates

Live Webcast: From Saint Joseph's Hospital and Marshfield Clinic: December 6, 2006 at 4:00 PM CST (22:00 UTC)

MARSHFIELD, WI -- December 06, 2006 -- With more than 230,000 men in the United States estimated to be diagnosed with prostate cancer this year, treatment options for this disease are more important now than ever.

On Wednesday, December 6th, from 4 to 5 p.m. (CST), Marshfield Clinic physicians on staff at Saint Joseph's Hospital will demonstrate and discuss a less-invasive surgical treatment option for prostate cancer -- robotic-assisted prostatectomy live on www.OR-Live.com. The program will feature pre-taped video footage of the procedure as well as a panel discussion of this technique and the comprehensive cancer care available through the Marshfield medical campus. Expert commentary will be provided by Gregory Anderson, MD, urologist; Michael Seelen, MD, urologist; Seth Fagbemi, MD, medical oncologist; and Warren Olds, MD, radiation oncologist.

'The robotic surgery is superior to a conventional prostatectomy
in terms of postoperative pain, and offering a faster recovery,'
said Gregory Anderson, MD.During robot-assisted Laparoscopic Radical Prostatectomy (LRP) using the daVinci surgical system, surgeons use several small incisions and special long instruments to remove the prostate. The advantages over the traditional open radical prostatectomy include less blood loss and pain, shorter hospital stays (usually no more than a day), and faster recovery times. During the robot-assisted LRP, the surgeon sits at a console near the operating table and controls four interactive robotic arms. The system is designed to seamlessly translate the surgeon's hand movements into corresponding micro-movements of miniaturized instruments positioned inside the patient. In addition, the surgeon is able to visualize the field through a 3D camera, which enables the surgeon to perform delicate tissue dissection and suture with added precision.

"The robotic surgery is superior to a conventional prostatectomy in terms of postoperative pain, and offering a faster recovery," said Gregory Anderson, MD, a Marshfield Clinic urologist on staff at Saint Joseph's Hospital. "It is also equivalent in terms of cancer control and continence, and may produce better potency rates."

In addition to this latest technological advance, Marshfield Clinic and Saint Joseph's Hospital offer a comprehensive patient care approach to the treatment of prostate cancer including prostate seed implants and hormone therapy.

Visit http://www.or-live.com/StJoseph/1598 now to learn more and view a program preview. VNR http://www.or-live.com/rams/saj-1598-mkw-q.ram