Metro Urology

Gregory R Hanson, M.D.

Receiving a diagnosis of prostate cancer can be an overwhelming experience. Numerous alternatives exist for the treatment of prostate cancer. For many men, surgery is a good option.

The da vinci robotic system has been shown to be an important tool in treating prostate cancer with outcomes proven to be equivalent to open prostatectomy surgery. In addition, most men lose only a few ounces of blood, experience less pain and are back to their normal routines faster than with an open procedure.

Minimally invasive surgery has changed the way that we approach many cancers in general and prostate cancer in particular. Given the rapid advancement of these techniques, I completed a fellowship in minimally invasive surgery and oncology at Virginia Mason Clinic in Seattle. This extra training has allowed me to focus my practice on prostate cancer and the use of the da vinci robotic system to treat it. I believe that the da vinci prostatectomy has not only changed the way that we treat prostate cancer, but will also affect the outcomes that we see with it.

Aaron J Milbank, M.D.

Dr. Milbank grew up about 20 miles outside of New York City. He attended Harvard University where he studied Greek and Latin Classics. He then performed basic science research in Boston, Massachusetts for several years before attending medical school at Cornell University in NYC. He then completed a six year residency in Urology and Urologic Surgery at the Cleveland Clinic in Cleveland, OH. It was during his residency that Dr. Milbank became interested in male infertility issues and microsurgery.

Following his residency, Dr. Milbank completed a formal fellowship in Male Infertility and Microsurgery at the Cleveland Clinic. During this time, he dedicated himself to learning and perfecting the management of male infertility at one of the most renowned centers for male infertility in the world. This specialized training included the complete evaluation of the infertile male and the medical and surgical management of male infertility.

After completing his fellowship in 2005, Dr. Milbank joined Metro Urology in Saint Paul, Minnesota where he has established his practice of male infertility.

Dr Milbank has published numerous articles and given presentations at national meetings on various aspects of urology and male infertility. He has co-authored several book chapters on urologic subjects. He has received several awards for his academic accomplishments and patient care (see CV). He is involved in clinical research and is an active member of the AMA, AUA, ASRM, SMRU, ASA and SSMR.

Cesar J Ercole, M.D., F.A.C.S.

Cesar Ercole, MD, is a board certified urologist whose main interest is urology oncology. He is a native of Argentina who moved to the United States in 1974 to pursue the "American Dream". This dream is now complete with Dr. Ercole being named the Director of Clinical Research and Director of Metro Urology's Cancer Center. He is frequently invited back to Argentina and other countries to speak on current issues in Urology. Dr. Ercole is very happily married and he and his wife who is an artist and Spanish teacher at Holly Family Academy have 3 children who are also pursuing the "American Dream". His son is a fourth year medical student at the University of Minnesota Medical School and is looking forward to a career as a physician. His oldest daughter is currently a resident in the Department of Urology in Connecticut; this follows completion of her medical degree at the University of Minnesota; his youngest daughter is a graduate of the University of Minnesota School of Law.

Dr. Ercole is also a member of the daVinci® surgical team for robotic assisted prostatectomies and treatment of prostate cancer.