Why Choose Metro Urology for Robotic Surgery?
Metro Urology was founded in 1994 as the result of the merger of two well established groups in the Twin Cities. Since then, the practice has grown to include twenty-three urologists, five physician assistants and a staff of over 150 employees. Metro Urology is nationally known for its cutting edge advances in urologic care.
The “Metrobotic” surgery center is one of six centers within Metro Urology. Robotic surgery has replaced many traditional methods as the most advanced form of minimally invasive surgery. The first private practice robotic surgery in the upper Midwest was performed in May of 2004 by Doctors Chris Knoedler and Robert Gaertner. Since then, over 1000 robotic surgeries have been performed by Metro Urology. The number of Metro Urology physicians utilizing robotic surgery has grown to nine surgeons at six different hospitals. While initially, only 3% of prostatectomies were performed robotically. Today, that number has grown to over 70%. Robotic surgery is no longer limited to prostatectomies; it is also used for nephrectomies, partial nephrectomies, adrenalectomies, repair of uretero-pelvic junction obstruction, lymph node dissection, ureteral repair, cystectomies and repair of bladder injury. Metro Urology continues to be on the forefront of robotic surgery and is recognized as one of the top ten busiest robotic centers in the country.
The benefits for the patient typically include a hospital stay of one day. This type of minimally invasive surgery involves “minimal” pain and blood loss, and reduced scarring. The removal of a Foley catheter in 6-7 days as compared to 14 days with other procedures. Patients are able to resume their normal activities at an average of two weeks.
Metro Urology offers a unique approach for the treatment of prostate cancer. Each patient requires careful and individual attention. In order to provide this individual attention, a comprehensive 5 step program has evolved.
Step I - Consultation with the Robotic Surgeon
Each patient will have their specific prostate cancer issues addressed. All available forms of treatment will be discussed to determine if robotic surgery is the best option for treatment. If robotic surgery is deemed to be the appropriate treatment, each patient will attend the Surgical Impotence Management Strategy/Biofeedback class. Learn more about your surgeon
Step II - Surgical Impotence Management Strategy (SIMS)/Biofeedback Class
This is a preoperative class that seeks to educate patients and their significant others/family members about the most prominent side effects patients face following radical prostatectomy. The class provides specific information on erectile dysfunction (ED) and incontinence and how these occur. The class then introduces a treatment plan by which the patients are taught how to manage and treat these issues. The greatest impact that the class has provided is that it gives the patients a sense of empowerment at a time when they feel powerless while facing a diagnosis of cancer. Learn more about this program
Step III - The Operation
A patient is admitted to the hospital the day of surgery. The surgeon once again consults with the patient prior to surgery to address any pre-operative questions. Once surgery is completed, the family will be able to see the patient one hour later. After lunch the following day, the patient is discharged home with a Foley catheter. View post-operative expectations
Step IV - Immediate Post Operative Care
This would include a follow up visit to remove the Foley catheter usually within 6-7 days. Each patient will meet with the surgeon two weeks post operatively for a check up. At this time, the penile rehabilitation program which was discussed in step two will be implemented. We have seen great strides in erectile function with early intervention. Each patient will have a tailored course of treatment dependant on their progress. Most patients have regained urinary control by this time. Few will be recommended for treatment with a physical therapist to regain urinary control. All additional treatment is done within Metro Urology. Learn more about continence tips
Step V - Long Term Care
Prostate cancer requires a lifetime commitment to follow up care. Further visits will include physical exams, PSA blood checks, and penile rehabilitation as outlined in the chart provided. At selected visits a survey regarding quality of life issues will be administered. The survey entitled "The Expanded Prostate Index Composite" [EPIC] can be viewed and completed by visiting our parent website (www.metro-urology.com) Complete the form now.
Metro Urology continues to strive to deliver state of the art urologic care. We are constantly implementing new ideas and methods into our program in order to bring world class care to our patients.
