Interview with Dr. Fagin - Continued:

Learn more about daVinci robotic prostate surgery



Q: Can my family be there for the surgery?

A: Absolutely!


Q: Is it expensive?

A: daVinci robotic surgery is covered by Medicare as well as most major medical carriers. Your out-of-pocket payment is really whatever your deductible would be for in-patient hospital care.


Q: How many men in the overall population have been diagnosed with prostate cancer?

A: Over 200,000 men will be diagnosed with prostate cancer by the end of 2007 alone. It is the second leading cause of cancer related death in men and 1 in 6 men over their lifetime will be diagnosed with it.


Q: What is the survival rate?

A: It depends on how aggressive the cancer is. If the cancer is caught early enough the rates can exceed 90%, which is why screening becomes so important with PSA's and rectal exams.


Q: What age should you begin having check-ups for prostate cancer?

A: If you have no family history of prostate cancer we recommend starting screening at age 40.


Q: What does PSA mean?

A: It stands for "prostate specific antigen" which is an antigen produced specifically by the prostate gland and is produced in abnormally high quantities when there is prostate cancer.


Q: If my PSA is high does this mean that I have cancer?

A: No, there are many things that can cause a high PSA. Everything from infections to enlarged prostates to trauma to the area can cause a PSA to rise. Cancer is only one of many things that can cause a high PSA.

Stay tuned for more questions!

Interview with Dr. Fagin

Learn more about daVinci robotic prostate surgeryInterview with Dr. Fagin on prostatectomy


Interview with Dr. Fagin:


Question: Dr. Fagin what symptoms typically occur that prompt a patient to seek medical advice leading to prostatectomy?

Answer: There are rarely any symptoms of prostate cancer which is what makes screening so important. It is recommended that every man over the age of 50 and men who have a family history of prostate cancer or african-americans starting at age 40 get a PSA and rectal exam every year. Prostate cancer is a silent disease and screening with a PSA and rectal exam is the only way to catch it at an early enough stage that it is potentially curable.


Question: What is the typical procedure for scheduling prior to the actual surgery?

Answer: We have a team of specialists who take care of my patients both locally as well as manage pre-operative testing. Our goal is to make the experience as hassle-free as possible. The team does everything we can to allow the patient to focus on their care and allow us to take care of the paperwork behind it.


Question: What can I expect the night before surgery?

Answer: Get a good night’s sleep, you’ll be on your liquid diet, as well as the magnesium citrate to clean out the bowels. Other than following our instructions and getting a good night’s sleep that’s all that one needs to do.


More of Dr. Fagin’s Interview will be posted soon…..

Interview with Dr. Fagin on Prostatectomy with DaVinci Robot

Stay tuned for this interesting interview with Dr. Fagin discussing the DaVinci Robotic Prostatectomy.