da Vinci Prostatectomy

Interview with Dr. Fagin - Continued:

Dr. Fagin — Sun, 16 Mar 2008 20:50:00 +0000

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

Dr. Fagin — Thu, 11 Oct 2007 20:14:00 +0000

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

Dr. Fagin — Fri, 16 Jun 2006 21:59:00 +0000

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