My goal is for you, as my patient, to have as full developed picture of your situation as possible. This includes knowledge of your disease, how it will affect your body and your lifestyle, and what treatment options would be best. I want you to understand what and why the treatment was chosen because I believe that in the best case scenario you and I are part of a team. It is as a team, each with different roles to play, that outcomes are maximized.
It’s clear that you have a wealth of online research and resources available at their fingertips; but between information that is outdated, slanted, or inappropriate for your particular situation, this is one case where more information isn’t necessarily a good thing. As your Urologic Oncologist, it is my role to be informed about the “latest and greatest”; and to help lead you thru the process of obtaining the right information to make the proper decisions. You are not alone.
You may have contacted me because of my expertise in performing da Vinci Robot Assisted procedures. Although you may be a good candidate for a da Vinci procedure, there is a chance that you may not. In treating my patients, I seek out the best approaches, beginning with the minimally-invasive options. This may include “Watchful Waiting” when warranted; or laparoscopic and robotic surgical approaches when feasible and appropriate. We may find that your best option is one with a larger incision; but if that treatment will maximize cure and outcome, then that is what I’ll recommend.