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Naples, Florida DaVinci Surgeon Dr. Figlesthaler

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Prostate Cancer
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Posted 9/15/2008 4:00 AM (GMT 0)

Would appreciate comments from anyone who has had Robotic Prostatectomy done by Dr. Figlesthaler in Naples, Fl.  We are trying to make decisions and personal comments would be helpful.  Thanks so much.

Posted 9/15/2008 12:42 PM (GMT 0)

I do not know anything about Dr. Figlesthaler. I live in Clearwater, Fl. and when I was diagnosed I went to my company nurse who suggested I go to Moffitt Cancer Center in Tampa. She told me to stay away from local doctors. Check Moffitt out on the web.

After getting my appointment at Moffitt I was at ease because I knew I was going to get the best of care from the best doctors.
At Moffitt you have a team of doctors not just one and you are made aware of all of your options.

Ask any doctor ' how many of these procedures have you done?' Don't rush into anything, you have time, but don't wait too long, waiting for me was very stressful too. I went in for surgery one day at 9:00 am and was home for lunch the next day. That was 3 years ago. 

I have thanked my company nurse many times for directing me there! You are close enough to Moffitt to make it a worth checking out.

Posted 9/15/2008 2:41 PM (GMT 0)

Thank you Kirk.  My husband will see the local Dr first, check into other possibilities; then make a decision.  Meanwhile, we will certainly consider your suggestion and do the appropriate research.  It is rewarding to hear from someone so quickly as I posted late last night.  You are absolutely correct in saying that the waiting and the decision process are quite stressful.  At this point, all he wants to do is "get it out", which is quite a normal response.  I will continue to do my part with support and research.  Again, thanks for caring. Your response is a positive and we can use lots of positives right now.

Posted 9/15/2008 2:59 PM (GMT 0)

....Welcome to the club Nana...this is the best forum on the net for what you and yours are dealing with. I'm sure others will be along soon with helpful and comforting information....believe me...this site did and still does keep me grounded in the fight we're in....

  I can't help with the information you're asking,  we're all here together and will support one another and  beat this together. So ask away with your questions...someone will answer, or at least point you in the right direction.......

Posted 9/16/2008 4:50 AM (GMT 0)
Welcome NanaD!    W elcome     to   ~ HealingWell ~   and   A    Special Warm Welcome   to   You !   Knowledge gives us POWER.   POWER takes away the fear.   ~      ~      ~      ~      ~      ~      ~      ~      ~      ~      ~      ~      ~     Click   on   link   below for important information that will help you ~ help us!!                                                                    >>   Welcome New Members ~ to HealingWell   The information (link) listed above is to help you get around the forum!     This is a journey best traveled with friends.     Welcome ~ New Friend from all the members here... on HealingWell.com     Know Your Forum Moderators v       Doting Daughter  ~   Moderator for Prostate Cancer Forum   v       James C  ~   Moderator for Prostate Cancer Forum
Posted 10/23/2008 2:33 AM (GMT 0)

Hi Nana,

My husband and I just met Dr. Figlesthaler yesterday.  We were very impressed with everything about him and have decided he will be my husband's surgeon and do the davinci procedure.  Your post is a month old, but thought I'd respond in case you are still wondering.

Posted 10/23/2008 8:52 PM (GMT 0)
Hello Nana,

I live on Sanibel and when diagnosed in Dec. Last year, saw a bill board on 41 and contacted them.

I had many questions, and would have preferred da Vinci at the time, and tried my best to have them do the surgery.

After my initial contact with the Dr.s office, I tried 3 times to contact them again and never got a call back.

Eventually, I had an RRP through Dr. Evans in Ft. Myers, and have never regretted the choice.

As you will be told over and over again, the experience of the Dr., rather than the procedure, is the key to a successful outcome.

I have been fortunate in my life and other than having my tonsils out as a child, I have never had any surgery or major illness before Pca. Show me a needle, and I'll show you someone laying on the floor.

If I had to do it all over again, Dr. Evans would be operating even with the "Zipper" I now have.

If I'm going to trust the Dr. I have to know he at least has an office staff that responds to his patients.

If the Naples Dr. has operated on AT LEAST 500 men, I would consider him once he replaced his staff.
Posted 10/24/2008 6:12 PM (GMT 0)

Nana, I don't know Dr. F directly but I do know a little about his practice.  He is the senior guy, performs most of the da vinci procedures and is evidently quite experienced.  Several gents I know have gone to this practice and are generally pleased.

On the flip side, I went there recently and met with one of his colleagues.  I spend part of the year in Naples but am having my procedure done "up north".  I wanted another opinion as well as getting a urologist in Naples should I have post-procedure problems while I'm here. 

My experience is that this doc pushed VERY hard for robotic surgery.  He only mentioned radiation treatments when I specifically asked and then his reply was "yeah, that's good too...now let's get your surgical appointments...".  So, my impression, rightly or wrongly, was that this doc - maybe the practice - has a strong bias for surgery and I did not get a balanced opinion from this place.  BTW, this was in distinct contrast to the experience I had with my northern urologist who encouraged me to review both surgical and radiation options.

So, my advice would be that if you have definitely decided on da vinci, Dr. F is a pretty good choice.  However, if you are considering options then make sure you go to a radiation guy to get some balance.  A strong choice for prostate radiation therapy in Naples is Dr. Nakfoor...so I understand.

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