HealingWell
Search Close Search
☰

New here. Anyone know Robotic (davinci) specialist in SW Florida please?

Support Forums
>
Prostate Cancer
✚ New Topic ✚ Reply
❬ ❬ Previous Thread |Next Thread ❭ ❭
Posted 9/22/2010 1:56 AM (GMT 0)
My 65 year old father was just diagnosed with prostate cancer. His PSA is 8.9, but it is enlarged so I read that can make it higher. And his Gleason is 6. 1 out of 12 biopsy showed cancer. I want to find him a good surgeon to do the robotic surgery for removal as I think that has less risk. I think that surgery is the best option. I don't see where radiation or seeds etc is a better option. Just remove the prostate seems logical.

Where or how can I find an experienced Doctor for him here in the southwest Florida area? Thank you in advance. :-)

ps. we live in cape coral / fort myers area , but can go to sarasota, tampa, bonita springs, naples etc for an experienced Dr to do this procedure.

Post Edited (deecav) : 9/21/2010 8:28:25 PM (GMT-6)

Posted 9/22/2010 2:07 AM (GMT 0)
Just wanted to welcome you here, sorry you have the need. We have several people from your part of Florida, so hopefully some one will sound in with a good reccomendation for you.

Feel free to ask any questions you wish during this process, we have many sons and daugthers that are watching out for their dad's cancer, its good to see that. He's lucky to have you on his behalf.

Please keep us reported on how things are going.

David in SC
Posted 9/22/2010 3:01 AM (GMT 0)
Hi Deecav,

If you wish to travel North to Jacksonville, I'd recommend my surgeon, Dr. Todd Igel. He's the Urology Chair @ the Mayo Clinic and he performed "open" surgery on me. I had prior stomach surgery, so robotic Surgery was not an option. He does perform robotic surgeries. I couldn't be happier with my results, and prostate surgery is a "one shot" deal, so it's best to go with one of the best. There are two hotels on the grounds of the Mayo Clinic and many hotels within a ten mile radius. Good Luck!
Posted 9/22/2010 11:51 AM (GMT 0)

Dear Deecav:

Welcome but sorry you have to be here.  Shown below is a link from a previous discussion on this forum about prostate surgeons in SW Florida. 

https://www.healingwell.com/community/default.aspx?f=35&m=1240132

I continue to understand the Dr. Figlesthaler is possibly the most experienced in SW Florida.  However, from the tone of your post I gather you have not yet done extensive research on treatment options.  At the very least he needs to see a good radiation oncologist to understand the options re seeds or IMRT.  You have one of the best prostate clinics in the world in SW Florida - Dattoli Clinic in Sarasota.  I would strongly recommend that he go there for another opinion.

Good luck,

Tudpock (Jim)

 

Posted 9/22/2010 12:25 PM (GMT 0)
Hi Deecav,

My husband and I live in Vero Beach (east coast) and traveled to Orlando for his surgery.  The surgeon, Dr. Vip Patel, has over 3500 Robatic surgeries and the hopital-Global Robotics at Florida Hospital was great.  It's about 150 miles from you but they have a very nice hotel across the street that we stayed in-the hospital has area hotels that give good rates to patients.  We were extremely happy with doctor, hospital ect., but if your Dad was just diagnosed you should study up on all the treatment options before making a decision.

Renee

Posted 9/24/2010 12:19 AM (GMT 0)
Yes, one of the top 10 in the world is there:
Vipul Patel. 866-923-2863.
Good luck
Posted 9/24/2010 12:53 AM (GMT 0)
My husband had robotic prostatectomy by Dr .Vipul Patel in Celebration, FL (Florida Hospital). He has had excellent results, even though he had a 100gm prostate and was a Gleason 7. Stay at the Mona Lisa Hotel nearby as they cater to Dr. Patel's patients.  The total care of each patient is very personal and caring at this Florida Hospital site. At the hospital your wife can stay the night with you in the room in a fold-out bed, helping you to be up and ambulate several times during the night. Dr. Patel spends time every month teaching out of state or out of country, but the wait is worth it.  Great follow-up.  At 10 months postop and still in the Zero club!
Posted 9/24/2010 9:58 AM (GMT 0)
Hello deecav:

Tudpock18 has recommended Dr. Wm. Figlesthaler. I agree that Dr. Figlesthaler and his partner, Dr. Micheal De'Angelo, have good reputations as DaVinci specialists here in SW Florida. As a matter of fact, Dr. Figlesthaler performed my DaVinci RP in 12/2008.

However, you are asking on behalf of your 65 yr. old father with a Gleason 6 (about my age and stats at the time of my RP). I understand your logic about removing the offending organ. But, it will be your father who will experience the consequences, both good and bad. For instance, post-RP I am totally incontinent and have complete ED; not a very pleasant consequence. Is your father ready and willing for such a possible outcome?

I do suggest that your father not be rushed, and explore to his satisfaction all of his alternatives, including AS. By mentioning these things, I am not recommending one approach over another --- that should be for your father to decide based upon his true feelings and his then present medical condition.

RHC Jr.

✚ New Topic ✚ Reply