Information Needed on Nerve Sparing Da Vinci Surgeons
if anyone can give me names of Da Vinci surgeons who they have dealt with, and
had great results. Thanks.
Comments
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Dr. Vipul Patel
I haven't been treated by Dr. Vipul Patel, but I did contact his office and spoke with his associates. Patel has reportedly done over 3k robotic prostate surgeries and charges $36k out of pocket for the surgery. I did not look into insurance coverage, because if I choose him or any other surgeon outside of my coverage, I'd have to pay for it myself.
I heard about him from a Kaiser urologist who saw a video of Patel doing a robotic prostatectomy during which he identified the nerve bundles (very difficult) and saved them. The Kaiser urologist tried to down play the video as being "set up" as a perfect case, but I don't think there are many surgeons who have done as many surgeries as Patel and who can locate, identify and save the nerves with such precision, regardless of their training.
However, I never spoke directly to Patel and I got the impression (unverified) that his practice is "volume" oriented and I got the hard sell from one of his doctor associates during which he downplayed the effectiveness of Proton Beam and other alternative radiation treatments, which frankly turned me off (apart from my general dislike of surgery as a form of treatment).
Doesn't mean he won't do a good job for you, but that was my general impression after reading info about him on the Web and based on a couple of phone calls with his office. However, if I ever need surgery, I will certainly contact his office again and will ask harder and more detailed questions if I need to get surgery done. That's just not the case for now.
Here's a link to Patel's website: http://www.globalroboticsinstitute.com/en/urology-robotic-prostatectomy/why-dr-patel.0 -
I just have my surgery with
I just have my surgery with Dr samadi, chief of the the Robotic and Minimal Invasion Division at Mount Sinai hopital in New York City. As of April 2009, he did more than 2100 robot assisted surgeries.
I am 9 days after surgery. The cathether was removed yesterday and it seems that I am completely continent. I am 52 years old, T2c and gleason 7 after surgery
His webiste is http://www.roboticoncology.com/index.php.
Good luck0 -
My 2 cents is that I wouldSwingshiftworker said:Dr. Vipul Patel
I haven't been treated by Dr. Vipul Patel, but I did contact his office and spoke with his associates. Patel has reportedly done over 3k robotic prostate surgeries and charges $36k out of pocket for the surgery. I did not look into insurance coverage, because if I choose him or any other surgeon outside of my coverage, I'd have to pay for it myself.
I heard about him from a Kaiser urologist who saw a video of Patel doing a robotic prostatectomy during which he identified the nerve bundles (very difficult) and saved them. The Kaiser urologist tried to down play the video as being "set up" as a perfect case, but I don't think there are many surgeons who have done as many surgeries as Patel and who can locate, identify and save the nerves with such precision, regardless of their training.
However, I never spoke directly to Patel and I got the impression (unverified) that his practice is "volume" oriented and I got the hard sell from one of his doctor associates during which he downplayed the effectiveness of Proton Beam and other alternative radiation treatments, which frankly turned me off (apart from my general dislike of surgery as a form of treatment).
Doesn't mean he won't do a good job for you, but that was my general impression after reading info about him on the Web and based on a couple of phone calls with his office. However, if I ever need surgery, I will certainly contact his office again and will ask harder and more detailed questions if I need to get surgery done. That's just not the case for now.
Here's a link to Patel's website: http://www.globalroboticsinstitute.com/en/urology-robotic-prostatectomy/why-dr-patel.
My 2 cents is that I would not want a surgeon that "markets" themselves....The best real do not need to market or "hard sell" you...With regards to my biggest "turn-off" of Patel was the number of "business" awards he had won but really got me he was actually posting this as some sort of great thing...sorry I would want experience, experinece, experience with great, great, great stats....not someone who markets themselves....but that is what I believe and to each their own...0 -
I sure feel like I got a barginSwingshiftworker said:Dr. Vipul Patel
I haven't been treated by Dr. Vipul Patel, but I did contact his office and spoke with his associates. Patel has reportedly done over 3k robotic prostate surgeries and charges $36k out of pocket for the surgery. I did not look into insurance coverage, because if I choose him or any other surgeon outside of my coverage, I'd have to pay for it myself.
I heard about him from a Kaiser urologist who saw a video of Patel doing a robotic prostatectomy during which he identified the nerve bundles (very difficult) and saved them. The Kaiser urologist tried to down play the video as being "set up" as a perfect case, but I don't think there are many surgeons who have done as many surgeries as Patel and who can locate, identify and save the nerves with such precision, regardless of their training.
However, I never spoke directly to Patel and I got the impression (unverified) that his practice is "volume" oriented and I got the hard sell from one of his doctor associates during which he downplayed the effectiveness of Proton Beam and other alternative radiation treatments, which frankly turned me off (apart from my general dislike of surgery as a form of treatment).
Doesn't mean he won't do a good job for you, but that was my general impression after reading info about him on the Web and based on a couple of phone calls with his office. However, if I ever need surgery, I will certainly contact his office again and will ask harder and more detailed questions if I need to get surgery done. That's just not the case for now.
Here's a link to Patel's website: http://www.globalroboticsinstitute.com/en/urology-robotic-prostatectomy/why-dr-patel.
My surgeon team charged a combined $18,000 the hostpital and OR room was $26,015 but my insurance only paid a fraction of it $10,997...the Da Vinci surgeon only got $3,116.14 from his 12,000 bill and the bedside surgeon only got $623.23 from his 6,000 bill. There was some other smaller bills but all total insurance only paid about 15-16K and I had met my $950 deductable for the year so I Owed $0. I am so fortunate to work for a very good privately held family company that has good medical for their employees.
randy in indy0 -
Insurance Coveragerandy_in_indy said:I sure feel like I got a bargin
My surgeon team charged a combined $18,000 the hostpital and OR room was $26,015 but my insurance only paid a fraction of it $10,997...the Da Vinci surgeon only got $3,116.14 from his 12,000 bill and the bedside surgeon only got $623.23 from his 6,000 bill. There was some other smaller bills but all total insurance only paid about 15-16K and I had met my $950 deductable for the year so I Owed $0. I am so fortunate to work for a very good privately held family company that has good medical for their employees.
randy in indy
FYI, DaVinci surgery would cost me basically nothing (zero)under Kaiser or Blue Shield.
I've only interviewed one Kaiser surgeon so far and he had only done 50 surgeries. No way he's touching me with a knife -- robotic or otherwise. I have an appt to speak w/another Kaiser surgeon who I believe Has more experience. However, I'm planning to switch to Blue Shield because I'll have other treatment options (including CyberKnife and Proton Beam which are not cover by Kaiser) available to me.
Under Blue Cross, if I need surgery, I'd be able to choose a surgeon at UCSF -- one of the top rated teaching medical centers in the US -- to do the surgery and I'd probably be happy to have one of them do the surgery for free BUT if I don't get a "good feeling" about surgery at UCSF (and I can't think of any reason why I'd feel that way at this time), I'll still have the option of choosing a surgeon outside of my coverage and just pay for it myself.
Given what's at stake, I'll have no problem choosing an "out of coverage" surgeon if need be BUT, since I currently have a very early stage PCa, I view surgery only as a treatment of last resort and will NOT go that route unless ABSOLUTELY necessary.0 -
Same Concernsbdhilton said:My 2 cents is that I would
My 2 cents is that I would not want a surgeon that "markets" themselves....The best real do not need to market or "hard sell" you...With regards to my biggest "turn-off" of Patel was the number of "business" awards he had won but really got me he was actually posting this as some sort of great thing...sorry I would want experience, experinece, experience with great, great, great stats....not someone who markets themselves....but that is what I believe and to each their own...
Like I said, I was put off by the marketing approach of Patel's practice too, but there's little doubt about his skill. The question for me and the one I'd ask if I really NEEDED surgery would be how much time and attention he PERSONALLY devotes to each case and how much skill and care he personally would devote to planning and executing my treatment.
I met a surgeon at Kaiser who kept me waiting 40 minutes (not all that usual) but when he met me he seemed so unfocused and distracted (he even left the room to deal with another "crisis" for 5-10 minutes more) that I wouldn't trust him to be able to focus on conducting surgery on me. It also didn't help that he had ONLY 50 surgeries under his belt.
So, although we both are put off by Patel's marketing approach, there are few prostate surgeons who have Patel's experience (at least based on the numbers), I'd have to ask for more information -- including an appt to speak w/Patel himself -- before I ruled him out entirely.0 -
I have not seen how much myrandy_in_indy said:I sure feel like I got a bargin
My surgeon team charged a combined $18,000 the hostpital and OR room was $26,015 but my insurance only paid a fraction of it $10,997...the Da Vinci surgeon only got $3,116.14 from his 12,000 bill and the bedside surgeon only got $623.23 from his 6,000 bill. There was some other smaller bills but all total insurance only paid about 15-16K and I had met my $950 deductable for the year so I Owed $0. I am so fortunate to work for a very good privately held family company that has good medical for their employees.
randy in indy
I have not seen how much my insurance carrier is paying the hospital and doctors but I did get a bill from the hospital for over $38k for Operating room, recovery room, 2 day/night stay, drugs etc...$38k...Out of the $38k $32k was for the recovery room....Yes you are lucky to have such good insurance and I am blessed as well but will pay a bit more...0 -
UCSF is an excellentSwingshiftworker said:Insurance Coverage
FYI, DaVinci surgery would cost me basically nothing (zero)under Kaiser or Blue Shield.
I've only interviewed one Kaiser surgeon so far and he had only done 50 surgeries. No way he's touching me with a knife -- robotic or otherwise. I have an appt to speak w/another Kaiser surgeon who I believe Has more experience. However, I'm planning to switch to Blue Shield because I'll have other treatment options (including CyberKnife and Proton Beam which are not cover by Kaiser) available to me.
Under Blue Cross, if I need surgery, I'd be able to choose a surgeon at UCSF -- one of the top rated teaching medical centers in the US -- to do the surgery and I'd probably be happy to have one of them do the surgery for free BUT if I don't get a "good feeling" about surgery at UCSF (and I can't think of any reason why I'd feel that way at this time), I'll still have the option of choosing a surgeon outside of my coverage and just pay for it myself.
Given what's at stake, I'll have no problem choosing an "out of coverage" surgeon if need be BUT, since I currently have a very early stage PCa, I view surgery only as a treatment of last resort and will NOT go that route unless ABSOLUTELY necessary.
UCSF is an excellent facility (plus my hometown) and teaching hospital...one of my uncles trained surgeons there for a number of years outside of his pratice...they have a lot of great information on their web site too...you can have faith at this facility...0 -
Where Are You Fromzakpaga said:I just have my surgery with
I just have my surgery with Dr samadi, chief of the the Robotic and Minimal Invasion Division at Mount Sinai hopital in New York City. As of April 2009, he did more than 2100 robot assisted surgeries.
I am 9 days after surgery. The cathether was removed yesterday and it seems that I am completely continent. I am 52 years old, T2c and gleason 7 after surgery
His webiste is http://www.roboticoncology.com/index.php.
Good luck
Zakpaga - do you currently reside in New York? I live down in Virginia...I'd like to hear your feedback (if you reside out of the NY locale...) on how your travel arrangement, hospital stay, etc., all occurred. He sounds like an outstanding oncologist.0 -
I guess I am blessedSwingshiftworker said:Same Concerns
Like I said, I was put off by the marketing approach of Patel's practice too, but there's little doubt about his skill. The question for me and the one I'd ask if I really NEEDED surgery would be how much time and attention he PERSONALLY devotes to each case and how much skill and care he personally would devote to planning and executing my treatment.
I met a surgeon at Kaiser who kept me waiting 40 minutes (not all that usual) but when he met me he seemed so unfocused and distracted (he even left the room to deal with another "crisis" for 5-10 minutes more) that I wouldn't trust him to be able to focus on conducting surgery on me. It also didn't help that he had ONLY 50 surgeries under his belt.
So, although we both are put off by Patel's marketing approach, there are few prostate surgeons who have Patel's experience (at least based on the numbers), I'd have to ask for more information -- including an appt to speak w/Patel himself -- before I ruled him out entirely.
When this all started for me I had Kaiser and BCBS and when my PC reared it ugly head I went outside of Kaiser...You can also appeal to use the surgeon of your choice with Kaiser (I have read of other here doing that)...I bet the surgeon was distracted with only 50 surgeries under his belt...You want experience, experience, experience with great, great, great stats...From my perspective you do not need to accept an inexperienced surgeon (and 50 is just that IMHO)….
Best to all0 -
Thank you, from my family to everyone.07SHNNAC7081522 said:Where Are You From
Zakpaga - do you currently reside in New York? I live down in Virginia...I'd like to hear your feedback (if you reside out of the NY locale...) on how your travel arrangement, hospital stay, etc., all occurred. He sounds like an outstanding oncologist.
Thank you for all the comments. We could probably add
conventional (open) surgery experts to the thread.
Maybe the web manager can create a section where we could post
names of our radiologists, physicians, oncologists, surgeons, put comments,
recommendations, etc.
********************
07SHNNAC7081522-I called Sentara and inquired about their numbers.
I did not speak personally to any of the surgeons. The urology dept mgr
told me that they have done over 600 Da Vinci prostatectomy.
Have you talked to anyone of the surgeons there yet?
********************
In situations like ours, where we are faced with a decision that will
impact us for the rest of our lives, we learn to rely, share, and help one
another. This website has brought people from all over
the country, all over the world, consoling, praying for each other.
People who have yet to meet, wish each other well, for a speedy recovery...
PC has brought shock, despair, and grief to us and to our families.
I am just glad that I found a place where we could converse, over a cup of coffee,
or tea, total strangers, and find a little bit of comfort, and assurance through this ordeal.
My family and I just want to say thank you to everyone.0 -
I reside in New Jersey and07SHNNAC7081522 said:Where Are You From
Zakpaga - do you currently reside in New York? I live down in Virginia...I'd like to hear your feedback (if you reside out of the NY locale...) on how your travel arrangement, hospital stay, etc., all occurred. He sounds like an outstanding oncologist.
I reside in New Jersey and my wife drove for an hour and half on the morning of surgery. We left home at 4:00 am and arrived at Mount Sinai hospital at 5:25am for the surgery which started at 7:25 am.
We parked the car in the garage which costs $36 a day. Hey, this is New York. My wife did not want to drive back, so she let the car in the garage, took the bus home and came back the next day before my release. On our way back, we had to stop once at a rest area so I could stretch my legs.
Wherever you choose to have your prostatectomy, remember that after the surgery, you can not stay in the same sitting position for more than 45 minutes. If you choose to take the car you can stop every hour. If it is the plane, you have to find a way to stand up even for few minutes to walk.
There is a hotel in the hospital for family members. You will have your own room and a private nurse and family members could stay with you. But it was too expensive for me at $600 a day.
Yes, Dr Samadi is one of the best Davinci surgeon in New York if not in the world (according to my primary care physician). The second is Tewary at Presbyterian Hospital. I saw both of them before deciding for Samadi who is really charming and put my wife and I at ease. As you know, it is important to trust the person who will cut you.0 -
Dr. Patelzakpaga said:I reside in New Jersey and
I reside in New Jersey and my wife drove for an hour and half on the morning of surgery. We left home at 4:00 am and arrived at Mount Sinai hospital at 5:25am for the surgery which started at 7:25 am.
We parked the car in the garage which costs $36 a day. Hey, this is New York. My wife did not want to drive back, so she let the car in the garage, took the bus home and came back the next day before my release. On our way back, we had to stop once at a rest area so I could stretch my legs.
Wherever you choose to have your prostatectomy, remember that after the surgery, you can not stay in the same sitting position for more than 45 minutes. If you choose to take the car you can stop every hour. If it is the plane, you have to find a way to stand up even for few minutes to walk.
There is a hotel in the hospital for family members. You will have your own room and a private nurse and family members could stay with you. But it was too expensive for me at $600 a day.
Yes, Dr Samadi is one of the best Davinci surgeon in New York if not in the world (according to my primary care physician). The second is Tewary at Presbyterian Hospital. I saw both of them before deciding for Samadi who is really charming and put my wife and I at ease. As you know, it is important to trust the person who will cut you.
I had my surgery done by Dr Patel on November 6, 2009. My pre surgery gleason was 4 + 3 =7 and post op was 4 + 4 =8 with tircerary 5's. I experienced full erections within 2 weeks following the surgery and fully continent within 60 days post surgery. I have had two PSA test post surgery and they were both less than .01. I attribute this success to Dr Patel and his staff.
I was given his name by a friend who has a close relative who is one of the design engineers on the DiVinci robot as one of the top two in the world. While he does have a high volume practice the first time my wife and I met with him we spent about 30 minutes with one of his PAs another 20 minutes or so with one of the Drs training with him and finally Dr Patel spent almost 30 minutes with us. They all explained the options, their program and frankly were some of the most experienced and caring people we have ever met. Their program covers pre and post op programs in addition to the surgery.
Regarding insurance, we have Blue Cross and Blue Shield and both Dr Patel and Florida Hospital are preferred so everything was covered!
Frankly, my local urologist who is considered the one of the best in the area and has done several hundred caused more problems for me with the biopsy than I experienced with the robotic procedure by Dr. Patel. Following Dr Patels surgery I only took one pain pill the night of the surgery and had virtually no complications.
In my opinion there is absolutely no substitute for experience and I would highly recommend Dr Patel and his staff to anyone.0 -
Had my cath removed today inclrwtr said:Dr. Patel
I had my surgery done by Dr Patel on November 6, 2009. My pre surgery gleason was 4 + 3 =7 and post op was 4 + 4 =8 with tircerary 5's. I experienced full erections within 2 weeks following the surgery and fully continent within 60 days post surgery. I have had two PSA test post surgery and they were both less than .01. I attribute this success to Dr Patel and his staff.
I was given his name by a friend who has a close relative who is one of the design engineers on the DiVinci robot as one of the top two in the world. While he does have a high volume practice the first time my wife and I met with him we spent about 30 minutes with one of his PAs another 20 minutes or so with one of the Drs training with him and finally Dr Patel spent almost 30 minutes with us. They all explained the options, their program and frankly were some of the most experienced and caring people we have ever met. Their program covers pre and post op programs in addition to the surgery.
Regarding insurance, we have Blue Cross and Blue Shield and both Dr Patel and Florida Hospital are preferred so everything was covered!
Frankly, my local urologist who is considered the one of the best in the area and has done several hundred caused more problems for me with the biopsy than I experienced with the robotic procedure by Dr. Patel. Following Dr Patels surgery I only took one pain pill the night of the surgery and had virtually no complications.
In my opinion there is absolutely no substitute for experience and I would highly recommend Dr Patel and his staff to anyone.
Had my cath removed today in Dr. Patel's office. I have to tell that my procedure was pretty much what I expected after reading so many stories here. Dr. Patel is a highly regarded surgeon. I know some of you have a concern on him pressuring patients. I found that to be completely inaccurate. Dr. Patel does not need to pressure anyone into his office. He does 7 procedures 4 days a week. I would not have felt as comfortable with someone else. He was very concerned and very helpful getting us all the info that we needed.
I was told today that my margins were good, the sutures are all healing well and the cath was revmoved without an issue. I could not be happier.
I also have Blue Cross of Florida and was completely covered with my insurance.
I agree with clrwtr above in that experience is everything. Do NOT let somebody learn on you. If possible, get the best. Dr. Patel, in my opinion, is the best.
He may not give you the time that others give you, but he has good reason. His staff is top-notch. Good Luck, Kurt0 -
Who's your surgeon?randy_in_indy said:I sure feel like I got a bargin
My surgeon team charged a combined $18,000 the hostpital and OR room was $26,015 but my insurance only paid a fraction of it $10,997...the Da Vinci surgeon only got $3,116.14 from his 12,000 bill and the bedside surgeon only got $623.23 from his 6,000 bill. There was some other smaller bills but all total insurance only paid about 15-16K and I had met my $950 deductable for the year so I Owed $0. I am so fortunate to work for a very good privately held family company that has good medical for their employees.
randy in indy
Randy, who's your surgeon?
Thanks.0 -
Who's your surgeon?randy_in_indy said:I sure feel like I got a bargin
My surgeon team charged a combined $18,000 the hostpital and OR room was $26,015 but my insurance only paid a fraction of it $10,997...the Da Vinci surgeon only got $3,116.14 from his 12,000 bill and the bedside surgeon only got $623.23 from his 6,000 bill. There was some other smaller bills but all total insurance only paid about 15-16K and I had met my $950 deductable for the year so I Owed $0. I am so fortunate to work for a very good privately held family company that has good medical for their employees.
randy in indy
Randy, who's your surgeon?
Thanks.0 -
FEB 2010Feb2010 said:Who's your surgeon?
Randy, who's your surgeon?
Thanks.
I'll jump in here since I know the answer. Randy's surgeon was Dr. Hollensbe in Greenwood, Indiana, near Indianapolis. My husband saw his partner, Dr. John Scott. The two do the surgeries together. Dr. Scott has done 1300 procedures. I know Holensbe has done over 1000, not sure of the actual number on him. My husband will have his surgery 4/27. They do the surgery at Clarian North, in Carmel, Indiana, just north of Indianapolis. They have the same team that does all the surgeries and it is a smooth deal from admission to discharge.
Let me know if you have any more questions.0 -
Thanks Maria!mrshisname said:FEB 2010
I'll jump in here since I know the answer. Randy's surgeon was Dr. Hollensbe in Greenwood, Indiana, near Indianapolis. My husband saw his partner, Dr. John Scott. The two do the surgeries together. Dr. Scott has done 1300 procedures. I know Holensbe has done over 1000, not sure of the actual number on him. My husband will have his surgery 4/27. They do the surgery at Clarian North, in Carmel, Indiana, just north of Indianapolis. They have the same team that does all the surgeries and it is a smooth deal from admission to discharge.
Let me know if you have any more questions.
I could not have said it any better. I think my Doc Hollensbe has done over 1200. The one part I have found out about between the two they work very well...according to Hollensbe he would not do surgery with any other person because Dr. Scott and him know exactly what each needs and does during the surgeries, one is at the console while the other is at the body bedside I believe also with a monitor and is using a fulcrum in the farthest right side port to move things around and out of the way for the console Dr. as well as changing out instruments. Their team is always the same and I believe they use two anetheselogists and are comfortable with each....mine was perfect...I had no sickness after surgery...I believe his name was Dr, Goode who you see in pre-op right before you are wheel'd into the OR.
I had a great experience. Feb 2010 if you want to email it's randy_in_indy@sbcglobal.net
randy in indy0
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