2009 WDH Urology offers Robotic Surgery for Prostate Cancer
Middleton resident Glen Vigue, 58, remembers Christmas 2008 for a very special gift – the gift of life. Diagnosed with prostate cancer, Glen and his wife were referred for treatment in Boston. Instead, they met with Dover urologists Sandy Chin, MD and John Munoz, MD of Manchester Urology Associates at Dover. Dr. Munoz, a recognized expert in daVinci™ robotic laparoscopic surgery, trained Dr. Chin and brought the specialized program to Wentworth-Douglass Hospital in 2008.
Together, they discussed all the treatment options and decided upon laparoscopic surgical removal using the daVinci™ Robotic Surgical System at Wentworth-Douglass Hospital. “I felt more assured,” he said, “if the prostate was totally removed.”
Through incisions the length of a dime, the daVinci™ Robotic Surgical System helps surgeons to operate as precisely as if there were an eight inch incision. For most patients, the procedure results in less blood loss and improved sparing of the nerves and muscles that control erections and urinary continence. Additionally, the procedure allows for a shorter hospital stay, less pain, and a faster recovery. Patients should discuss all the specific risks and benefits of robotics with their provider before electing to proceed.
The surgery was done on Christmas Eve 2008 and Mr.Vigue went home the next day. “I had five small incisions in my abdomen and a catheter for about a week,” he reported. He went back to work, as a medical supplies assembler, in about three weeks. “Dr. Chin was very nice. I gave a cactus garden a few weeks ago to thank her,” he explained. “I came in for my three month check-up and I’m doing good.”
Wentworth-Douglass Hospital’s Urology Services offers Robotic Laparoscopic surgery for prostate cancer and other urologic diseases. Wentworth-Douglass Hospital is the only hospital in the Seacoast area of NH and Southern Maine to offer urologic robotic laparoscopic surgery.
