Phillip Causey talks about his robotic prostatectomy
After my annual physical, my internist called to inform me that my PSA level had risen. I immediately scheduled an appointment with a Urologist. Two malignant tumors were found in the prostate.
This was no surprise as every direct male member of my family has had prostate cancer. My only brother, our Father, his Father and both of my uncles on my Father’s side, had prostate cancer and three died of the cancer. There were no second thoughts about what to do, the prostate was coming out !
The question was what procedure and who would perform the surgery?
I began scheduling appointments with doctors that practiced the radical/open surgery and those that used the daVinci procedure (robotics). Dr. Shah was the 7th surgeon that I interviewed. I took the time to find out as much as possible about each doctor that I had an appointment with. My initial interview with him went well. I was impressed with his warmth, professional manner and detailed knowledge. He was very thorough in explaining the necessary lab work, surgery options available and what could be expected in the future. I was made to feel comfortable thru the whole process and decided that I wanted Dr. Shah to perform the surgery.
There were many reasons I chose the daVinci procedure: less invasive, less loss of blood, shorter hospital stay, and faster recovery. More importantly, I felt that as skilled as the radical surgeons were , the laparoscopic method would be more precise in removing the prostate and my nerve bundles would not be disturbed allowing me to perform sexually.
It was a success…and at 68 that’s important!
This was to be my third operation at Saint Joseph’s (torn rotator cuff, and knee replacement in July). Both operations were done at Saint Joseph’s and were as pleasant as possible. My children were able to spend all the time necessary with Dr. Shah after the operation to discuss the procedure and what was involved in the recovery. I was told he answered all questions thoroughly and they could not have been more satisfied. The surgery lasted 2 hrs. Dr. Shah dropped by for a visit the next morning and stayed until all questions were answered, changed my bandage and said I could leave the hospital at noon…..all within a day since I had checked in for surgery!
My pain medicine consisted of taking three Advil while in the hospital and the three that I had in my pocket as I walked out of the hospital. I would also like to mention Dr. Shah’s staff and the staff at the hospital. They were certainly responsible for a lot of the ease that I experienced during the process. They were attentive, very professional and made me feel comfortable the whole time I was in Dr. Shah’s office and Saint Joseph’s.
My first post op visit showed me to be cancer free! What joyful news! Once again Dr. Shah was very thorough in going over all the lab work and tests taken to detect any cancer. He was very patient in explaining what was done and the results. From beginning to end it could not of been a more pleasant journey. The city of Atlanta, Saint Joseph’s Hospital and the patients who are fortunate enough to have Dr. Shah as their surgeon have been truly blessed with such a skilled surgeon. His practice and his presence are a gift that we can all enjoy for years to come. It has been a real pleasure to know this fine surgeon and individual. My family and I cannot thank you enough for all that you have done for us! I relish the opportunity to discuss with anyone the total satisfaction and peace I enjoy today as a result of Dr. Shah’s surgery.
For more information about robotic surgery, call 1-866-SJ-ROBOT (1-866-757-6268).
