Minimally invasive, robotic-assisted prostate surgery

Performed by Costas Lallas, MD, and Edouard Trabulsi, MD, and narrated by Leonard Gomella, MD, Chair, Department of Urology

Thursday, January 19, 2006, at 4:30 p.m.

Replay of the procedure available beginning January 20.

Prostate cancer is the most common cancer among men, other than skin cancer. The American Cancer Society estimates that in 2005, 232,090 new cases of prostate cancer will be diagnosed in the United States and that 30,350 men in the United States will die from prostate cancer. However, the outlook for men with prostate cancer has improved steadily over the years. Doctors now have a better understanding of how to diagnose the disease early. Better treatment methods have improved survival rates. In fact, statistics from the American Cancer Society show that in the past 20 years, the survival rate for all stages of prostate cancer has risen from 67 percent to 93 percent. Today, many men with prostate cancer can be treated effectively and resume their normal lifestyles.

Treatment for prostate cancer depends on a variety of factors in addition to the stage of the tumor. Your doctor will consider your age and general health, as well as your personal preferences about treatment. One of the unique aspects of prostate cancer is that patients often have several choices for treatment that are equally effective. One option is to remove the gland entirely, along with some surrounding tissue. This procedure is called a radical prostatectomy.

As a special educational offering, Thomas Jefferson University Hospital will provide a live, real-time webcast on the latest advancement in radical prostatectomy – minimally invasive, robotic-assisted laparoscopic radical prostatectomy. During the webcast you will have the opportunity to view the actual surgery as it is being performed. You will also have the opportunity to ask the physicians questions during the procedure.

The procedure will be performed by Edouard Trabulsi, MD, a urologic oncologist who is fellowship trained in laparoscopic prostatectomy by one of the pioneers of the technique, and Costas Lallas, MD, who completed a laparoscopic and robotic surgery fellowship at the Mayo Clinic Scottsdale. Leonard Gomella, MD, Chair of the Department of Urology, will narrate the procedure.

The webcast uses RealNetworks software to display both video and synchronized slides in side-by-side windows. Viewers can download a free copy of the player. It is not necessary to purchase any of Real's premium players or subscription plans. The free basic player is all that is required to view the surgery.

Please click on the link in the table on the right to check your media player or to download RealNetworks software.

If you are a physician and would like to refer a patient, call 215-955-0215.

If you are a patient and would like to make an appointment or would like more information, please call 1-800-JEFF-NOW.