Urologic Surgery

When medication and other non-surgical treatments are either unavailable or cannot relieve symptoms, surgery is the accepted treatment for a broad range of conditions that affect the male reproductive organs and the organs of the urinary tract. These conditions include, but are not limited to, prostate cancer, ureteropelvic junction (UPJ) obstruction, bladder and kidney cancer and vesicoureteral reflux.

Facing any kind of urologic surgery creates a great deal of anxiety for most men. Among your concerns is: “Will my body function normally following surgery?” Traditional open urologic surgery – in which large incisions are made to access the pelvic organs – has been the standard approach when surgery is warranted. Yet common drawbacks of this procedure include significant post-surgical pain, a lengthy recovery and an unpredictable, potentially long-term impact on continence and sexual function.

Fortunately, less invasive surgical options are available to many patients facing urologic surgery. The most common of these is laparoscopy, which uses small incisions. While laparoscopy can be very effective for many routine procedures, limitations of this technology prevent its use for more complex urologic surgeries.

A new category of surgery, introduced with the development of the da Vinci® Surgical System, is being used by an increasing number of surgeons worldwide for prostatectomy and other urologic procedures. This minimally invasive approach, utilizing the latest in surgical and robotics technologies, is ideal for delicate urologic surgery. This includes prostatectomy, in which the target site is not only tightly confined but also surrounded by nerves affecting urinary control and sexual function. Using da Vinci, your surgeon has a better tool to spare surrounding nerves, which may enhance both your recovery experience and clinical outcomes.

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To learn more about minimally invasive options for urologic surgery click here.

While clinical studies support the effectiveness of the da Vinci® System when used in minimally invasive surgery, individual results may vary. Surgery with the da Vinci Surgical System may not be appropriate for every individual. Always ask your doctor about all treatment options, as well as their risks and benefits.

For additional information on minimally invasive surgery with the da Vinci® Surgical System visit www.davincisurgery.com

Ram Dasari
A practicing urologist since 2002 Charlotte Avenue Office and Cool Springs Office A pioneer in robotic assisted laparoscopic prostatectomy, Dr. Dasari received his Bachelor of Arts degree from Columbia University, and his medical degree from State University of New York. The first robotic-assisted laparoscopic prostatectomy was performed at the Henry Ford Hospital in November of 2000. Dr. Dasari did a one year fellowship with Dr. Mennon at Henry Ford and afterwards joined Urology Associates in July of 2003. In August of 2003, Dr. Dasari and Dr. Phillip Porch combined their talent and expertise to perform the first robotic-assisted laparoscopic prostatectomy at Centennial Hospital. Since then, they have performed over 1500 robotic prostatectomies to date.
Charles Eckstein
A practicing urologist since 1981 Skyline Medical Office Charlotte Avenue Office A native of Iowa, Dr. Eckstein attended the University of Iowa where he received a Bachelor of Arts in Science. He then attended Vanderbilt University School of Medicine, and moved to Michigan for his residency in urology through the University of Michigan. Dr. Eckstein has been the president of Urology Associates since 1998. While serving as president and chairman of the board of the Nashville Academy of Medicine, he was instrumental in establishing Nashville’s Bridges to Care Plus - a program that provides care to the indigent through donated physician services. He and his wife, Carrie, have raised three children, a son and two daughters. One of their daughters recently graduated from medical school, becoming the fourth generation of Eckstein physicians. Dr. Eckstein enjoys golf, ping pong, reading, boating at Center Hill Lake, Predators hockey games and traveling.
Matt Hassan
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Heath Hawkins

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David Morris

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Phillip Porch
A practicing urologist since 1986 Southern Hills Office A native of Nashville, Dr. Porch earned a Bachelor of Science Degree in Biomedical Engineering from Vanderbilt University. Additionally, he earned a M.E. in Radiation Physics at the University of Virginia. Dr. Porch graduated from the University of Tennessee School of Medicine in Memphis, TN. Dr. Porch is a pioneer in robotic surgery for radical prostatectomy. Along with Dr. Dasari, he performed the first robotic-assisted laparoscopic prostatectomy at Centennial Hospital in August of 2003. Since then, Dr. Porch and Dr. Dasari have performed the procedure over 200 times. He is considered a leader in ground breaking technology, and performed the first hand-assisted laparoscopic nephrectomy, as well as the first TVT obturator procedure in private practice in Nashville. Married to Linda for over 30 years, Dr. Porch and his wife raised two daughters, Meg and Ellie, and have two Piebald Dachshunds, Rhett and Scarlett. Dr. Porch enjoys geocaching, scuba diving (he is a dive master), beer brewing, and hosts his own website www.theporch.com.

 

Learn more about da Vinci at www.davincisurgery.com