More than 65 community members and physicians attended Sarasota Memorial’s interactive presentation in Venice yesterday to learn more about robotic surgery and prostate cancer. “Risk Factors & Robotics” was hosted by Robert Carey, MD, an SMH urologic surgeon and pioneer for radical robotic prostatectomy. “I’ve performed more than 4,000 surgeries using the da Vinci surgical system at Sarasota Memorial,” Carey said during the event. “Many patients are skeptical when they hear that a robot will be assisting with their surgery. Today, they have the opportunity to experience the extraordinary capabilities of this machine – da Vinci is one of the most reliable surgical robots to exist in 2019.”

Event attendees were invited to sit in the surgeon’s chair and test their skills. The da Vinci is unique in its ability to provide doctors with 3-dimensional views and flexibility with surgical tools while making only pencil eraser-sized incisions, much small than those of traditional surgeries. These advantages allow patients to enjoy faster recovery and better treatment outcomes. According to the American Cancer Society, nearly 100% of localized and regional prostate cancer cases now have a five-year survival rate.

For prostate health resources and physician referrals, please call SMH’s HealthLine at 941-917-7777.