New bladder cancer surgery

BY JESSICA LYONS

Thursday, May 22, 2008 11:29 AM EDT

The Smith Institute for Urology is now offering a new bladder cancer surgical treatment, making them the first medical facility in the area to do so.

Among men, bladder cancer is the fourth most common form of cancer, according to the National Cancer Institute. In women it ranks as the eighth most common.

Through technological advancements, doctors have been able to improve cystectomy surgeries, which are used to remove the bladder when treating some patients with that particular form of cancer. By conducting robotic-assisted cystectomies, some of the problems that come up with traditional procedures can be avoided or lessened.

“Compared to traditional surgery, these minimally invasive procedures result in quicker recovery, less pain and less scarring,” said Dr. Lee Richstone, the Director of Robotic Surgery at the Smith Institute for Urology. “In addition, patients generally return to a normal diet sooner and spend less post-surgical time in the hospital than they would if their procedure was performed in the traditional open procedure.”

In the United States, there are less than 12 facilities that are performing robotic cystectomies. There are only two in the New York area, with the Smith Institute for Urology being the only one on Long Island to do such procedures.

The Smith Institute for Urology is located at 450 Lakeville Road, Suite M41, in New Hyde Park. For more information, call 516-734-8500 or visit www.smithinstituteforurology.com.