David P. Sparks, 56, Port Orange, FL Date of Surgery: 02/05/2008
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My initial diagnosis in January ’08 came as an unwelcome shock. I knew there was a chance of
finding cancer cells in the prostate since my PSA had elevated from 4.5 to 5.3 in just 2 weeks. That
fact had prompted the biopsy.
I had done some research prior to meeting with my local urologist and knew of the DaVinci method.
Prostate surgery had come a long way over the years. I was also fearful of the negative effects of
radiation treatment so it was the best choice for me. I was given Dr. Vipul Patel's phone number as
a reference and was impressed with the fact that he had performed over 3000 Robotic
Prostatectomies. So I felt that I would be in good hands.
Dr. Patel has a great support staff of nurses and physicians that will meet with you and assist you
with information and answering your questions. His office also provides a Patient Information
Guide that tells all about Florida Hospital’s Global Robotics Institute. This booklet really helps to
explain the process you will be undergoing. There is also a concierge who meets you at the
hospital on the day of your surgery and again post op. The concierge also makes sure you have
the correct paperwork in place and will escort you through the designated areas so you do not feel
isolated or lost.
One unexpected byproduct for me has been to motivate me to improve my diet and exercise
program and strive to become more health conscious. I have consequently lost weight. That was
something I, like many others, had put off indefinitely!
I would recommend Dr. Patel and his robotic procedure for many reasons. It is a minimally invasive
surgery and the hospital stay is short and recovery time fairly quick. The period of time from
diagnosis to the treatment you choose is actually a journey and I believe that the Institute
recognizes and addresses this fact and wants to provide the best possible destination. There are
times when you may feel overwhelmed with information. To assist you in dealing with this, there is
a package sent out prior to the surgery date. It provides a simple checklist for you to follow. I
appreciate the professionalism of the Global Robotics Institute including follow up calls and
scheduled visits that are coordinated to ensure your thorough and comprehensive treatment.
finding cancer cells in the prostate since my PSA had elevated from 4.5 to 5.3 in just 2 weeks. That
fact had prompted the biopsy.
I had done some research prior to meeting with my local urologist and knew of the DaVinci method.
Prostate surgery had come a long way over the years. I was also fearful of the negative effects of
radiation treatment so it was the best choice for me. I was given Dr. Vipul Patel's phone number as
a reference and was impressed with the fact that he had performed over 3000 Robotic
Prostatectomies. So I felt that I would be in good hands.
Dr. Patel has a great support staff of nurses and physicians that will meet with you and assist you
with information and answering your questions. His office also provides a Patient Information
Guide that tells all about Florida Hospital’s Global Robotics Institute. This booklet really helps to
explain the process you will be undergoing. There is also a concierge who meets you at the
hospital on the day of your surgery and again post op. The concierge also makes sure you have
the correct paperwork in place and will escort you through the designated areas so you do not feel
isolated or lost.
One unexpected byproduct for me has been to motivate me to improve my diet and exercise
program and strive to become more health conscious. I have consequently lost weight. That was
something I, like many others, had put off indefinitely!
I would recommend Dr. Patel and his robotic procedure for many reasons. It is a minimally invasive
surgery and the hospital stay is short and recovery time fairly quick. The period of time from
diagnosis to the treatment you choose is actually a journey and I believe that the Institute
recognizes and addresses this fact and wants to provide the best possible destination. There are
times when you may feel overwhelmed with information. To assist you in dealing with this, there is
a package sent out prior to the surgery date. It provides a simple checklist for you to follow. I
appreciate the professionalism of the Global Robotics Institute including follow up calls and
scheduled visits that are coordinated to ensure your thorough and comprehensive treatment.
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