Dr. Howard Coker, 73, Mobile, AL Date of Surgery: 02/19/2008
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I learned of Dr. Patel from a hometown acquaintance who had had a prostatectomy performed in Ohio.
Since I had registered a VERY high PSA for many years, I kept the name of Dr. Patel on file for possible
future reference.
When I was diagnosed with cancer, I sought contact with Dr. Patel at OSU, but to no avail. He had moved.
I located him through the DaVinci Robot website. I had friends who had been treated with conventional
surgery, robotic surgery locally, and radiation. None had done as well as I had hoped for myself or as well
as the acquaintance, who had been treated by Dr. Patel.
After making arrangements by phone I traveled to Florida for my surgery. Dr. Patel's practice was an
exercise in effective “practice management.” The doctors were prompt and efficient. The staff was
helpful and courteous. The practice was all about the patient and not about the doctor.
After meeting with Dr. Patel, I was admitted to the hospital the next morning. A staff member met me at 5:
30 AM and showed me where to go. All auxiliaries were timely, courteous, and efficient. I awoke mid-day
somewhat groggy, but not in pain. Later the same day I walked the halls. The surgery never really hurt.
After wearing the catheter for five days I returned for the required tests and had the catheter removed.
Shortly afterward I was dismissed. The next day I traveled eight hours back home without a problem.
It has now been two weeks since my surgery. To pretend that this is not surgery would be a mistake. For
sure I have some soreness in my mid-section, and I am still wearing a pad for urinary incontinence, but
both are better each day. I am on the path to normalcy much more quickly than with three other major
surgeries I have undergone in the past. My recovery schedule is significantly ahead of that experienced
by some friends who had the robotic surgery done here in my home town.
My best advice is GET THE BEST when your health is concerned. Don’t be part of someone's “learning
curve.” My best description of Dr. Patel is “very competent and caring.”
Since I had registered a VERY high PSA for many years, I kept the name of Dr. Patel on file for possible
future reference.
When I was diagnosed with cancer, I sought contact with Dr. Patel at OSU, but to no avail. He had moved.
I located him through the DaVinci Robot website. I had friends who had been treated with conventional
surgery, robotic surgery locally, and radiation. None had done as well as I had hoped for myself or as well
as the acquaintance, who had been treated by Dr. Patel.
After making arrangements by phone I traveled to Florida for my surgery. Dr. Patel's practice was an
exercise in effective “practice management.” The doctors were prompt and efficient. The staff was
helpful and courteous. The practice was all about the patient and not about the doctor.
After meeting with Dr. Patel, I was admitted to the hospital the next morning. A staff member met me at 5:
30 AM and showed me where to go. All auxiliaries were timely, courteous, and efficient. I awoke mid-day
somewhat groggy, but not in pain. Later the same day I walked the halls. The surgery never really hurt.
After wearing the catheter for five days I returned for the required tests and had the catheter removed.
Shortly afterward I was dismissed. The next day I traveled eight hours back home without a problem.
It has now been two weeks since my surgery. To pretend that this is not surgery would be a mistake. For
sure I have some soreness in my mid-section, and I am still wearing a pad for urinary incontinence, but
both are better each day. I am on the path to normalcy much more quickly than with three other major
surgeries I have undergone in the past. My recovery schedule is significantly ahead of that experienced
by some friends who had the robotic surgery done here in my home town.
My best advice is GET THE BEST when your health is concerned. Don’t be part of someone's “learning
curve.” My best description of Dr. Patel is “very competent and caring.”
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