Robotic, laproscopic surgery

Mike, you are too funny...always use tact.

If you have a good surgeon George should do fine. Perhaps a tiny bit longer recovery just because none of us does as well as we get older. Know that you and George will be in my prayers! Carla

In all seriousness though....

One of the MOST IMPORTANT things for surgeon selection is how many of the type surgery you are having the doctor has performed. If he's done 100 open surgeries and 10 robotics, you are probably better off with open. If he does lots of these surgeries on a regular basis (weekly) then that is the level of experience you want.

Mike

Well....maybe don't tick him off as you're being wheeled into surgery. Otherwise, OK.

Mike

I agree totally with what Pat has said. If a doctor has an issue with your asking anything that is important to your husbands care...well, then the doctor has a real problem. Most will be very willing to tell you how many they have done. We did very extensive research on the surgeon who did Jim's surgery and felt very confident with his ability. There was NO doubt in our mind HE was doing the surgery and not a shadow surgeon. Since Jim's was a bit of a challenge due to his size the surgeon was very proud that he could do most all of the surgery via robotics but the ileal conduit was open to remove the part of bowel. Overall considering how long a recovery it would have been if it had all been open surgery we were very pleased with how things turned out. Don't be afraid of offending a doctor at any time let along before a very large surgery!

Good advice. Will do.