Da Vinci Surgery > Prostatectomy > Surviving Prostate Cancer

Surviving prostate cancer

Showing horses at the state fair is a tradition Jerry Magin’s family cherishes. In 2007, Jerry took advantage of a free prostate cancer screening at the fair. The results led him to see his doctor.   

“A biopsy confirmed cancer,” recalls Jerry, 63. “While I feared the worst, I was amazed at all my treatment options.”

One option – the robotic da Vinci® S HD Surgical System – just arrived at Park Nicollet.

“Dr. Zapzalka explained the robot to me and, once he told me about all the benefits, it was a pretty clear choice. There was no question in my mind,” recalls Jerry.

da Vinci advantage

The da Vinci system allows surgeons to perform complex procedures – including prostate, heart and gynecological surgery – using dime-sized incisions.

Sitting at a console, the surgeon controls four robotic arms. State-of-the-art technology enhances the surgeon’s range of motion, precision and dexterity. And 3D high definition vision enables surgeons to see vital anatomical structures with magnification 10 times that of the naked eye.

“The detail and precision the da Vinci gives me is not only amazing, but crucial for nerve-sparing procedures,” says urologist Daniel Zapzalka, MD. In the case of prostate cancer, it means preserving urinary and sexual functions.

“It’s exciting to be able to offer world-class prostate surgery to our patients,” Dr. Zapzalka says. “The da Vinci system is really the first big advance we’ve seen with this surgery in terms of improving outcomes.”

Impressive recovery

On Jan. 16, 2008, Jerry became the first patient at Park Nicollet Methodist Hospital to benefit from the new da Vinci surgery.

“Dr. Zapzalka has performed more than 200 of these surgeries elsewhere, so I felt confident,” Jerry says. “I am really amazed with my recovery. I spent two days in the hospital. By day six, the soreness was pretty much gone and I was able to play with my grandkids again. The hardest part about my recovery was following the weight restrictions.” 

Dr. Zapzalka was able to remove all of Jerry’s cancer. So when the State Fair comes around again, you can find Jerry in the judging ring.