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In April 2009, Bernd Koerner of Flowery Branch underwent a robotic radical prostatectomy at NGMC. "Luckily, my cancer was detected early, and my doctor (David Woo, MD) told me that I had time to really think about my options," says Bernd. "He recommended a book for me to read during my research process, which was very helpful. After doing my research, I decided that robotic radical prostatectomy was the best option for me. I liked that I could avoid an open procedure and use this minimally invasive option with virtually no scarring while still allowing for precision in removing the gland and working around the nerves during surgery. I also liked that the recovery and hospital stay would be quicker and that the surgery would be less painful than traditional open surgery." |
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Bernd had a quick recovery post-surgery, only staying in the hospital two nights.
"I literally never had pain from my surgery. While I was in the hospital, they gave me some pain medicine, and they sent me home with some, but I didn’t even have to finish the bottle."
After one week, the catheter was removed, which is half the time of a traditional open procedure. After two weeks, Bernd was back to his normal routine.
Since his surgery in April 2009, Bernd has been cancer free, with a PSA level of 0.01, and has experienced no side effects from his surgery. When he is not working, he enjoys relaxing by his pool and spending time with his grown children, Stephanie and Trevor.
"I would recommend the robotic prostatectomy to anyone who has that option," says Bernd. "It is wonderful that we now have access to it right here in our community. I was able to effectively treat my cancer without losing my spirit in the process."
Like all new technology, robotic surgery is not appropriate for all patients. For more information about surgical and non-surgical weight loss options available at NGMC’s Bariatric Weight Loss Center, call 770-219-0061.
