Tulane University Offers Surgical Robot Demonstration at Lakeside Mall

In commemoration of Prostate Cancer Awareness Month – September – Tulane University is planning a live demonstration of the daVinci™ surgical robotic system that gives doctors minimally invasive options for complex surgical procedures. The demonstration will take place from 1 p.m. to 7 p.m. on Tuesday, Sept. 16, at Lakeside Shopping Center in Metairie. Visitors to the Tulane booth will "become the surgeon" as they manipulate the robot in this hands-on demonstration. They will also have the opportunity to meet Tulane urologists, view videos of actual urologic robotic surgeries, as well as learn about Tulane"s free monthly prostate cancer screenings and bi-monthly prostate cancer support group.

Besides drastically decreasing pain and blood loss, the daVinciâ„¢ system provides surgeons with 3-D, high-definition viewing capabilities, including the option of up to 10 times magnification, greatly facilitating nerve-sparing, a major quality of life issue in the management of prostate cancer.

"Tulane"s Department of Urology was among the first in the United States to acquire this advanced therapeutic option for the management of prostate cancer," said Raju Thomas, chair of Tulane"s Urology Department. Tulane Urology is the only approved fellowship training site for the daVinciâ„¢ robot in the entire Gulf South.

Surgeons from Tulane"s Urology Department have traveled extensively around the world lecturing on and teaching this new surgical option.

The Tulane Cancer Center will also begin offering free prostate cancer screenings in New Orleans on the second Tuesday of each month, starting on October 14.

The monthly screenings will taking place from 5 p.m. to 6 p.m. and involve a simple blood test that measures levels of prostate-specific antigen, or PSA, which is a protein produced by the cells of the prostate gland. It is normal for men to have low levels of PSA in their blood: however, prostate cancer or benign (non-cancerous) conditions can increase PSA levels.

The American Cancer Center recommends that men be offered regular PSA tests, along with digital rectal exams beginning at age 50 or earlier for those at increased risk for prostate cancer, including those with a family history of prostate cancer or African-American men.

To make an appointment for a free prostate cancer screening, call (504) 988-5800 or 1-800-588-5800. Free parking is available at the Saratoga Parking Garage, located at Saratoga St. between Cleveland and Canal. Please visit www.tulanecancer.org and click on "Free Prostate Cancer Screenings" for more information, including a map and driving directions, or call 504-988-7869.