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Fred - Carlsbad, California |
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Dear Dr Ornstein, I feel very fortunate that I was able to have you perform the Robotic prostate surgery on me last April. After 6 months I am feeling quite well and had no incontinence whatsoever since removal of the Catheter one week after the procedure. The erection issue is finally (my impatience) resolving and the pump prescribed by Dr. Dash at my last post-op was quite a help. I continue to improve on that issue and am now quite optimistic. The really important thing is I have now had two 0 PSA tests.
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Bryan - Huntington Beach, California |
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The life limiting problem: As a total surprise, Things began to go “down hill” immediately. My wife and I had a six month trip planned and since I thought prostate cancer was “slow growing” I put off the biopsy until our return. Six months later, when I had the biopsy, the Johns Hopkins’ biopsy interpretation came back a Gleason 3+5=8. I was in deep trouble. Life was looking bleak and short.
The referral: The referral to Dr. Ornstein was a godsend. The initial consultation was very illuminating as Dr. Ornstein presented the various alternatives. The da Vinci Robotic Surgery System seemed to be the answer. The shorter hospital stay, the minimal loss of blood, and the three dimensional view of the operating area allowing precise nerve sparing procedures and reconnection of the urethra to the bladder all favored the da Vinci Surgical System. I felt I was back on the road to life. We agreed the priorities were: first, to be cancer free; second, continent; and, finally, potent.
The surgery: Our priority then was to get the da Vinci surgery as soon as possible to try to avoid the cancer escaping the prostate capsule. Dr. Ornstein’s surgery schedule was booked solid, yet he volunteered to come in on the Labor Day weekend to do the surgery. Once again I felt I was back on the “road to life”. Two and a half years ago I was Dr. Ornstein’s thirty-fifth da Vinci prostate surgery. Because of the combination of the incredible professionalism, acumen and skills of Dr. Ornstein and the technical accomplishments of the Intutitive Surgical Corporation (the da Vinci Robot Surgical System), the surgery on a Gleason 8 prostate cancer was a huge success.
The recovery and the result: One night at the UCI hospital and then home. The results of our initial priorities after two and one half years are cancer free, continency, and potency, an incredible result from a Gleason 8. Dr. Ornstein has extended my life and the enjoyment my family and I will have. In short, he has my unqualified recommendation and endorsement.
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Joseph - Irvine, California |
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Unlike most people I was not scared by the words “prostate cancer” because the biopsy indicated (erroneously as it turned out) that the cancerous cells were few and limited to one area of my gland. Also, I read that survival rates are very high when prostate cancer is diagnosed early. However, I was afraid of the operation because of my very low tolerance to pain. On meeting Dr. David K. Ornstein I did not hesitate to talk about my fears. He assured me that the prostatectomy would be painless and that there would be no post-operation pain. I did not believe him (or any other physician who promises that there will be no pain), but listened attentively to his description of the procedure. Dr. Ornstein’s estimate was that the operation (with the Da Vinci Robot) would take three hours. In giving his estimate Dr. Ornstein was not aware of problems which would be caused by internal scars caused by an emergency appendectomy I underwent in the Netherlands in 1974. The operation required four hours due to the scars and the fact that the cancer was more widely spread than indicated by the biopsy.
Despite the unexpected difficulties I had no pain on waking up and at any time after that. I attribute this to Dr. Ornstein’s expertise as a surgeon. The external scars left by the Da Vici Robot (I am sure that if he could see the robot named after him Leonardo Da Vinci would be impressed but also upset for not designing this marvel himself) were minimal, painless and healed quickly. This is also due to Dr. Ornstein’s deft hands. Dr. Ornstein came to visit me not long after the operation and I had to sheepishly admit that he was fight: There was no pain. I had none ever and did not need to take any of the pain pills Dr. Ornstein prescribed probably more to please me that due to a real likelihood of pain. He did not rub it in.
Wearing a catheter was no fun, but not a problem either especially since I had to have it for only six days. My period of bothersome incontinence was short, a fact I attribute to Dr.Ornstein’s acumen as a surgeon. A day or two after the operation Dr.Ornstein called me with the information that the cancer was more wide spread within the prostate gland than indicated by the biopsy but that it was caught on time and fully removed by him. This was good news.
Dr. Ornstein’s demeanor is serious, courteous and friendly. It is a pleasure to deal with him. His staff is polite, compassionate, efficient and tolerant of a forgetful old man like me. The nurses who took care of me in the hospital were kind, attentive and excellent. Altogether I cannot think of enough superlatives to describe Dr. Ornstein, I would recommend him very highly as a urologist in general and a prostate surgeon in particular. Professor of Biology Emeritus
University of California, Irvine |
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Eric - Irvine, California |
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By December 2004, my PSA had gone up significantly - jumping from 3.5 to 4.2 to 6.4 over about a year-and-a-half. This led to a biopsy, which in turn confirmed that at 59 years of age, I had prostate cancer. With Gleason scores of 4+3 and 3+3 and no detectable tumor, I was a stage "T1c" according to the urologist. I wasn't necessarily shocked - in fact, I half expected this one day because it ran in the family. Yet, I knew I had to do something about it. I spent the next few days reading and researching everything I could find to determine my treatment options. I even called one of my brothers with some physician friends in Phoenix to see what they might recommend. Everything seemed to lead my wife and I to one obvious conclusion. Non-surgical options seemed only to delay the inevitable. Don't fool around with it - get it cut out. Laproscopic surgery seemed the least invasive, the safest at avoiding incontinence and impotency issues, and I would be able to return to daily activities sooner. I found that two surgeons at UCIMC performed laproscopic radical prostatectomies using a da Vinci robot. I spoke to both offices, and after meeting with Dr. Ornstein, I knew he was the perfect choice. Surgery was scheduled for the following month, February 2005. All of the staff at UCIMC were attentive and very professional. Once in the pre-op room, I was fitted up with an IV and some interesting things were strapped around each leg. I was told these devices would be inflated and deflated to keep circulation in my legs. I was also told that during surgery I would be in a downward slope - something called the Trendelenburg postion, which places the chest and head lower than the abdomen and legs. The purpose of this is to decrease bleeding, as well as allowing easier robotic access. Because of this, she added, there is increased edema to the head and face, and they would be putting an ointment in my eyes and covering them to guard against corneal abrasion, so when I awoke, my eyes might be blurry. It was interesting to hear this level of detail, and it helped me continue to focus away from the impending surgery itself. Then, Dr. Ornstein came in to see if I had any questions. I considered asking if he'd re-read the robot manual, but figured this might be the wrong time to be a smart aleck. Also, the anesthesiologist was great, easing me gently into that state of haziness. Surgery lasted about 4 hours, and after an overnight stay, I was released the following day - less than 24 hours after the surgery. Side effects included the discomfort of cramping, feeling bloated and sore - as though I'd done about 1,000 situps. Dr. Ornstein had done a hernia repair at the same time, so that probably left things even more sensitive. Walking around the house seemed to ease much of this. The catheter was a major annoyance, and I could hardly wait to get it removed. Trying to sleep with it was the most difficult, but I finally found that hanging it on the side of the bed worked best. Dr. Ornstein was in contact with me, calling a few days after my release to see how I was doing, and again the following week to let me know the pathology was back and the margins were clear - they got it all. In a little over three weeks I was probably back to 75% of my old self, and at four-to-five weeks was probably at about 95%, with improvement each day after that. I had very few problems with incontinence, and attained total bladder control by the 5th week - apparently, well ahead of the curve. ED was different matter. Having been on blood pressure medication for several years, ED was already a small part of my life (no pun intended). Even with nerve-sparing surgery, I had been told that it might take 6 to 12 to 18 months to regain my previous level of erectile function - that it was different for everyone. It ended up taking 11 months to reach this milestone without the use of Viagra, but I was as happy as could be - both to be alive and fully functioning. It's now been over 2-1/2 years since the surgery, and my wife and I are very satisfied customers. |
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Phillip - Rancho Mirage, California |
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Dear Dr. Ornstein,I would take this belated opportunity to thank you for your diligence and excellent work you performed on my partial nephrectomy some 8 months ago. I am pleased to inform that my one partial kidney is performing well, no dialysis etc and my creatin count is hovering around 1.3. . I have lost a lot more weight since we met to my prior gastric bypass and consequently my health, despite the loss of one and a partial kidneys, is remarkably good, for which I greatly appreciate your surgical expertise.
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Martin - Upstate New York |
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Just about a year ago, my day started like any other except I had an appointment to get my biopsy results for my prostate. I never expected the words cancer but that was the diagnosis. The only options discussed with us were radiation or open surgery. My wife and I were in shock.
On the way to the parking lot, I called my sister Cindy, who was 3000 miles away in CA for advice. I knew she was an administrator at some hospital in Orange CA. At the time I couldn’t have told you which hospital she was affiliated with, I just knew that they were one of the best. After speaking with Cindy, we learned about a robotic procedure (da Vinci prostatectomy) being performed with great success in her hospital. This sounded like the safest option that had been discussed so far.
My sister put me in touch with Dr. David Ornstein, when we spoke, we discussed my health profile and Dr. Ornstein fully explained the procedure of removing the prostate through a robotic assisted procedure. You can’t imagine my relief when I finished my conversation with him. He put us in touch with Griselda who helped us through the insurance maze. I am confident that you imagine how daunting it seemed to try to get the insurance permission to fly to CA to have the operation. Dr. Ornstein’s staff helped us every step of the way.
Valentine’s Day 2006 was very different for us. My wife and I spent a lot of time talking with Dr. Ornstein via conference call. After our conversation we both knew I was in very capable and experienced hands. Working with his staff demonstrated the same. From scheduling to test results, faxing medical profiles and lab results and coordinating details to travel from Binghamton, NY to Orange, CA, Dr. Ornstein’s staff walked us through step by step. My wife was in daily contact with the office staff. Without their support and compassion we would have landed in CA in far worse shape………
Once in CA, we met Dr. Ornstein and his staff and were further reassured by their warmth, empathy and utmost professionalism. Everyone involved took the time to fully explain every step of the procedure and to make me comfortable and at ease. The day of the operation, everything went so smoothly. My wife was updated several times through the surgery and I was in recovery before I even knew it.
The nurses and doctors who cared for me were wonderful. Every person I came in contact with at UCI Medical Center demonstrated why it is one of the leading Hospitals in the country.
I was never outspoken about my personal health and now I take every opportunity to tell the world my story. I have become an outspoken advocate of this procedure and for men’s prostate health. I have Dr. Ornstein and his tremendously talented staff to thank for giving me back my health and allowing me to speak out on the importance of regular prostate checkups for males in the risk profile.
My surgery was in March 2006. Throughout the summer of 2006, I ran three 5K marathons. While my time was not the best it has ever been – I RAN!! |
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Richard - Long Beach, California |
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When you hear the words "YOU HAVE CANCER" and in my case it was prostate cancer, fear and anxiety set in immediately. You then begin to move forward and how fortunate to have Dr. David Ornstein and his staff.
Our first contact with Dr. Ornstein's office was with Griselda. From the start , Griselda showed professionalism and compassion. She is very efficient at her job.
Our first meeting with Dr. Ornstein gave us a sigh of relief because he eludes confidence as well as a positive attitude concerning the "ROBOTIC PROSTATECTOMY" procedure and the overall outcome including the recovery process. Dr. Ornstein was very specific and precise in what I was to expect from not only the surgery but the coming weeks perhaps months. He explained thoroughly why he believes "ROBOTIC" surgery is the best method. Some of his reasons being, NO large incision, therefore, requiring less time and attention to heal, making the recovery process much less painful. He would also be able to view the prostate and the surrounding area with 3 D vision, unlike with traditional removal you can only see what is straight in front of you.
Dr. Ornstein took into consideration the fact that many weeks had passed since my diagnosis and was able to schedule my surgery within 2 weeks of my initial consultation and examination with him at Long Beach Memorial Hospital.
Dr. Ornstein predicted a 3 hr. surgery which was accurate and a release from the hospital the very next morning after my surgery. From the time of admittance, having surgery and actually being discharged was only 24 hours! Dr. Ornstein came into my room the evening of my surgery to check on me and to advise me that he had already made arrangements with one of his interns for my discharge the next morning or I could opt to wait for him to come around noon to do the discharge himself. As promised Dr. Finley was there prompt and early and I was set to go home! Again, this was consistent with their protocol and further confirming my confidence with my choice of doctor and type of procedure.
Although, necessary to wear a catheter for the next 11 days after my discharge, I am quite pleased to be in my own bed, in my own home and able to have the mobility I have with very little discomfort. I did have a couple of occasions to contact Sarah with his office with some medical questions when I was at home, and she was responsive, friendly, concerned and helpful in a very timely manner.
Dr. Ornstein contacted me the day after my release with the "GREAT" news that my cancer was contained to the prostate and to inquire about how I was doing. This personal telephone call in such a timely manner was appreciated and comforting to me. I believe my follow up medical attention I will be requiring from Dr. Ornstein and his staff will be equal to what I have been fortunate to receive this far.
Sincerely, a Grateful Patient
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Luis - Long Beach, California |
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Last week when I went to visit you for my 6 month follow up, I met a gentleman in the waiting room as he was getting ready to do his pre-op, and had the opportunity to share with him my experience with the robotic surgery. He was very apprehensive (petrified), and I was able to answer some of his questions. I believe that I helped him and his wife overcome some of their fears. I hope my testimony may help someone else going through the process of prostate cancer surgery. I am a 63 year old retired male with a history of diabetes, hypertension, and colitis, all under control. I was diagnosed with prostate cancer on June 20, 2006 with a Gleason score of 7, and on July 27, 2006 Dr. Ornstein performed the robotic surgery. Although I was not a good candidate for the robotic surgery, since I have had 2 colon resections, Dr. Ornstein took the extra time needed to remove scar tissue from previous surgeries and continue with the robotic surgery. I will always be indebted to Dr. Ornstein for him not taking the easy way out by performing the old fashioned open abdominal surgery, but instead he performed the robotic surgery which lasted over 6 hours. He took the extra time to perform the less invasive procedure in order to alleviate my pain and suffering.
The first night at the hospital was awful. The air conditioning was not working and the temperature was over 100. The next morning they got me up, walked me down the hall several times and asked me to call my wife to pick me up to go home. I was amazed, less than 24 hours after surgery, I was home and on my road to recovery. The next few days were somewhat uncomfortable as I was unable to find a comfortable position to sleep due to the catheter, however, the pain level was very manageable. I never took more than 2 occasional Tylenols. On the 9th day his nurse Sarah removed my catheter. Although I was extremely anxious and afraid, the catheter was removed pain free, in less than 10 seconds.
For the first few days and nights, I had to use several urinary incontinent pads, but as the weeks progressed, I used less and less, and by the third month, I had total control of my bladder. Less than a month after my surgery, with the help of Cialis I hit a major milestone by getting an erection and performing intercourse. Being cancer free is, of course, the most important objective, but the fear of impotency was devastating to me. As time passes, my erections and my ability to continue to have intercourse have improved and are now normal. I continue to take Cialis.
It has now been 6 months since my surgery. I have had 2 blood tests and my PSA is 0. My scars are minimal and almost invisible, and my life is back to the way it was prior to surgery.
I believe all of my success is due to Dr. Ornstein’s expertise in the field of Robotic Surgery and his taking the extra time to listen to my specific needs and concerns. I explained to him how important sex was in my life and still is after Prostate Cancer.
Thank you Dr. Ornstein
Luis Castaneda
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Steve - San Diego, California |
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After being diagnosed with prostate cancer, I spent a great deal of time researching my treatment alternatives. I interviewed Dr. Ornstein at the UC Irvine Medical Center and I knew I had found the right person to treat me. I decided to have him perform my surgery using the Da Vinci System.
From my first meeting through my follow-up appointments, I have found Dr. Ornstein very professional and concerned about me and my care. He has answered all my questions thoroughly and very professionally and is genuinely concerned about me as a person.
The UCI hospital staff was first rate. They were very caring and professional. Dr. Ornstein's follow-up and concern for me during my recovery were beyond my expectations.
I would recommend Dr. Ornstein and UCI for anyone diagnosed with prostate cancer.
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Jack - San Diego, California |
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When first diagnosed with prostate cancer, my wife and I went on an extensive search looking for treatment options and preferred providers. What we found throughout the internet and by talking to specialist was a large range of treatment options. Each had positive outcomes and their own unique potential side effects. We decided that we wanted to be aggressive and have the prostate removed as the ultimate biopsy. We felt that removal offered the best potential for being sure of the out come and living a healthy life. Then the options were down to regular surgery or robotics. Robotic removal seemed less invasive and to offer faster healing. Then the decision was which surgeon could offer the best potential outcome. After discussing with experts in Urology, UCIMedical Center kept coming up as one of the leaders in robotic prostate surgery. And we kept being advised to make sure we select a surgeon with over fifty robotic procedures completed. We were told that the procedure has a substantial learning curve for the surgeon. We scheduled an appointment with Dr. Ornstein and scheduled the surgery. Two years later the outcome was better than we expected. Recovery time was very rapid after a very short hospital stay. The nerve damage was less than expected. Today, most every function is back to normal. Some functions are working better than before. In summary, we could not be more pleased with Dr. Ornstein and UCI. We found that being diagnosed with cancer does not have to be the end of a quality life. |
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