The life limiting problem: With a PSA of 3.8, prostate cancer came 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 life limiting problem: With a PSA of 3.8, prostate cancer came 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.

BRYAN BROWN
APRIL 28, 2006