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Minimally Invasive Surgery for Lung and Prostate Cancer

PROGRAM DETAILS:

Cancer surgery, once restricted to a traditional, large open incisions, has greatly progressed as new and more refined approaches have been developed. Minimally invasive surgery is designed to minimize trauma, maximize outcomes and enable patients to quickly return to their normal lives. Learn about several minimally invasive approaches from two M. D. Anderson Cancer Center doctors: Dr. Wayne Hofstetter, a thoracic surgeon and Dr. John Davis, a urologic oncologist. The doctors delve into factors patients should consider in deciding between surgical and radiation treatment options and why it is important to treat cancers with different modalities, based on differences in tumors.

Usually best for early-diagnosed cancer, minimally invasive surgery allows for faster recovery, less postoperative narcotics and a smaller visible scar. Learn which patients may be eligible for these less invasive surgical techniques, what each of the techniques entails, possible side effects and opportunities for advancement in the field. Also discussed is the physician training associated with these techniques, and what questions patients should ask about their doctor’s experience.

The interview includes two patient perspectives. Aubrey, a prostate cancer patient from Texas, spent only 2 days in the hospital after Dr. Davis performed a laparoscopic prostatectomy using the minimally invasive technique of the DaVinci robot. Janet, a lung cancer patient from Las Vegas, shares her story of receiving a video-assisted thoracic surgery.

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EXPERTS & GUESTS:
Wayne Hofstetter, M.D.
Director, Esophageal Program, MD Anderson Cancer Center
Dr. Hofstetter is Director of the Esophageal Program and Assistant Professor of Surgery at the M.D. Anderson Cancer Center. He received his medical degree and residency training in surgery from the University of Southern California. more >

John W. Davis, M.D., F.A.C.S. John W. Davis, M.D., F.A.C.S.
Assistant Professor, Department of Urology, MD Anderson Cancer Center
Dr. Davis serves as Assistant Professor in the Department of Urology at The University of Texas M.D. Anderson Cancer Center. He received his medical degree from The University of Virginia School of Medicine in Charlottesville, completed his residency in urology and surgery internship at the Eastern Virginia Medical School in Norfolk, and has also completed a fellowship in urologic oncology... more >

TRANSCRIPT:

  1. Introduction
  2. Hear the Stories of Two Cancer Patients
  3. Experts Explain Minimally Invasive Surgery Techniques & Benefits
  4. When Minimally Invasive Techniques Can be Used
  5. The Role Experience Plays in Performing the Surgery
  6. The Future with Minimally Invasive Surgery
  7. Advice About Seeking Out Minimally Invasive Surgery

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