Dr. Isaac Yi Kim Completes 2,000th Robotic Prostatectomy
New Brunswick, NJ, August 5, 2020 – Marking a major milestone in what has become a standard of care in prostate cancer surgery, Rutgers Cancer Institute of New Jersey Urologic Oncology Chief Isaac Yi Kim, MD, PhD, has completed his 2,000th robotic prostatectomy at Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital (RWJUH), an RWJBarnabas Health facility and one of the few hospitals in the state designated to teach surgeons about this technique.
Dr. Kim, who is also the director of the Prostate Cancer Program at Rutgers Cancer Institute and medical director of Robotic Surgery at Monmouth Medical Center, an RWJBarnabas Health facility, performed the operation recently on a Toms River man diagnosed with prostate cancer.
Robotic prostatectomy allows surgeons to easily operate a set of robotic arms that hold tiny surgical instruments while a computer translates the movements of the surgeon’s fingers in removing the patient’s cancer. This minimally invasive approach avoids leaving a large incision like the traditional open method of prostate surgery.
Robotic-assisted surgery can help improve patient outcomes. The procedure allows for additional precision with a 3D view of the tissue and delicate nerves that envelop the prostate. Reduced blood loss, shorter hospital stays and a faster time to achieve full continence are also hallmarks of the procedure.
Like many men his age, 63-year old patient Anthony Giordano had no symptoms. His cancer was detected during a regular check up with his physician. An elevated prostate-specific antigen (PSA) number led to further testing and a visit to a local urologist revealing a cancer diagnosis in May 2020. A referral to Dr. Kim to discuss treatment options was the next step.
"I was initially shocked that I had such an advanced stage of cancer as a 63 year old in good health," said Mr. Giordano. An active individual, he is a busy professional and enjoys spending his free time sailing, skiing and bike riding.
"Dr. Kim explained that I'm too young to opt for radiation treatment, and because I don’t have any underlying health issues, he gave me the confidence that robotic surgery was the right choice for me," he noted, especially considering the benefits of robotic surgery including quicker recovery and less chance of serious side effects.
“As New Jersey’s only National Cancer Institute-designated Comprehensive Cancer Center, Rutgers Cancer Institute offers the latest in cutting-edge surgical techniques and has been instrumental in robotic surgery advances for prostate cancer. In collaboration with Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital, Rutgers Cancer Institute is proud to be a leader in training surgeons in this advanced technique and conducting research to enhance its use and transform patient outcomes,” says Dr. Kim, who is also a professor of surgery at Rutgers Robert Wood Johnson Medical School.
"I would advise other men going through a similar situation to avoid hesitating, do your research, and make sure you feel confident with your surgeon. From the friendly faces I encountered my first time walking through the door at Rutgers Cancer Institute to meeting Dr. Kim's team, I felt reassured that I made the right choice."
Dr. Isaac Kim marks his historic milestone with his surgical team
and members of RWJUH’s leadership team.
For patient appointments/inquiries – contact:
844-CANCERNJ (844-226-2376)