Saint John’s Hospital Receives 5-Star Rating for Robotic Prostatectomies

Healthgrades, the leader in helping consumers make informed choices about healthcare providers, recently awarded Saint John’s Hospital a 5-Star rating for prostatectomies. Both Dr. Gaertner and Knoedler perform most of their robotic prostatectomies at St. Johns.


Due in part to the large volume of their robotic practice, St John’s is one of only sixteen hospitals in the country to be in both the “Top 100” for robotic procedures for both Urology and Gynecology.

To see all the Healthgrade ratings for St John’s Hospital [Click Here].

Dr. Gaertner Brings Robotic Surgery Experience to the Twin cities

Dr-Robert-Gaertner

The first private practice robotic prostatectomy in the upper midwest was preformed by Dr Gaertner and his partner Dr. Knoedler in 2004. Since then, they have dedicated the past 8 years developing and perfecting advanced techniques in robotic surgery.

 

Dr. Gaertner has been a partner with Metro Urology since 1996. He serves on the Board of Directors and is active in Metro Urology’s Cancer Center. Dr. Gaertner sees patients in Maplewood and Woodbury, Minnesota and River Falls, Wisconsin.

 

To learn more about Dr. Gaertner [Click Here].

Da Vinci ® Robotic Surgery Creates Better Cancer Control

Da Vinci Surgery has become the most popular choice by men for treating prostate cancer in the U.S. The enhanced dexterity, vision, and control of the robotic surgery has led to better cancer control leaving less cancer cells behind.

Prostatectomy

There are numerous benefits of the da Vinci Surgery when compared to conventional surgery including:

  • Shorter hospital stay
  • Less blood loss
  • Lower risk of complications
  • Lower risk of wound infection
  • Fewer days with catheter
  • Less pain
  • Faster recovery and return to normal activities

For more information [Read More] and check out the online Brochure.

Knowing your PSA score – from George Wilson of the Buffalo Bills

George Wilson, safety for the Buffalo Bills talks about knowing your stats.

Stats to know:

  • blood pressure
  • blood sugar
  • cholesterol

get your PSA (Prostate-Specific Antigen Test) Score

Prostate-specific antigen (PSA) is a protein produced by cells of the prostate gland. The PSA test measures the level of PSA in the blood. (source: cancer.gov)

Schedule a consultation with the best-of-the-best. Call (651) 999-6899 to set up an appointment.

If you feel that you may be in need of surgery, request a consultation online.

What is a PSA Score? (Prostate-Specific Antigen Test)

PSA TestThe PSA test measures the level of PSA in the blood. Prostate-specific antigen (PSA) is a protein produced by cells of the prostate gland. (source: cancer.gov)

How is a PSA Score measured?

A blood test is taken and a laboratory test is performed to find the level of PSA in the blood.  A man’s PSA level alone does not give doctors enough information to distinguish between benign prostate conditions and cancer.

What happens if the PSA Score is high?

Always discuss your PSA Score with your doctor. An elevated PSA score could be caused/effected by:

  • prostate cancer
  • benign prostate enlargement
  • inflammation
  • infection
  • age
  • race

Schedule a consultation with Dr. Gaertner or Dr. Knoelder

John Soucheray completed a Triathlon 8 weeks after surgery

Dr. John SoucherayDr. John Souchery was diagnosed with prostate cancer. Himself an experienced urologist, he was well aware of the treatment options and outcomes for the treatment of prostate cancer. As a husband, and a grandfather and an active career as well as an active lifestyle, Souchery could not afford a long treatment process.

The choice was simple: surgical removal. Minimally invasive robotic surgery was the clear method of choice.

Through the expertise of Drs. Knoedler and Gaertner, the cancerous prostate was removed using the da Vinci Surgical System allowing a much faster recovery. Only 8 weeks later, Souchery completed an olympic distance triathlon, recovered from surgery.

Read more about Souchery’s store here or share your own success story.

Thirlby Award for outstanding research

Drs Knoedler and Gaertner received the Thirlby Award for outstanding clinical research in robotic prostate surgery. The award is presented at the annual meeting of the North Central Section of the American Urologic Association.

Time Out for Health Segment

Time Out for Health

Saturday, September 17th, 1500 ESPN Twin Cities

A talk with two local doctors Chris and Robert about Prostate Cancer and their robotic procedure and the cancer and treatments as a whole. Listen now>