Robotic Surgery
In May 2004, Drs. Knoedler and Gaertner performed the first Robotic Prostatectomy in private practice in Minnesota. They quickly became the leaders in their field, training other surgeons at United Hospital, Abbott Northwestern Hospital, North Memorial, Regions and Mercy Hospitals. They’ve hosted over 100 medical visitors from around the region who traveled to observe their system and surgical skills. To date, they have performed over 3,000 robotic prostate surgeries (robotic prostatectomies).
Drs. Knoedler and Gaertner have a large referral based practice that attracts patients not only from within the five state region, but from coast to coast as well as internationally, in addition to caring for the patients in their own community. Patient referrals are accepted from their fellow primary care physicians, and their fellow urologists, but are just as commonly sent from their former surgical patients.
Learn more about Robotic Surgery
Penile Rehabilitation and Pre-Operative Radical Prostatectomy Class
The Surgical Impotence Management Strategy (SIMS) was coined and developed by Minnesota Urology. The SIMS Protocol involves pre-operative instruction and teaching, as well as a thorough and comprehensive follow up for all patients undergoing prostate cancer treatment. The program concentrates on the successful return of sexual function through early and aggressive penile rehabilitation.
The SIMS Program was conceived and spearheaded by experts at Minnesota Urology and is currently lead by Michael Jenson, PA-C.
Penile rehabilitation is specifically designed to help the nerves responsible for erections to recover after surgery, while maintaining the health of the penile tissue. The SIMS Protocol begins with a preoperative class that provides the patient with information regarding the specifics of this Minnesota Urology developed protocol, as well as initializing the follow up scheduled care.
Patients and their spouses or significant others are welcomed and encouraged to attend the initial two hour session. They are provided with an explanation of the upcoming surgical treatment with including what to expect before, during and after their hospital stay. A “Care Package” is given to each patient with literature and drug samples if appropriate.
Follow up post-operative appointments for this portion of their care have typically already been scheduled by the office. Patients merely need to follow their written instructions and Michael’s guidance in the office, in order to complete the protocol – it’s as simple as that.
Biofeedback
Biofeedback is a simple and painless teaching technique, providing patients with on-the-spot information (or feedback) about a particular function of their body.
In urology, biofeedback therapy is often used with patients who have pelvic muscle dysfunction, which can lead to symptoms such as:
- incontinence, urgency or frequency of urination
- difficulty emptying the bladder
- pelvic pain
It may also be used prior to a surgery to reduce the likelihood of developing such problems. With the help of biofeedback, a patient can retrain the pelvic muscles to reduce or resolve their symptoms.