Doylestown Hospital Surgeons using the da Vinci System
Urology
Kevin B. Fitzgerald, M.D., Central Bucks Urology
Baylor College of Medicine
Residency: Duke University Medical Center 
Dr. Fitzgerald is certified to perform the full spectrum of urologic
surgeries with the da Vinci system. He has performed laparoscopic
surgery at Doylestown Hospital since 2001. The new system will allow
his practice to build on the more than 5,000 cancer operations and
more than 1,000 minimally-invasive prostatectomies he and his partners
have already performed.
According to Dr. Fitzgerald, "The introduction of robotic surgery to
Doylestown Hospital represents a major step forward in the minimally-invasive
surgery and oncologic surgery programs."
In addition, "The da Vinci S system, which includes several new and
enhanced features, represents a significant advancement in comparison
with older robotic systems previously purchased by institutions in other
counties," said Dr. Fitzgerald.
Central Bucks Urology, 215-230-0600
Joseph Izes, M.D., Doylestown Urology
Thomas Jefferson University School of Medicine
Residency: Lahey Clinic Foundation 
Fellowship (Urologic Oncology): Lahey Clinic Foundation
Dr. Izes learned about the use of the da Vinci system alongside
Mani Menon, MD, who started the first robotic prostate surgery program in the
United States in 2001. Dr. Izes was one of the first urologists in Bucks and
Montgomery counties to use the da Vinci robot for laparoscopic prostatectomy.
His fellowship training in urologic oncology and extensive laparoscopic experience
facilitated a natural transition to robotic surgery. Dr. Izes continues to expand the
use of the system for other urologic cancers in addition to prostate cancer, in
particular, cancer of the kidney and bladder.
"I believe this instrument makes a new level of surgery possible," said Dr. Izes.
" With it, I can visualize delicate structures in the deep pelvis better, and I can
do things more precisely than I could with handheld instruments."
Dr. Izes added, "I am very excited by this technology and believe it may
represent a paradigm shift in surgery...this is a technology that dramatically
expands human ability in the operating room."
Doylestown Urology, PC, 215-230-9070
Robert D. Mino, M.D., Doylestown Urology
Georgetown University School of Medicine
Residency: Duke University Medical Center 
Dr. Mino has been performing the da Vinci robotic assisted laparoscopic
radical prostatectomy for more than two years. He feels the acquisition of
the da Vinci system at Doylestown Hospital will allow the hospital to continue
to attract the best and brightest surgeons from the top training programs.
This benefits the community they serve, said Dr. Mino. "This means that
world-class care is literally around the corner."
In short, said Dr. Mino, "I believe we are witnessing a revolution in surgery."
"Radical prostatectomy is just the beginning of robotic surgery. Already
surgeons are experimenting with removal of urinary bladders for cancer,
partial nephrectomy for kidney cancer and a host of surgical procedures
for acquired and congenital conditions."
Doylestown Urology, PC, 215-230-9070
Albert Ruenes, M.D., Central Bucks Urology
Columbia University
Residency: Duke University Medical Center 
Dr. Ruenes is certified to perform the full spectrum of urologic surgeries
with the da Vinci system. Dr. Ruenes performs the highly specialized perineal
prostatectomies, which only about 5% of urologists perform. He sees future
uses of the da Vinci system as including reconstructive surgery and minimally
invasive kidney surgery.
Dr. Ruenes views the da Vinci system as a natural extension of his current
skills, a new tool that "fine tunes a number of the laparoscopic movements
that we perform as surgeons." The acquisition of this newest and latest
technology allows Dr. Ruenes and his peers the ability to perform university-style
medicine in a community hospital setting. "As new technologies are introduced,
[Doylestown Hospital] is going to stay state of the art."
The da Vinci offers surgeons improved visualization, as well as nimble
and flexible use of intrumentation. Added Dr. Ruenes, "Our goal is to
use this on a weekly basis, to make this a standard part of our practice."
Central Bucks Urology, 215-230-0600
Gynecology
Scott Dinesen, D.O., FACOG,
Dinesen & Associates Obstetrics, Gynecology & Infertility
Southeastern University, College of Osteopathic Medicine
Residency: St. Luke's Hospital
Dr. Dinesen has performed more than 2,000 laparoscopic surgeries since 1991,
many of which were advanced  laparoscopic procedures. In 2007, Dr. Dinesen
completed training and began performing Total Laparoscopic Hysterectomies.
With the arrival of the da Vinci system, these procedures can be done even
less invasively.
Throughout his surgical career, Dr. Dinesen has followed a path toward less
invasive procedures with better quality outcomes for patients. The da Vinci
surgical robot makes the laparoscopic hysterectomies easier to perform on a
wider range of patients, due to the better view with the High Definition, 3-D
visual afforded by the da Vinci, as well as improved flexibility and maneuverability.
"The da Vinci robot allows me to perform a laparoscopic hysterectomy that
I would not have been able to do laparoscopically in the past," says Dr. Dinesen.
He can also perform myomectomies (removal of fibroids), tubal re-anastamosis
(repair of fallopian tubes), sacral colpopexies (support of the vaginal apex),
and cerclage placements (prevention of 2nd trimester miscarriages).
"My goal is to improve outcomes for patients by providing less invasive procedures
with less blood loss and faster recovery in a hospital known for its excellent care,"
says Dr. Dinesen. He adds that it is only by staying abreast of leading-edge
technologies to "improve our own surgical skills and coupling them with our surgical
and decision-making experience that we are able to advance medicine."
Dinesen & Associates Obstetrics, Gynecology and Infertility, 215-489-2066
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