ROBOTICS TO THE RESCUE
Robotic Radical Prostatectomy Success
Gary Midgeley
“Honestly, this surgery couldn’t have gone better for me,” said Gary. “I can’t say enough great things about Dr. Yoon and the entire team that helped me get through this difficult time—everyone was fantastic.”
Gary Midgley, age 69, has always known about his family history of prostate cancer. After tracking his prostate-specific antigen (PSA) levels with his primary care physician for most of 2020, Gary learned his PSA levels were rising and that he needed to see a specialist. PSA is a chemical found in the blood that can be elevated in people with prostate cancer.
He was referred to PIH Health Urologist Scott Yun MD, who ran various tests and administered antibiotics to rule out possible infection. The next step was a biopsy, which confirmed that Gary had prostate cancer.
“I had a lot of anxiety about my diagnosis since my father also had prostate cancer,” said Gary. “He really struggled with his recovery and had many issues afterward. I was afraid of my options and how I would beat this cancer.”
Dr. Yun referred Gary to his colleague, PIH Health Urologist Gerald Yoon MD, who specializes in minimally invasive robotic assisted surgery. Fortunately, a CT scan, MRI and bone scan all revealed the cancer was contained to Gary’s prostate. Dr. Yoon recommended surgery as the best treatment plan to prevent the cancer from spreading.
He was scheduled for a robotic radical prostatectomy on May 4, 2022 at PIH Health Whittier Hospital.
“There are several treatments for prostate cancer, but considering Gary’s age, surgery was the best option,” said Dr. Yoon. “Robotic radical prostatectomy is a minimally invasive surgery using robotic surgical equipment to remove the entire prostate. Generally speaking, patients have a quicker recovery time and better long-term results than other surgical methods.”
After a successful surgery, Gary is doing well and his PSA levels remain undetectable—the best possible outcome. “Honestly, this surgery couldn’t have gone better for me,” said Gary. “I can’t say enough great things about Dr. Yoon and the entire team that helped me get through this difficult time—everyone was fantastic.”
Today, Gary is back to doing all the outdoor activities he loves, including hiking, fishing and hunting.
For a consultation or an appointment with a urology specialist, call 562.907.7600. Learn more at PIHHealth.org/Urology.
