Prostate Cancer Awareness Event to Feature Da Vinci Robotic Surgery System

NEWARK, N. J. (September 14, 2009) –– In observance of Prostate Cancer Awareness Month, Saint Michael’s Medical Center will host a prostate cancer awareness event on Tuesday, September 22, from 7:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. The hospital’s state-of-the-art da Vinci Robotic Surgical System will be on display, and participants will have an opportunity to view a demonstration and even try their hand at the robot’s controls. The event will take place in the main lobby of the hospital, located at 111 Central Avenue in Newark.

The event will feature a presentation by Robert Caruso, M.D., the hospital’s chief of Robotic Urologic Surgery, who will be available for questions and discussion. He will be joined by urologic surgeon Andrew Bernstein, M.D., who will also provide a demonstration of the robotic surgery system.

The da Vinci is an innovative robotic system that enables surgeons to perform complex, minimally invasive procedures with unmatched precision and control. Among the benefits of robotic surgery are a reduced risk of infection, less blood loss and need for blood transfusions, shorter hospital stay, less pain and scarring, faster recovery and a quicker return to normal activities.

The event is free to the public and all are welcome to attend. Free refreshments will be provided. Attendees can RSVP by calling (877) ST MIKE 4 ME.

Established by the Franciscan Sisters of the Poor in 1867, Saint Michael’s Medical Center is a 357-bed regional tertiary-care, teaching and research center in the heart of Newark’s business and educational district. The Saint James Campus in Newark’s East Ward and the Columbus Campus in the North Ward deliver key non-acute services, including 24-hour emergency care. They serve as a “front door” to the inpatient, outpatient, and clinic services available at Saint Michael’s Medical Center. Saint Michael’s Medical Center is a member of Catholic Health East (CHE). Based in Newtown Square, PA, Catholic Health East is one of the nation’s largest nonprofit health systems, with 33 hospitals in 11 states. More information is available at www.che.org and www.smmcnj.org.

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