February 21, 2018

Saratoga Hospital Offering Free Prostate Blood Tests

Evening Event to Include da Vinci Surgical Robot Demonstration

 

 

SARATOGA SPRINGS, NY, February 21, 2018—Saratoga Hospital is offering free blood tests to measure prostate-specific antigens (PSAs) on Monday evening, March 5. There are limited test appointments available; registration is required. The PSA test can be an indicator of prostate cancer and is ideal for men 40 years old and over with a family history of prostate cancer, or any male over the age of 50.

 

Additionally, for those who may be considering prostate surgery, there will be a presentation of the da Vinci Xi robot surgical system. Registered attendees will have an opportunity to “test-drive” the da Vinci robot.

 

The screening will include a brief presentation by Seth A. Capello, MD, director of robot surgery at Saratoga Hospital. “Prostate cancer is a leading cause of cancer death among men. This presentation is an important opportunity to learn more about screening and your options, including robot-assisted surgery,” said Dr. Capello. “The PSA blood test is one step in screening for prostate cancer.”

 

The da Vinci surgical system is a state-of-the-art device that enables surgeons to manipulate robotic arms and wrists with extraordinary precision and dexterity. In addition, its 3-D magnification and visualization system provides unparalleled views of structures inside the body. This highly advanced robotics technology is used to perform minimally-invasive surgeries via tiny incisions. Benefits may include less pain, less blood loss, and less scarring, and shorter recovery times. Robot-assisted surgery is currently being used for urologic, gynecologic, general, and thoracic surgeries.

 

A lifelong resident of Saratoga Springs and 1993 graduate of Saratoga Springs High School, Dr. Capello is a board-certified urologist and the Capital Region’s first physician fellowship-trained in robot-assisted urologic surgery. He completed his fellowship in endourology, laparoscopy, and robotics at University of Rochester Medical Center and was a resident at Albany Medical College where he earned his medical degree. He is currently a member of the Saratoga Hospital Medical Group – Urology Practice.

 

The presentation begins at 6:30 p.m. on Monday, March 5 in the reception area of Same Day Surgery, located in the Emergency Department wing of the hospital. There is limited seating, so registration is required for the event. The blood tests will be scheduled throughout the evening event.

 

Comfortable clothes are recommended for the bloodwork, which will only take a few minutes. The results will be shared within a week to 10 days via letter with the participant and, upon proper consent, with the participant’s primary care provider.

 

To register, contact Jillian Casey at 518-583-8459 or jcasey1@saratogahospital.org.

 

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Peter Hopper

Director, Marketing and Communications

518.583.8679