Robotic Prostatectomy Helps Man Enjoy Retirement

Arnie Krogh was enjoying his retirement by spending time with family, traveling and attending football games at his alma mater, Stanford University, where he studied industrial engineering on a football scholarship. But during one of his routine wellness checks with his primary care physician, a blood screening test for prostate cancer revealed an elevated level of prostate-specific antigen (PSA). In a follow-up visit with Sutter urologist David S. Yee, M.D., M.P.H., Krogh had a prostate biopsy. The results revealed early-stage prostate cancer.

Dr. Yee, a Memorial Sloan-Kettering trained urologic oncologist, discussed the available treatment options, reviewing the benefits and risks of each one. He encouraged Krogh to research and seek counsel from individuals, and even other physicians, to identify the best option for him. This type of approach helped Krogh feel empowered and truly valued by his healthcare team.

"Sutter urology provides excellent resources to support the decisions each patient must make about their care," Krogh says.

Krogh's passion and connection to his alma mater led to a consultation with a professor and chair of Stanford University Hospital's Department of Urology. Her treatment recommendation was surgical removal — a positive reinforcement of his discussion with Dr. Yee. Ultimately, Krogh chose to have his robotic-assisted laparoscopic surgery (via da Vinci® technology) with Dr. Yee at Sutter Roseville Medical Center. A primary factor in his decision was the partnership and trust that was built with Dr. Yee, who had encouraged and supported his treatment exploration. Dr. Yee even offered to provide local back-up service for any post-surgery needs, should Krogh elect to have his prostatectomy at Stanford.

The expert, compassionate and individualized care provided by his Sutter team had Krogh back home the evening following his surgery. And his recovery went so smoothly that he was back in the stands of his alma mater in time for the next football season.

"Just three weeks after my surgery, I was climbing the stairs at Stanford Stadium to kickoff the new season," Krogh says. "And I've got a much better chance of enjoying a lot more of that great passion thanks to my care team at Sutter."