Dr. Mark Baker performs first-ever transvesical radical prostatectomy in the State of Florida

Dr. Mark Baker, physician partner with Florida Urology Partners, which works in collaboration with Tampa General Hospital, became the first surgeon in Florida to perform a transvesical radical prostatectomy with the da Vinci single-port system. Baker successfully employed the technique twice in June of 2023, and he reports that both patients were discharged the same day with complete negative margins and feeling great. “It’s going to revolutionize how we treat patients with low to moderate prostate cancer,” said Dr. Baker.

“This approach has demonstrated much less pain and the ability for discharge the day of surgery, Baker said. “Since we are able to spare many vital structures around the bladder, this approach has demonstrated a much more timely return of urinary control. Roughly 50% of patients are immediately continent. Also, this approach has maintained excellent oncologic results.”

The benefit of the single-port system is that it allows surgeons to perform highly complex procedures in a minimally invasive way. The single-port robotics approach requires a lone incision as opposed to several with a multiport robot. The system also makes possible a greater natural range of motion than the human hand and is also designed with “an elbow and wrist,” providing increased mobility and precision. Furthermore, it allows for 3D visualization, allowing surgeons to look into areas not easily seen in an “open” – or non-robotic – surgery.

The specific, less-invasive approach utilized by Baker involves entering through the bladder to access the prostate– rather than working in front of or behind the organ to reach the prostate. Through a small incision in the bladder, he was able to remove the prostate with no issues. Having achieved such encouraging results, Baker has more such surgeries scheduled and is excited about the possibilities of helping a wider population of patients in the Tampa Bay area and beyond.

“This isn’t offered anywhere else locally,” he said. “If I were a patient and knew about this, I would search it out.”

Baker’s leading-edge work is part of the game-changing robotic surgery program offered at Tampa General, which in 2022,performed its 10,000throbot-assisted surgery, receiving accreditation as a Center of Excellence in Robot-Assisted Surgery from the Surgical Review Corporation, an internationally recognized patient safety organization.

“Our ability to lead in this space through collaboration and innovation, along with the recognition as a Center of Excellence, speaks to the quality and breadth of care we provide to our community,” said Tampa General President and CEO, John Couris.

TGH has been using single-port systems since 2019, and Baker’s innovative procedural approach is influencing how this technology is being utilized around the country.

About Florida Urology Partners

Florida Urology Partners, LLP is a comprehensive urology group made up of exceptionally trained, highly specialized, and nationally recognized physicians. Utilizing the latest technological advancements available in medicine, we provide superior patient care at our urology and radiation oncology offices in the Tampa Bay area. Our mission is to provide our community with access to an excellent group of physicians and staff who provide state-of-the-art integrated urological radiation oncology and pathology services and care with respect and compassion. To further the Mission of providing access to more patients for complex and highly targeted care and treatment, Florida Urology Partners aligned with Tampa General Hospital in 2021 as part of its Physician Enterprise. Through this alignment strategy, Florida Urology Partners is now part of the TGH Cancer Institute and other closely related support services, to ensure world-class, innovative care to its patients across the state of Florida.

Media Contact

Diva Leon-Smith

Florida Urology Partners

Office:813-825-2114

E-Mail: Diva.Smith@fl-urology.com