ProPep Surgical

Nerve Monitoring Technology for Robotic Prostate Surgery

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What the Surgeons are Saying

Sanjay Ramakumar, MD

“Precise anatomic dissection has always been essential for achieving excellent outcomes after radical prostatectomy. The ProPep nerve monitoring system provides the robotic surgeon the location and functionality of pelvic floor nerves that can be critical for urinary and sexual recovery. Without ProPep, the surgeon cannot recognize the presence of anomalous pelvic nerves that are typically not visible and often in the path of dissection or reconstruction. Identifying these nerves is especially critical in higher risk cancers when a wider resection is planned. I have seen a more rapid return of urinary control and improved overall continence in my patients. This has allowed me to proceed earlier with adjuvant or salvage therapies when indicated. It is my belief that ProPep is so vital to the procedure that I will not perform surgery without it.”
– Sanjay Ramakumar, MD, Medical Director of Urology, Urologic Oncology and Robotics, Abrazo Medical Group, Phoenix, AZ

Dr. Ramakumar was the first in Tucson to perform laparoscopic prostatectomy in 2003, and the first to perform robotic prostatectomy in 2005. He has been published extensively with a focus on laparoscopic surgery, he is active in research, and has made presentations all over the world.


Watch Dr. Sanjay Ramakumar’s Live Case Demonstration

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“I have been using the ProPep Nerve Monitoring System for 3 years, in over 200 cases. I was overwhelmed with the positivity with which patients viewed the technology. They really feel a great degree of comfort when I tell them I can monitor their nerves in real time during their case. From a clinical standpoint, it’s easy to use and adds only about 3-4 minutes to each case. It has seemed to shorten the time patients experience erectile dysfunction and shortens the duration of incontinence by about 50%. I am definitely a believer in the technology.”
– Kevin Bordeau, MD

Dr. Kuhn

“ProPep Nerve Monitoring [System] bridges the gap between surgical repair and nerve preservation for the improvement of urinary incontinence after prostate cancer surgery. This nerve monitoring is the next step in the evolution of the robotic prostatectomy. Nerve monitoring will soon become the standard care in patients undergoing robotic prostatectomies.”
– Ronald Kuhn, MD

Dr. Kuhn has performed over 3,200 da Vinci prostatectomies, making him the most experienced in Arkansas and one of the most experienced robotic surgeons in the nation.
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“The ProPep Nerve Monitoring System is a tool that could help in cases where the anatomical cues are sometimes unclear in regard to nerve location. Preserving nerves can potentially help our patients better regain urinary and sexual function. I am grateful to be involved with this innovative technology.”
– Naveen Kella, MD

Dr. Kella has performed over 2,500 da Vinci prostatectomies, making him the most experienced in Texas and one of the most experienced robotic surgeons in the nation. Over 350 of his surgeries have been performed using the ProPep® Nerve Monitoring System.
Scott Miller

“Concerning the importance of the somatic nerves as they relate to both urinary and sexual function following prostatectomy, I think use of the ProPep Nerve Monitoring System should become the standard of care for every robotic prostatectomy.”
– Scott Miller, MD

Dr. Miller has a consistent philosophy: focus solely on the special needs of laparoscopic urologic surgery patients and perfect his techniques in order to deliver the best possible care. He currently has one of the largest and most diverse experiences in laparoscopic and robotic urology in the Southeast.

Hear about Dr. Scott Miller’s Use of ProPep® Nerve Monitoring

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“ProPep is a valuable tool in identifying accessory pudendal nerves which may have a significant impact in post-prostatectomy incontinence. This is a valuable tool for teaching residents and fellows about the location, variability and importance of sparing these nerves. Most importantly, in cases where a wide excision or non-nerve sparing prostatectomy is performed, ProPep in invaluable in separating these nerves from the wider resection necessary to achieve negative margins.”
– Christopher Dechet, MD, FACS, Urologic Surgical Oncology, Anderson Family Endowed Chair in GU Oncology, Professor – Department of Surgery (Urology)

Dr. Christopher B Dechet is an associate professor in the Division of Urology, Department of Surgery at the University of Utah. He is currently Co-director of the Urologic Oncology Multidisciplinary Group at the Huntsman Cancer Institute. He is a board certified urologist whose practice at the Huntsman Cancer Hospital focuses on urologic oncology, specifically, the surgical management of prostate, kidney, bladder, adrenal and testicular cancers. He is skilled in open, laparoscopic and robotic procedures. He is currently the most experienced robotic surgeon in the Intermountain West, regularly performing robotic prostatectomy, robotic partial nephrectomy, robotic adrenalectomy, and robotic cystectomy.