Patient Testimonials

Dear Dr. Kaynan,

I had a Robotic Prostatectomy surgery on 2/7/2006 at Morristown Hospital. I am more than pleased with the outstanding results I have enjoyed. The operation was exactly as you had explained, my recovery went faster than expected, and the overall experience one of the best surgical experiences I have ever had.

It was very helpful to also learn the details in advance through the Morristown Hospital program. It significantly reduced my anxiety and helped both myself and my wife understand the effects of this critical operation. I am now enjoying life in the Houston area, and always encourage other candidates for this surgery to thoroughly consider this technique.

Again, thanks for a great surgical experience.

Dear Fellow Patient,

I underwent a robotic surgery procedure during the afternoon of a day in June 2008. I slept all night and went home the next day. I was able to walk around the house with little or no discomfort.

The Adult & Pediatric Urology Group had given me all of the preparation I would need for the procedure and the time directly afterward. They have always been helpful, friendly and knowledgeable.

I believe that I would have had to endure a greater period of debilitation and greater discomfort if I had undergone a radical surgical procedure rather than the robotic operation. Six months later, I have five one-inch log scars across my abdomen that I am reminded about only when I see myself in the mirror after showering. I am back at the gym several days per week and have returned to the jogging routine I had developed a few months before the operation.

For me, robotic surgery is the only way to go for less anatomical disruption, less pain, less social impact, and greater enjoyment of life.

Lee Scott Bishop 

Dear Dr. Kaynan,

We have so much to thank you for, your caring, professional, personal ways, and your gifted skill for the prostate surgery you preformed.

You explained different procedures or treatments for the prostate cancer I had. I chose the robotic surgery. You explained that I had other complications, from previous surgeries. But you were confident you could do this and you made me feel very confident with you, and comfortable with my decision.

The robotic surgery for me was a success. I had no pain and very little scarring. You were able to save the nerves with the robotic surgery. Recovery time was short.

Dr. Kaynan, you made my family and me feel we could ask questions and you took the time to answer them. I didn’t feel like a number, you treat every patient as a single person. My family and I are very thankful we were referred to you.

I did have a complication a few days after the surgery. Not from the prostate surgery itself, but from scar tissue from previous surgeries. You were right there at the hospital yourself to run tests and talk with us. You are a dedicated gifted doctor.

From my own experience, the best way to treat prostate cancer is with robotic surgery.

Thank you again.
Warmly,
David Shepherd

Dear Dr. Kaynan,

I personally need to Thank You. From the first meeting we had with you to every visit since, you have always made me feel comfortable and confident, and not afraid to ask questions, and I knew we would get a true answer. Thank You for my husband’s recovery and health.

Sincerely,
Diana Shepherd

Dear Dr. Kaynan,

After experiencing traditional kidney surgery many years ago, it was troubling to find that I had developed a tumor on my left adrenal gland. The thought of another 10 to 12 inch incision in my back and abdomen was less than appealing. Even less appealing was the potential recovery period of six to eight weeks. Having had minimally invasive urologic surgery in the past, I was less than enthusiastic about going this route again. My former experience, by a surgeon form another practice, was far less than positive. Fortunately, I was introduced to you and your minimally invasive surgical techniques.

Apprehensions aside, I put my faith in The Adult and Pediatric Urology Group. I felt completely confident putting the decision in your hands. There was no question that you would only do what was absolutely best for me.

When I awoke from surgery, I cannot explain how different it was compared to when I had traditional surgery. The pain level was far less. I felt better than I could have imagined. The difference was amazing!

And the experience just got better. I was up and walking around not more than 4 hours after the surgery, with very manageable pain. In less than two days, I was on my way home from the hospital. Within 2 weeks, I barely even felt as though I had the surgery. And for those who don’t know me, I am probably the worst patient in the world when it comes to dealing with pain.

I would recommend minimally invasive or robotic surgery to anyone who is a candidate. The procedure is great but most importantly, the recovery time (in my experience) is approximately one third of that of traditional surgery. Although I hope to not have any additional surgeries, I wouldn’t hesitate for a moment to have your team treat me again using minimally invasive techniques.

Dear Dr. Kaynan

The propitious confluence of education, experience, the da Vinci Surgical System, your unique personal gifts, all under the ultimate guidance of the Almighty…
Without any of the above, I’d be less than fortunate!

Dear Dr. Kaynan,

As a medically aware and mature male I have had an annual PSA tests since my mid-fifties.   My tests were always in the normal range till about 2003, when the readings spiked.  My doctor sent me to a Urology group in my area, who did a biopsy; quickly determined that I indeed had prostate cancer.  Late night phone calls from the doctor himself prescribing immediate surgery made me into an emotional wreck.  They insisted that a decision be made immediately. 

An ad on the radio caught my interest, and after doing some home work in regards to a second opinion, I was off for my initial visit with you accompanied by my sons.  Your staff was fantastic.  They made me feel comfortable immediately.  The office visit and consultation lasted for two hours, during which time you educated us about prostate cancer.  All of our questions were answered in the most understandable, compassionate and professional way.  Dr. Kaynan, you could not have been more empathetic to my situation and I left feeling that I was in the right hands.

Anyone seeking the finest in emotional and medical care would benefit from a visit to Dr. Kaynan. 

Dear Dr. Kaynan,

My Wife and I both owe our lives and our present quality of life to you. In my opinion, you epitomize the words Doctor, Humanitarian, Surgeon and Healer. On four separate occasions, Dr. Kaynan, you have brought skill, knowledge, and genuine concern for our well-being to very serious medical situations.

Dear Dr. Kaynan,

You operated on me in July. You were very nice and professional. Recovery time was rapid.

Dear Dr. Kaynan,

Thanks to the daVinci Robot my bladder surgery was so much easier than the “old fashion” way.  I was home in one day with five small holes in my stomach area making my recovery so fast with minimal pain.  Two years has passed and there are no signs of the five holes.  I hope all future surgeries can be done by the daVinci Robot.

Dear Fellow Patient,

On May 1, 2006, I had the good fortune of having Dr. Ayal Kaynan perform robotic prostate surgery on me at the Morristown Memorial Hospital, using the Da Vinci
Surgical System. The surgery was successful and I have been cancer free since then, with all Prostate Specific Antigen readings being negative.

Throughout the process, Dr. Kaynan was very professional and easy to communicate with, and he inspired my confidence in him upon our first consultation. He spent considerable time with me reviewing the treatment options for the type of prostate cancer I had, and explaining every step of the Da Vinci System. Despite being a doctor with myriad commitments, his post-surgery visits were never rushed and his kind bedside manner impressed me and my family. Without a second thought, I would commit myself into the capable and skillful hands of Dr. Kaynan should there ever be (God forbid) a need for another surgery.

Dear Dr. Kaynan,

Two years ago I was diagnosed with prostate cancer. Now I had the unenviable task of making a decision as to how to take care for this problem. I researched the various methods that were available and I chose Robotic Surgery to have my prostate removed, and thank god I did. Four small holes, minimal pain and no complications. I want to thank you for all that you have done for me and for the excellent care I have received.

Dear Dr. Kaynan,

It’s been several months now since the operation and I wanted to let you know that I am well and thank you for saving my life. The entire process was nicely handled, from the early meetings with you and my wife and I when you carefully explained the options and the robotic surgery and made feel as comfortable as possible under the circumstances. You answered all of our questions without reservation, including those about your training and how many robotic operations you had done to date. The post op and follow up visits were also conducted in a kindly and professional but comforting manner by you and your nursing staff, especially Nancy Snook. Under the circumstances, overall, it was actually a comfortable experience.

Dear Fellow Patient,

In 1968 at age 64 my father died from prostate cancer. For this reason I paid more attention to my prostate.

In 1993 I began charting my vitals like blood pressure, weight, cholesterol, triglycerides and oh yes, my PSA and testosterone. This was done annually as part of my physical exam. Everything was generally good until December 2006 when my PSA went from 1.569 the previous year to 2.461. Having just read an article about the importance of “rate of change” in PSA I met with my urologist Dr David Taylor of Adult & Pediatric Urology Group in Morristown. After re-checking my PSA, now 2.5, he suggested we do an ultrasound and biopsy of the prostate. The results revealed that I had cancer, Gleason score 6. In May 2007 my PSA was 4.555, quite a jump! Also in May 2007 I visited MSK in NYC for a second opinion. Dr Taylor’s findings were confirmed.

So what do I do now and where do I do it? Several years previously my family realized what a fine hospital MMH was. After a few trips to MSK in NYC and my own research it was clear that MMH was the hospital I wanted to treat my prostate cancer.

After learning about Robotic Surgery I knew this was the way I wanted to go. Dr Taylor and I discussed my options and he suggested I talk to his partner, Dr Ayal Kaynan, who was head of Robotic Prostate Surgery at both the Practice and MMH. My wife and I visited Dr Kaynan in January 2008. I came prepared with several pages of questions which Dr Kaynan answered completely. All aspects of the surgical procedure, including possible risks and the recovery, were addressed in a compassionate, caring and confident manner. In Dr Kaynan we found an extremely qualified Robotic surgeon, highly intelligent, very well educated and experienced. We immediately knew that Dr Kaynan was going to do my Robotic Prostatectomy. March 25, 2008 was the date for surgery.

The surgery and recovery went exactly as Dr Kaynan had said. Everything was seamless. I was so impressed with this Doctor that the first time he visited me after surgery I was so elated to see him and wanted to express my deep gratitude. Out of my mouth came the words “I LOVE YOU DR KAYNAN”! Now I don’t say that to many men.

Dr Kaynan, MMH, and their personnel are the very best. Robotic surgery is, without question, the state of the art. I would highly recommend this Doctor, this Hospital and its personnel and Robotic surgery.

Dear Fellow Patient,

The last minutes before the “change”, I felt so weak and ready for not waking after the robotic operation.  The next minute, I was awake and told it was over.  I slept.  I was not myself anymore.  For the months to follow that was how I learned to live.  Live, I did.  Each day, week and month getting more of myself all the time.

Life, I have, only due to trust in Ian Atlas and Ayal Kaynan.  Both humane at will, doctors as trade.  For me, the trust comes with compassion, personality, enjoyment, and enthusiasm.  Words we don’t hear or feel from professionals.

If I have my way, I would never see all of this again.  But then I would not feel the care of Ayal and Ian.  They have given me my mind, my health, and maybe, just like everyone, my life.

Dear Fellow Patient,

When I was diagnosed with prostate cancer, there were many concerns and questions to be answered. Everyone I knew wanted to give advice about the treatment, the doctor, the medical facility. Fortunately for me, Drs. Atlas and Kaynan were my care providers and my worries were over.

Superlatives can only begin to describe the care I received. They answered all my questions in a caring and understandable way. Theirs is a very busy office, but when I was with the doctors, they gave me all the time that I needed. Both Dr. Atlas and Dr. Kaynan gave my wife and me over an hour to describe the treatment options which included a video presentation of the surgical procedure that they were recommending. I felt completely prepared for the procedure when it occurred. I followed their recommendation for robotic radical prostatectomy and had the surgery on Oct. 3, 2008. During the operation my wife received regular updates from the operating room, which provided much reassurance. Both doctors met with her right after the operation and were extremely optimistic about how things had gone.

I experienced minimal pain after surgery and never felt the need for pain medication. Today (Jan. 2, 2009) I am cancer free with both urinary and erectile function back to normal. I have recommended and will continue to recommend both Dr. Atlas and Dr. Kaynan to anyone facing prostate cancer or any other urological condition.

Dear Fellow Patient,

In October 2002, I began experiencing problems urinating and was recommended to Dr. Kaynan. He was very professional and wonderful in dealing with my situation. In the process of testing, I was diagnosed with prostate cancer. To say I was traumatized would be an understatement. Dr. Kaynan explained to me the options I had and encouraged me to seek a second opinion which I did. My final decision was to have the laparoscopic surgery because being the active 62 year old that I was, Dr. Kaynan explained that my down-time would be far less. After the procedure was completed I felt as if I didn’t even have surgery. I was able to continue my work and have led a very normal life. Dr. Kaynan was there with answers to all my questions. I will have my 3 year anniversary in January of 2009. I would recommend Dr. Kaynan for anyone going through this situation. He is the best! I am ever so grateful for his care. I am 65, active as ever and look forward to a future thanks to Dr. Kaynan.

Dear Dr. Kaynan,

How do you thank your doctor for renewing one’s life after receiving the news that I had prostate cancer? Yes, Thank You; especially given my recovery and levels of “functioning,” we can say the surgery has been successful. You (and your team) are not only excellent technically, but treat the whole person/family with respect. I can (and have) strongly recommend you to other men who also have prostate cancer.

Living in NYC metro area, I had a wide range of choices for treatment by excellent oncologists, urologists, and surgeons. It was during our initial meeting that I knew I could trust you. You graciously gave me and my wife the time (a long 60 minutes!), you provided the data and information needed, and answered all my technical and medical questions while respecting my fears, confusion and trepidations. We knew that you had excellent credentials and technical skills; now we recognized that you genuinely cared about me as a person, not just a statistic. You treated the whole of me: my cancerous prostate, my mind and my heart; and you included my wife as part of the process.

Your post operative treatment and follow-up this past year confirmed your continued commitment to me as a patient and as a person. Thank you.