Advanced Therapies
Dr. Ponsky specializes in offering his patients advanced therapies, using minimally invasive surgical procedures whenever possible. There are many different types of advanced therapies and Dr. Ponsky uses the most innovative ones available, including:
ROBOT-ASSISTED SURGERY
Using the daVinci® Robotic Surgical System allows Dr. Ponsky to perform many types of complex procedures with greater precision, flexibility, and control than is possible with conventional surgical techniques.
RADIOSURGERY
Radiosurgery is actually a non-invasive surgery that uses large-dose, targeted radiation instead of a scalpel to destroy tumors. It is an effective alternative to surgery or other minimally invasive therapies for treating smaller tumors. Dr. Ponsky was the first to research and publish on the use of radiosurgery for kidney tumors and is a leading expert on treating kidney tumors with radiosurgery, and is a founding member of the International Radiosurgery Oncology Consortium for Kidney society (IROCK).
LAPAROSCOPY
Laparoscopy is a minimally invasive procedure in which a fiber-optic surgical instrument with a tiny camera and light on the end is inserted through a small incision so surgery can be performed while looking at a video monitor. Dr. Ponsky received special training in this technique and is considered an expert in laparoscopic surgery often offering the laparoscopic approach to some of the most complex tumors.
PERCUTANEOUS CRYOABLATION
This therapy is performed by inserting a thin, needle-like probe through a small incision and into the tumor, using advanced imaging technology for guidance. Pressurized gas is pumped to a chamber at the needle’s tip, where it expands then cools, creating an ice ball that engulfs and destroys the tumor while sparing healthy tissue.
BRACHYTHERAPY
Brachytherapy is a common form of radiation therapy (often referred to as “seeds”) where the radioactive “seeds” are inserted directly into the prostate tissue. It is an outpatient procedure with minimal side effects. It is highly effective because the radiation is concentrated on the disease rather than healthy surrounding organs.
CLINICAL TRIALS
Through clinical trials, Dr. Ponsky is able to offer technology and treatments that are on the leading edge and aren’t always available to patients. In fact, people are living longer lives from successful cancer treatments that are the results of past clinical trials.