Adventist Health Bakersfield | You + Us | Winter 2020

5 can be done using minimally invasive techniques, like laparoscopy or robot-assisted surgery. These techniques require only a few small incisions. Using those openings, doctors can insert tiny cameras and tools that let them see and work inside the body with much less trauma to the surrounding skin and muscle. It’s not science fiction When you first hear the term robotic surgery, it can sound like a robot is in charge of your procedure. But that’s far from the case. Instead, the da Vinci Xi system used at Adventist Health Bakersfield gives doctors even more control. It translates the surgeon’s hand movements at a console into very precise movements by a surgical robot—all in real time. The robot’s tiny wristed instruments move like a human hand, but with a greater range of motion. The instrument size makes it possible for surgeons to operate through a few small Welcome to the Adventist Health family! Don’t put it off another day. To make an appointment with Dr. Calvert or Dr. Hou, call 855-448-0067 . “We can help you manage your prostate and sexual health so you enjoy a better quality of life overall.” —Albert McBride, MD What’s better than treating a urological problem quickly? Preventing one. Urologist Jack Hou, MD, offers these five tips for good urological health: 1. Drink plenty of water. 2. Stay within a healthy weight range. 3. Choose a smoke-free lifestyle. 4. Exercise regularly. 5. Prevent or treat diabetes, high blood pressure and high cholesterol— both for your overall health and to help prevent erectile dysfunction. A urologist’s top tips for men T.J. Calvert, MD, MPH, cares for patients with conditions of the urinary tract and male reproductive system. He performs laparoscopic surgery, open surgery, biopsies and more to treat a range of conditions such as cancer, kidney stones, benign prostatic hyperplasia and fertility issues. Dr. Calvert is also interested in research and quality improvement projects related to patient care. Along with his wife—surgeon Connie Lee, MD, who practices at the Adventist Health AIS Cancer Center—Dr. Calvert enjoys traveling, sailing and scuba diving. And last October, the couple became new parents to a beautiful baby girl! Two new urologists recently joined the team at Adventist Health Physicians Network Medical Office – Urology in Bakersfield. Jack Hou, MD, specializes in comprehensive urological care for both men and women, including urinary tract concerns; hematuria; and tumors of the kidney, bladder, prostate or testicles. He has a special interest and training in neurourology and female urology and is fluent in Mandarin and Taiwanese. Dr. Hou completed his medical degree at Boston University School of Medicine and is board-certified by the American Board of Urology. Born in Taiwan and raised in New York, Dr. Hou is married and enjoys traveling, cooking and family activities in his spare time. incisions. And the da Vinci system delivers highly magnified, high-definition views of the surgical area. Essentially, the da Vinci System extends a surgeon’s eyes and hands. What it means for men’s health This state-of-the-art robotic technology makes it possible for many men to have a minimally invasive alternative to open surgery. For a common procedure like a colectomy, part or all of the colon can be removed through a series of tiny incisions in the abdomen instead of one long one. That brings benefits such as: •A lower risk of surgical complications •Less damage to surrounding tissue •A shorter hospital stay •Minimal scarring •A quicker return of bowel function In other words, the da Vinci System helps people get back to their everyday lives—in good health and with a better quality of life. And that’s what Adventist Health’s mission is all about.