BRICK – After visiting his doctor for his annual exam, a local resident was diagnosed and treated for prostate cancer during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Although he didn’t show any physical symptoms, a Prostate Specific Antigen (PSA) blood test showed high levels of the enzyme. After further testing, Keith Mueller was diagnosed with an aggressive cancer that needed immediate attention. His cancer care team urgently recommended a surgical intervention using cutting edge robotic surgery.
“In the new reality of dealingwith COVID-19, patients may be concerned about scheduling surgeries or procedures however, it’s vitally important to put their health first even during these uncertain times,” said Mark Perlmutter, M.D., FACS, medical director of urologic oncology for Hackensack Meridian Health, Ocean and Monmouth counties. “Cancer doesn’t wait not even for a pandemic, so it is critically important to take all preventative measures and proceed with diagnostic testing, procedures, and even surgery if necessary.”
Mueller’s cancer was completely removed by Dr. Perlmutter, who performed a radical robotic proctectomy at Hackensack Meridian Ocean Medical Center.
“Requiring no additional therapy or treatment, Mr. Mueller’s outlook is extremely favorable and is back to living a healthy life,” added Dr. Perlmutter.
“I am so grateful for the quick response of my physicians who assured me that surgery was necessary given the aggressive cancer diagnosis,” said Keith Mueller. “I received safe and comfortable care all during my stay at the hospital that took extra safety measures to prevent the spread of COVID-19.”
“Ocean Medical Center is committed to preventing the spread of COVID-19 and has taken the utmost precautionary measures to ensure the safety of our patients and team members,” said Jason Kreitner, FACHE, chief hospital executive. “As we prepare for a possible surge, we continue to provide personal protective equipment (PPE), adhere to universal masking and social distancing, sanitize rooms and surfaces using ultraviolet technology (UV), and provide routine temperature checks and PCR (polymerise chain reaction) to test patients for COVID-19 prior to surgical procedures and admissions.”
