William J. Badger, M.D., urologist, recently joined the medical staff at Flagstaff Medical Center. Dr. Badger specializes in robotic-assisted and laparoscopic urologic surgical procedures, including the treatment of pediatric patients. Dr. Badger is the only urologist in Northern and Central Arizona offering patients the opportunity to benefit from robot-assisted prostatectomy surgical options for the treatment of benign and malignant prostate conditions. 

The advantages of robotic-assisted laparoscopic prostatectomy over conventional open surgery include smaller incisions for less post-operative pain and improved cosmetics, and a faster return to normal activities. 

FMC began using the da Vinci Surgical System in February 2008, allowing patients to benefit from minimally invasive, robotic-assisted surgical procedures including general, weight-loss, gynecological, urological, and in the near future heart valve replacement and repair. The system’s superior visualization, enhanced dexterity, precision and control enable the surgeon to perform complex procedures — like radical prostatectomy — through dime-sized operating “ports.” Due to its obvious advantages, da Vinci prostatectomy has become the fastest growing treatment for prostate cancer in the U.S.

While the causes of prostate cancer are largely unknown, it is clear that the chance of developing prostate cancer increases in men over 50. According to the National Cancer Institute, one in six men will develop prostate cancer during their lifetime. Prostate cancer is the most common type of cancer found in American men and accounts for the second leading cause of cancer deaths in men. In Arizona, more than 3,000 men are diagnosed with prostate cancer each year.

Dr. Badger earned his medical degree at Ohio State University, College of Medicine, in 2002; completed his residency at the Albany Medical Center, Albany, New York; and most recently completed his fellowship in robotic and laparoscopic surgery at the University of Iowa. He is a member of the American Urological Association.