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Sutter Tracy Recruits Board Certified Urologist to Support Advanced Urologic Services
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June 2004
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TRACY, CA – Tracy residents with prostate cancer and other urological conditions no longer have to travel to far away cities for state-of-the-art procedures and treatment. Salman Razi, MD, a highly skilled and board certified urologist, recently set up his full-time practice in Tracy across from Sutter Tracy Community Hospital. He specializes in treating diseases and medical conditions of the male and female urinary system. This includes overactive bladder conditions (incontinence), prostate disorders, erectile dysfunction, male infertility, and cancer of the prostate, bladder, kidney, and testes.
"Dr. Razi is an extremely talented physician who brings his skills to compliment tour growing urologic center of excellence," said Sutter Tracy CEO Gary Rapaport. "We’re very excited to have him here and to be able to offer the community such an advanced level of care on a full-time basis."
Dr. Razi is one of only a handful of physicians in the area trained in prostate cancer brachytherapy. Dr. Raymond Leidich, Tracy Surgeon pioneered Brachytherapy at Sutter Tracy two years ago. Sutter Tracy continues to be the only hospital in the area providing this advanced treatment option. During the outpatient procedure, radioactive pellets or seeds smaller than a grain of rice are implanted directly into the prostate through very fine needles. The seeds give off concentrated doses of radiation that target the cancer and minimize exposure to surrounding healthy tissue. Over time, the seeds lose their radioactivity.
"While removal of the prostate is still considered to be the gold standard of treatment, brachytherapy is much less invasive than prostate surgery, and patients experience less pain and faster recovery times. They usually leave the hospital the same day, and most are back at work within a week. Recovery from standard surgery can take up to three or four weeks," said Dr. Razi. "Most important, many studies are showing that brachytherapy and prostate surgery are equally effective for curing prostate cancer for at least 10-15 years. It is important to remember, however, that the best treatment choice for prostate cancer differs from person to person and involves many factors."
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Dr. Razi uses the latest surgical and non-surgical techniques to treat bladder and kidney problems, including endoscopy to remove stones and tumors in the kidney and bladder. The minimally invasive procedure uses a long, thin tube with a camera at the end to view the inside of the urinary tract and eliminates the need for major surgery. Patients experience less pain and recover much faster compared to standard open surgery.
Dr. Razi also specializes in urethral sling surgery, a high-tech procedure used to correct urinary incontinence (weak bladder) in women. "It is a shame that many women needlessly suffer from this condition. Often times a safe, simple surgical procedure can make a world of difference."
A graduate of the University of California, Los Angeles, Medical School, Dr. Razi completed his general surgery residency at the University of California, Irvine. He did his urology residency at Beth Israel Medical Center in New York and a neuro-urology research fellowship at Rancho Los Amigos Medical Center in Downey, California. Prior to opening his practice in Tracy, he spent four years in a group practice in West Palm Beach, Florida. He has published many articles and given lectures covering all aspects of urology.
"Sutter Tracy is a wonderful hospital equipped with cutting-edge technology and the latest state-of-the-art surgical equipment," said Dr. Razi. "My family and I are very happy to be living and working in Tracy. I am pleased to be able to offer full-time urologic care to the city of Tracy. I am looking forward to getting to know the community and already joined the Rotary Club." Dr. Razi speaks many languages, including Spanish, and can be reached at 209-833-3449. His office is located in the Eaton Medical Plaza.
Sutter Tracy Community Hospital is a full-service, acute care hospital that offers a wide array of inpatient and outpatient services. Founded in 1948 by a group of community residents and business members, the Hospital became an affiliate of Sutter Health in 1993. Sutter Health is a family of not-for-profit hospitals and physician organizations that share resources and expertise to advance health care quality. Serving more than 100 communities in Northern California, Sutter Health is a regional leader in cardiac care, cancer treatment, orthopedics, and newborn intensive care, and is a pioneer in advanced patient safety technology. Visit us on the web at www.suttertracy.org.
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