If you or a loved one is faced with the decision of whether or not to undergo a prostatectomy with the da Vinci Surgical System, you may have countless concerns and questions. The prospect of surgery is daunting for most individuals, and the idea of a robot-assisted procedure may be even more intimidating. Robotic prostate surgery is the most advanced surgical procedure available for treating prostate cancer as well as incontinence issues as a result of benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH).
The Prostate Cancer Institute of LA have extensive experience and training with the da Vinci system, and have performed more than 1,000 successful robotic prostatectomies. Our skilled robotic prostatectomy surgeons are highly respected and sought after by local and international patients alike. To learn more about the procedure and whether it is an ideal option for you or a loved one, please do not hesitate to contact us.
When is a Prostatectomy Recommended?
A prostatectomy, which is essentially the surgical removal of the prostate gland is typically recommended for younger and healthier patients who have been diagnosed with prostate cancer and who are not candidates for focal therapy or active surveillance.
How is a da Vinci Prostatectomy Different from Open Surgery?
Unlike traditional prostate cancer surgery, the robotic prostatectomy is minimally-invasive while still allowing the surgeon to safely perform complex procedures and to preserve as much healthy tissues as possible. Additional advantages of the da Vinci prostatectomy compared to open surgery include:
Minimal Incisions – Whether surgically removing a portion of the prostate or the entire gland and surrounding lymph nodes, the robotic surgical system needs only a few small incisions. The robotic surgical system uses small instruments that do not need to be held by a surgeon, therefore requiring less space to perform the same life-saving procedure.
Greater Visualization – A miniature ,3D high-definition camera is used to provide the surgeon with a clear view of the surgical site, which is transmitted to a computer screen. With precise imaging, the surgeon can carefully make exact incisions to avoid harming healthy surrounding tissue.
Improved Dexterity – While operating the da Vinci surgical device, the surgeon does not have to physically hold the camera and instruments of the surgical system. Instead, he or she has complete control from a console next to the patient, therefore enabling the surgeon to make precise incisions with greater dexterity than his or her hands could provide.
Shorter Recovery Period – Minimal incisions mean that a patient not only loses less blood during the da Vinci prostatectomy, but also that his body does not have to repair long, deep incisions that were made through the skin and muscle. The recovery time is significantly shorter for patients who have undergone robotic prostate surgery rather than traditional, open surgery.
Better Outcomes – The minimal incisions, improved dexterity, and shorter recovery time involved with a da Vinci prostatectomy provide patients with better outcomes. The robotic surgical system enables our surgeons to perform a customized procedure on each patient depending on his needs, goals, and physiology, allowing us to preserve healthy tissue and nerves to protect the patient’s quality of life as much as possible. Many patients are able to retain sexual and physical abilities following a da Vinci prostatectomy for incontinence or prostate cancer.
What are Common da Vinci Prostatectomy Side Effects?
As with any surgical procedure, there is always a risk of complications or side effects. Following a traditional open prostatectomy, patients can expect to experience a wide range of side effects, many of which could impair their quality of life, such as incontinence, erectile dysfunction, dry orgasm, infertility, and hernia. Fortunately, the benefits of robotic prostatectomy help significantly reduce the risk of painful, uncomfortable, and embarrassing side effects. Our prostate surgeons specialize in being able to preserve the nerves important in preserving erectile function and urinary control.
Contact a Prostate Cancer Specialist Today
For most men, urological surgery can be frightening and discourage men from getting the screening and treatment they need to beat cancer. The Prostate Cancer Institute of LA are dedicated to providing comprehensive care for men with prostate cancer. We offer the most advanced surgical techniques that achieve the best results, the shortest recovery, and the smallest chances for complications possible. To learn more about how we can help you or your loved one, contact us online or call 310.278.8330 and schedule an appointment today.
Next, read How HIFU has Transformed Prostate Cancer Therapy.