PROSTATE CANCER TREATMENT —
DA VINCI ROBOTIC PROSTATECTOMY

Referred to by many as robotic surgery for prostate cancer or robotic prostatectomy, da Vinci^® Prostatectomy is more accurately a robot-assisted, minimally invasive surgery that is quickly becoming the preferred treatment for removal of the prostate following early diagnosis of prostate cancer. In fact, studies suggest that  da Vinci Prostatectomy may be the most effective, least invasive prostate surgery performed today.

Until recently, men facing prostate cancer surgery usually had little choice as to the types of surgical procedures available. Surgery has been traditionally performed in an open manner, called open prostatectomy, which involves large incisions and post operative side effects for patients.  Using this procedure, the entire cancerous prostate glad is removed and there are risks of excessive blood loss during surgery, post-operative infections, long hospital stays, and considerable pain. Following open prostatectomy surgery, patients have limited activity, and may lose bladder control and sexual function due to severance of the delicate plexus of nerves around the walnut-sized prostate gland.

Unlike laparoscopic surgery, da Vinci Robotic Prostatectomy instruments can turn in all directions with 90 degrees of articulation and 7 degrees of freedom. The da Vinci system provides the surgeon with improved visualization, dexterity, and precision compared with open or laparoscopic surgery, while enabling operation through 1-2 cm incisions. This allows surgeons to perform fine computer-controlled movements and to perform a more precise and minimally invasive prostate surgery procedure, which protect his patient’s delicate prostate nerves controlling bladder and sexual function. The da Vinci Robot achieves the same or better results of a surgeon’s hands in open or laparoscopic surgery.

Though any diagnosis of cancer can be traumatic, the good news is that if your doctor recommends prostate surgery, the cancer was probably caught early. And, with da Vinci Prostatectomy, the likelihood of a complete recovery from prostate cancer without long-term side effects is, for most patients, better than it has ever been.

da Vinci Prostatectomy is performed with the assistance of the da Vinci Surgical System – the latest evolution in robotics technology. The da Vinci Surgical System enables surgeons to operate with unmatched precision and control using only a few small incisions. Recent studies suggest that da Vinci Prostatectomy may offer improved cancer control and a faster return to potency and continence. da Vinci Prostatectomy also offers these potential benefits:

• Significantly less pain
• Less blood loss
• Fewer complications
• Less scarring
• A shorter hospital stay
• And a faster return to normal daily activities