Facts About Robotic Prostate Surgery

If you have prostate cancer, it's important to get the facts about robotic prostate surgery. Prostate surgery removes the prostate and the tissue around it to treat prostate cancer. With the robotic prostate surgery system, a surgeon moves a robotic arm while watching the procedure from a computer near the operating table. Here is some information that may help you and your doctor decide whether robotic prostate surgery is right for you.

1. Robotic prostate surgery is as effective as traditional prostate surgery, with additional benefits for the patient. With robotic prostate surgery, you may experience less bleeding, less pain, a shorter hospital stay, and a faster overall recovery. Even though the technology is more advanced, you will still benefit from the expertise of a skilled surgical team.
2. Robotic prostate surgery is minimally invasive, which means less bleeding. Six incisions are made in the abdomen, and the surgeon inserts a tiny camera and special surgical instruments. The camera's magnification allows the surgeon to see and control everything that is happening during the procedure. The surgeon controls the robot to perform the operation, which allows him to have maximum control in the tiniest areas.
3. Robotic prostate surgery uses the most advanced technology available. This includes a 3-D view of the surgical area and instruments that can exactly replicate the movement of the surgeon's hands and wrists. This is beneficial since, unlike human hands and arms, the robotic hands and arms can remain steady at all times.
4. Robotic prostate surgery is not the best choice for everyone. Though many patients will see improved results than with traditional open prostate surgery, traditional surgery will work better for some people. This includes men over 70, those who have had pelvic surgery before, and those with very advanced cancer.