Robotic Prostatectomy

The primary goal of prostatectomy is removal of the cancer. A secondary goal is to preserve urinary function and - when applicable - erectile function. Preservation of the nerves necessary for erections can be an extremely important goal for patients. These nerves run alongside the prostate and are often damaged when removing the prostate. A nerve-sparing prostatectomy attempts to preserve these nerves so that the patient may be able to return to his prior erectile function.

Robotic surgery is one of the latest technologies used in the treatment of prostate cancer. In 2005, Northside introduced robotic prostatectomy and now leads the state, performing more robotic surgeries than any other hospital in Georgia. In fact, Northside ranks in the top 10 percent of all robotic prostatectomy programs in the country.

Types of Prostatectomy

Approaches to this procedure include traditional open surgery, conventional laparoscopic surgery or da Vinci ® Robotic Prostatectomy, which is a robot-assisted laparoscopic surgery.

With a traditional open procedure, your surgeon uses an 8-10 inch incision to access the prostate. This approach often results in substantial blood loss, a lengthy, uncomfortable recovery and a risk of impotence and incontinence.

Conventional laparoscopy uses a specialized surgical camera and rigid instruments to access and remove the prostate using a series of small incisions. This approach provides your surgeon with better visualization than an open approach. In addition, it provides patients the benefits of a minimally invasive procedure.

Despite these advantages, conventional laparoscopy relies on rigid instruments and standard 2D video, technical limitations that can be challenging for the surgeon. Because of these drawbacks, conventional laparoscopy doesn't lend itself well to complex procedures like prostatectomy. Therefore, very few urologists use this approach for prostatectomy. Moreover, neither laparoscopy nor open surgery can provide adequate visualization for a very precise, nerve-sparing prostatectomy. A robotic surgery has the ability to overcome these obstacles.

Robotic Prostate Surgery

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

Though any diagnosis of prostate cancer can be traumatic, the good news is that if your doctor recommends prostate surgery, the cancer was probably caught early. And, with a robotic 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.

Robotic Prostatectomy enables surgeons to operate with unmatched precision and control using only a few small incisions. Recent studies suggest that robotic prostate surgery may offer improved cancer control and a faster return to potency and continence.

This procedure offers patients the following benefits:

Patient Benefits

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

For more information about our robotic surgical program call (404) 851-8200.

As with any surgery, these benefits cannot be guaranteed, as surgery is both patient- and procedure-specific. While prostatectomy performed using the da Vinci ® Surgical System is considered safe and effective, this procedure may not be appropriate for every individual. Always ask your doctor about all treatment options, as well as their risks and benefits.