Page Options

Robotic-Assisted Prostatectomy

What is Robotic Assisted Prostatectomy?
Surgical removal of all or part of the prostate using small incisions and machine assisted procedures.

One in six men will develop Prostate cancer in his life and it is the second most common cancer affecting U.S. men, after skin cancer.

Georgia Urology surgeons were the first in Georgia to perform a laparoscopic prostate removal in 2000 and a robotic assisted prostatectomy for cancer in 2003. This innovative procedure improves the preservation of urinary and erectile function.

Am I A Candidate for Robotic Assisted Prostatectomy?
Every surgical candidate should be considered individually in consultation with their urologist. Good candidates for robotic assisted prostatectomy will usually be men with localized disease who have optimal potential for long-term survival post-treatment. Prior surgery and obesity can add challenges to the procedure, but do not necessarily rule out a man as a candidate. Men should also discuss whether the location and staging of their prostate cancer allows for a nerve-sparing procedure.

How is a Robotic Assisted Prostatectomy Performed?

While the patient is under general anesthesia, the surgeon makes six small incisions, each less than an inch wide in the abdomen.
The robotic devise is wheeled up to the patient and the robotic arms and attached to a telescope and instruments. The surgeon sits at the control console.
The surgeon's finger movements control all of the precise movements of the tiny robotic instruments. The surgeon's view is highly, magnified and 3 dimensional, allowing carefully separation of the prostate from surrounding tissue and to avoid of disturbing any delicate nerves. This meticulous procedure helps to facilitate urinary control and preserve erectile function postoperatively.
The prostate is removed through the small incision near the belly button.

What are the Advantages of a Robotic Assisted Prostatectomy?
With much smaller incisions than in a traditional open surgery and greatly improved visualization over traditional laparoscopic approaches, the robotic-assisted prostatectomy offers many benefits to patients facing prostate surgery. Patients generally have a shorter hospital stay, less pain, less risk of infection, less blood loss, fewer transfusions, less scarring, faster recovery, improved preservation of urinary and erectile function and a quicker return to normal daily activities than open surgery.

How long will it take to recover?
Most patients are able to leave the hospital the day after their surgery. Patients are often able to return to their normal personal and work activities within 2-6 weeks.

AV- Intuitive Surgical Robotic Prostatectomy
www.vidder.com/explore/intu-surg/videos/
http://www.viddler.com/explore/intu-surg/videos/265.wmv