Robotic-assisted laparoscopic (da VinciÒ) prostatectomy
BENEFITS:
- Significantly less pain
- Less blood loss
- Fewer complications
- Less scarring
- A shorter hospital stay
- And a faster return to normal daily activities
da Vinci O Prostatectomy is a minimally invasive option for definitive treatment of localized prostate cancer. The benefits of open radical prostatectomy are offered through smaller (1 to 2 cm) incisions with less pain, less trauma, less blood loss, shorter hospital stay, faster recovery and more rapid return to normal activities. In addition, the magnified 3D high-definition optics of the robotic camera coupled with the increased control and dexterity of the robotic instruments allow for a very precise cancer operation, while also facilitating meticulous preservation of normal tissue, including the nerves that control potency. Furthermore, advances in robotic prostatectomy technique are striving towards better and more rapid return of potency and urinary continence.
Consideration for robotic-assisted laparoscopic prostatectomy (or da VinciÒ Prostatectomy) is similar to that of traditional open prostatectomy techniques. Appropriate evaluation for robotic prostatectomy (and prostatectomy in general) requires consideration of a number of factors including prostate cancer stage, Gleason score, prostate size, body habitus (i.e., Body Mass Index), life expectancy, concurrent medical issues, overall health and, of course, personal preference. These factors should be discussed with your urologist in order to appropriately assess your candidacy for surgery and specifically, robotic-assisted laparoscopic prostatectomy.
Although there are no specific anatomic contraindications to robotic prostatectomy, certain patient characteristics can potentially make the operation more difficult. Such factors include large volume prostates, history of inflammation/infection of the prostate, previous endoscopic and/or open prostate surgery, previous abdominal surgery or intra-abdominal infection (i.e., peritonitis), previous hernia repair (with mesh, especially), history of previous pelvic radiation, prior androgen deprivation therapy (i.e., “hormone therapy”) and obesity. Although none of the above make robotic prostatectomy impossible, any of them can make the operation more challenging to perform.
As with any laparoscopic surgery, relative contraindications to robotic surgery are mainly related to difficulties with anesthesia resulting from a lengthy pneumoperitoneum (i.e., carbon dioxide used to insufflate the abdominal working space) and pronounced Trendelenburg (i.e., head down) position during surgery. Relative contraindications include severe emphysema and chronic lung disease, severe heart disease, glaucoma, and history of brain injury. The only absolute contraindication to laparoscopic/robotic surgery is high intracranial pressure. As always, be sure to discuss personal history of any such conditions with your urologist when considering robotic prostatectomy as an option for treatment of your prostate cancer.
As mentioned before, the key to successful management of prostate cancer is early detection and finding the treatment that suits you and your particular cancer the best. When considering robotic prostatectomy, maintain open and frank discussions with your urologist regarding the characteristics of your prostate cancer, you candidacy for surgery, your personal preferences, as well as the risks, benefits and alternatives to all the treatment options you are considering. Also, maintain honest and realistic expectations and discuss these with your doctor before surgery.
For more information visit: (http://www.davinciprostatectomy.com)
