High-tech and minimally invasive, the da Vinci® Robotic Prostatectomy represents the next era of prostate cancer surgery. With the aid of physician-controlled robotic instrumentation and three-dimensional imagery of the operating site, Urologists are able to achieve outstanding precision and reduce the risk associated with traditional open surgery using this state-of-the-art prostate cancer treatment. When performed by an experienced robotic surgeon, like the Phoenix urology specialists of Academic Urology & Urogynecology of Arizona, patients can expect less operative blood loss, reduced damage to the surrounding muscles, nerves, and tissue, a shortened hospital stay, and a reduced period of recovery.
As with a laparoscopic prostatectomy, a robotic excision of the prostate gland is performed through a series of small abdominal incisions. Urologists then insert an endoscope for visualization of the operating site and perform the procedure using surgeon-controlled robotic arms equipped with microsurgical instrumentation. The movements of the robotic arms are controlled by a surgeon via a high-tech operating consol. Here, the surgeon has a three-dimensional magnified view of the prostate and surrounding nerves and tissue. Using two hand controls, the surgeons movements are filtered, refined, and translated in real time to the robotic arms.
The da Vinci® Robotic Prostatectomy System’s Endowrist Technology and Insite Vision System provide the surgeons of Academic Urology & Urogynecology of Arizona with enhanced dexterity, instrument stability, range of motion, and magnification for better control and precision. For this reason, robotic-assisted laparoscopic prostatectomy is often the procedure of choice when performing a nerve-sparing prostate removal in which the end goal is the preservation of the nerves and tissue responsible for erection and continence.
Men whose conditions have not progressed beyond the T1 and T2 stages of cancer (metastasized to other regions of the body) are likely candidates for robotic-assisted prostate cancer surgery. Other factors, such as age, size, and past medical and surgical history may influence an individual’s qualification for this procedure. The Urologists of Academic Urology & Urogynecology of Arizona will closely review each case to determine appropriateness of use.
To learn more about the qualifications of Academic Urology & Urogynecology of Arizona’s prostate cancer robotic surgeons, click on the links below or schedule a consultation.
