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Robotic-Assisted (Da Vinci) Prostatectomy

23/01/2015

ROBOTIC-ASSISTED (DA VINCI) PROSTATECTOMY


A radical prostatectomy is an operation carried out to remove the prostate for patients who have prostate cancer. Your prostate is a small, walnut-sized gland that is situated at the base of your bladder. Its main function is to add liquid to your ejaculate (semen).

Robotic-assisted (Da Vinci®) laparoscopic radical prostatectomy is the least invasive existing surgical technique to remove the prostate gland.

During the operation, the surgeon will usually remove some lymph glands from the side of the prostate. The surgeon then proceeds with removal of your prostate and the two sacs behind the prostate (seminal vesicles). The bladder is then joined to the water pipe (urethra) which runs along the penis so that you can pass urine normally. A tube (catheter) is left in place for about 7 days to allow the join to heal. The operation will be performed by a surgeon who is skilled & experienced.

There are several ways of performing a radical prostatectomy: Open radical prostatectomy, Laparoscopic radical prostatectomy carried out in the standard way,Laparoscopic radical prostatectomy carried out using robotic assistance.

Prostate’s cancer removal radical prostatectomy is an operation which aims to remove the cancer and the prostate completely. The prostate, seminal vesicles & surrounding tissues are removed to provide the best possible chance of totally removing the cancer. However in some cases, it is found during pathology investigations of the removed prostate that the cancer has grown beyond the covering of the prostate gland. If this is the case, your urologist will discuss with you whether you need additional treatment such as radiotherapy. Therapeutic strategy will also depend on your PSA (prostate-specific antigen) level which is monitored in all patients at frequent intervals. In the majority of men, your PSA will be close to zero at all times and you will not require further treatment. The robotic surgery allows faster recovery than open surgery, the most common technique used for prostatectomy. Surgeon’s vision is also improved compared to laparoscopic surgery allowing a more precise dissection. Please remember that early prostate cancer can be effectively treated. Most men with early prostate cancer will remain alive & healthy for many years to come!

A robotic console Da Vinci® is placed beside you in the operating theatre. Attached to the console are three robotic arms; two for instruments and one for a high- magnification 3-D camera to allow the surgeon to see inside your abdomen. The two robotic arms have the ability to hold various instruments attached to them and allow the surgeon to carry out your operation.

The instruments are approximately 7mm in width. The instruments have a greater range of movement than the human hand and, because of their size, allow the surgeon to carry out the operation using 3-D imaging in a small space within the body.
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