What Is A Robotic Prostatectomy?

Radical prostatectomy is a surgical procedure that involves the complete removal of the prostate gland in addition to a portion of the surrounding tissue. A sample of pelvic lymph node tissue may also be collected during the procedure for a biopsy later. The objective of the procedure is to remove the cancerous tissue in its entirety and prevent the cancer from spreading to other areas of the body. Generally speaking, men under age of 75 who have minimal amount of prostate cancer and who have an estimated 10 years or more to live will benefit greatly from the procedure. Prior to performing a radical prostatectomy, your doctor must first determine whether the cancer has spread beyond the prostate gland. This determination is accomplished through a series of tests such as a CT scan or ultrasound. If the cancer remains localized to the prostate your will recommend other options for treating your prostate cancer. Your doctor will opt for surgery as a viable option only if the cancer metastasizes.

Da Vinci Robotic Prostatectomy

Robotic prostate surgery offers the latest in minimally invasive surgery as well as the most recent advances in robotics and computer technology. The da Vinci system allows for even more precision during surgery and there is no requirement to program surgical instructions prior to a procedure. Robotic prostatectomy is performed much in the same manner as a laparoscopic prostatectomy. The surgery however is performed at a console in the operating room and the procedure is viewed via an enhanced 3D High Definition monitor. The surgeon uses joysticks which both interpret and control movements in real time allowing for amazing accuracy. Each robotic arm is outfitted with miniature surgical instrumentation allowing for enhanced mobility and capable of moving in any direction.

Benefits of Robotic Prostatectomy

There are a number of advantages the da Vinci system offers over the traditional laparoscopic surgical procedure of treating prostate cancer which include:

• Shorter hospital stay
• Minimal pain
• Minimally invasive (one-centimeter keyhole incisions)
• Decreased risk of bleeding and infection
• Quicker recovery time
• Minimal risk of impotence or incontinence
• Minimal scarring
• reduced chance of relapse due to any missed cancerous tissue

Why Choose Robotic Prostatectomy?

The da Vinci Robotic Surgical System is the best alternative opposed to traditional methods which are highly invasive and require longer periods of recovery for patients post op. More importantly the precision of the da Vinci system prevents damage to healthy prostate tissue, which in turn improves clinical results. Dr. David Samadi is lead in the field of robotic prostatectomy with over 6,000 prostate surgeries performed which is more than any other prostate cancer surgeon in New York. Dr. Samadi also developed the SMART technique (Samadi Modified Advanced Robotic Technique) which has helped to improve both sexual function and urinary control in patients. For a consultation please contact Dr. Samadi at 212-365-5000.