Robotic Prostatectomy

Robotic prostatectomy

        Robotic prostatectomy is a surgery which main purpose is to remove the prostate gland in case of cancer using a da Vinci platform which a highly trained surgeon controls. This type of surgery does not imply a large incision as in case of open prostatectomy and also in this case the risks are fewer.

       The machine consists of highly resolution cameras and micro-surgical instruments which are guided by a surgeon. The instruments are very flexible, they can turn in all directions thing that the human wrist cannot do. By using a robot the surgeon has better visibility and dexterity. This kind of surgery is very precise for this reason it protects the prostate nerves and the sexual functions. By using the camera the surgeon has a great visibility; he can zoom, rotate the image, and change the image. Also the images are very accurate. Because visualization is better than a normal open prostatectomy the cancer can be better removed. The surgeon controls each aspect of the surgery through the da Vinci platform. For this type of surgery total anesthesia is required.

       Robotic prostatectomy is performed through a small incision in the abdomen. This procedure helps the surgeon to do a better job, he does not have to deal with such much pressure as in the other types of prostatectomy; he does not have to worry about hemorrhage and blood transfusion. It is more comfortable for the surgeon, he does not get as tires as he usually would in case of a normal surgery and he also has better visibility.

       This type of surgery reduces the risks of complication as the size of the incision is smaller and also few sutures are needed in order to close these incisions than in any other type of prostatectomy. The procedure is less painful, the patients have less abdominal trauma. The procedure has a lot of advantages: the recovery is quicker the person does not need a blood transfusion. Patients can leave the hospital in a day. The period of recovery is faster than in the case of open prostatectomy. Although it has a lot of advantages the patients can also develop infections for this reason it is very important to keep the place of the incision clean and also to drink a lot of water in order to prevent urinary infections.

       Summing up the advantages of robotic prostatectomy:

• Low post operatory pain
• No bleeding
• No need for transfusion
• Low risks of infections
• High chances of keeping the kidney in some type of cancer
• Fewer days of hospitalization
• Faster recovery
• Better results
• Small sutures.

       In conclusion the robotic prostatectomy may be considered the best option for a patient with the prostate cancer as the incisions are smaller, there is less probability to develop infections, and the surgeon has better visualization of the prostate.