Robotic-Assisted Laparoscopic Prostatectomy
One of the most innovative treatments for prostate cancer is robotic-assisted
laparoscopic prostatectomy – removal of the prostate gland.
Penn is a leader in performing this minimally invasive, high-tech
treatment.
Robotic prostatectomy offers similar and often better outcomes than
traditional prostate cancer surgery.
In addition, by using the robotic technique there
is greater nerve sparing resulting in less chance of erectile dysfunction
(ED) and urinary discontinence.
While
these technological advantages are significant,
a surgeon's skill and experience remain
the most important elements for achieving
good outcomes. |
With robotic-assisted surgery the patient can look forward to a shorter
recovery, less chance of infection and less postoperative
pain. Read
more about the benefits of robotic surgery.
World-Renowned Surgeons
Penn's robotic-assisted prostate program
is one of the most experienced in the world. David
I. Lee, MD, chief of the division of urology
at Penn Presbyterian Medical Center, has performed
nearly 1,500 robotic-assisted procedures.
C.
William Schwab, II, MD, also treats patients
at Penn Presbyterian and performs robotic prostatectomy
and robotic-assisted partial nephrectomy.
Dan Eun, MD is the
newest member of the Penn Urology robotic team. Dr. Eun is fellowship trained
in robotic-assisted urology and treats patients
at Pennsylvania Hospital.
All of Penn's
urologic surgeons use their expertise to
train urologists from across the country and
around the world.
How Does it Work?
Laparoscopic prostatectomy is the complete
removal of the prostate using long, narrow instruments
that are introduced through very small skin incisions.
To perform the procedure, six tiny incisions are
made in the patient's abdomen and the laparoscopic
instruments are carefully inserted and attached
to the robot.
Once setup is completed, the surgeon
sits at the console where the surgeon controls
the robotic instruments. Read
more about how robotic surgery works >>
Cancer Control
The margins obtained around the prostate are just as precise, if not more so,
than with open surgery. This leads to cancer cure rates equal to open surgery.
Better precision also means better nerve sparing, thereby maximizing the chances
of preserving sexual and urinary function.
What to Expect After Surgery
All patients are carefully monitored in the recovery
room following surgery. That evening, patients
can expect to sit up in bed, drink fluids and
take a short walk. Nearly all patients are
able to go home the next morning.
The urinary catheter remains in for only one
week (rather than two to three weeks with open
surgery). Most patients return to work in two
to three weeks and can resume activities such
as golf and weightlifting in about three weeks.
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