What is Robotic Prostate Surgery?

Robotic prostate surgery is a surgical process that utilizes modern technology as part of the strategy for conducting surgical procedures that involve the prostate gland. In many cases, this approach can be successfully used in place of open surgery techniques, meaning the opportunity for complications and difficulty during the recovery period are minimized. As a result, the patient is less likely to experience pain or a prolonged recuperation period after undergoing a robotic procedure.

Rather than employ traditional methods that required the surgeon to create an opening in which to operate on the prostate, robotic devices now make it possible to utilize the natural orifices of the body to reach the prostate and conduct a number of different tasks during the procedure. Using the latest in medical robotics, it is possible for the surgeon to use tiny robots to view the prostate. Additional tools make it possible to collect samples for tests, or deal with the incidence of prostate cancer. Even procedures such as prostatectomy may be performed using robotic prostate surgery equipment.

In situations where procedures like a robotic laparoscopic prostatectomy is performed, there is a significant benefit to the patient when it comes to recovery and function. Among patients who have opted for robotic prostate surgery, there are reports of less pain experienced immediately after the surgery and during the several days following the procedure. Because there is rarely any blood loss during this type of prostate surgery, patients do not have to deal with possible complications from a blood transfusion.

There are other benefits connected with robotic prostate surgery. After undergoing robotic surgery, a larger percentage of men who experience incontinence in the post surgical period have fully regained the ability to remain continent within six months. In like manner, men who experience erectile dysfunction after a prostate operation are more likely to completely recover potency within a calendar year if they have a robotic procedure.

While both traditional and robotic prostate surgery methods have a high percentage of success when prostate cancer is involved, the robotic surgery approach does have a slightly higher percentage rate when it comes to no detectable PSA after five years. When coupled with the fact that there is also a lower change of any type of complications during and after the surgery, robotic methods simply make sense.

When faced with the possibility of prostate surgery, it is important to discuss all options with your physician. This includes determining if your condition is among the many that can be treated utilizing robotic prostate surgery. Together, you and your doctor can explore this option and decide if current robotic procedures will adequately address your condition and correct the health issue under consideration.