Robotic-Assisted Laparoscopic Prostatectomy
One of the most innovative treatments for prostate
cancer is robotic-assisted
laparoscopic prostatectomy (removal of the
prostate gland) and the University of Pennsylvania
Health System is a leader in performing this
minimally invasive, high-tech
treatment.
Prostate
cancer is among the most common cancers
in American men. According to the American
Cancer Society, more than 232,000 new cases
of prostate cancer are diagnosed each year.
Robotic prostatectomy is the latest surgical
advance in the treatment of prostate cancer.
This technique offers similar and often better
outcomes than traditional prostate cancer surgery.
In addition, by using the robotic technique there
is greater nerve sparing which means less chance
of patients experiencing erectile dysfunction
(ED) and urinary discontinence.
However, while these technological
advantages are significant, a surgeon's skill
and experience remain the most important elements
for achieving good outcomes.
Dr. David Lee
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One of the Top Surgeons in the World
Based at Penn Presbyterian Medical Center, Penn's robotic-assisted prostate program
is led by David
I. Lee, MD, chief of the division
of urology at Penn Presbyterian.
Dr. Lee is one of the top surgeons
in the world performing this procedure. He has
performed nearly 1500 cases and he was recently
joined by C.
William Schwab, II, MD, in performing robotic
procedures at Penn Presbyterian.
Dr. Lee also
uses his expertise to train urologists around
the country in the surgery.
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 function.
What to Expect After
Surgery
All patients are
carefully monitored in the recovery room
following surgery and awaken shortly thereafter.
That evening,
you 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 2-3 weeks with open surgery).
Most patients
return to work in 2-3 weeks and can resume
any activities
such as golf and weightlifting in 3 weeks.
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