Radical Prostatectomy (Removal of the Prostate)

Prostatectomy is the surgical removal of the prostate gland and tumor. Most prostatectomy procedures are performed through large, open surgical incisions, which can result in lengthy and uncomfortable patient recovery, substantial blood loss and significant risk of impotence and incontinence. It is usually performed to remove early stage prostate cancer before it can spread to other parts of the body. If the cancer spreads outside of the prostate, it cannot be cured with surgery.

Laparoscopic radical prostatectomy is a minimally invasive technique in which the surgeon manipulates long hand-held surgical instruments inserted into the abdomen through small incisions. The surgeon views the operating field within the patient by using a laparoscope, a long, thin, lighted telescope, that transmits a two-dimensional view of the field onto a video screen.

Another minimally invasive method is the da Vinci™ Prostatectomy. The da Vinci Surgical System’s binocular robotic camera, which is inserted through small incisions, provides three-dimensional visualization, while the system’s robotic arm gives surgeons the access and control they need to successfully remove the prostate. With the da Vinci system, patients experieince  shorter hospital stays, less pain, less risk of infection, less blood loss and transfusions, less scarring and faster recovery and return to normal daily activities.