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A da Vinci™ Assisted Laparoscopic Surgical Approach to Prostate Cancer
Today a patient diagnosed with prostate cancer may have many treatment options available to discuss with his physician. If the cancer is localized within the prostate and has not spread to other areas of the body, surgical removal of the prostate (prostatectomy) may be the treatment option selected. In the past, the prostate was removed through an "open" surgery with an approximate six-inch abdominal incision.
Surgeons at San Ramon Regional Medical Center offer a minimally invasive, or laparoscopic, approach to the prostatectomy using the da Vinci™ Surgical System with robotic and computer-enhanced technology.
The laparoscopic procedure is done through five small abdominal incisions (ranging from 1/4 to 1/2 inch) which allow a camera and specially designed instruments to be used. These instruments and the da Vinci™ Surgical System allow the surgeon greater precision and more dextrous movements. The da Vinci™ technology also provides the urologist with a high-definition, three-dimensional image of the prostate and surrounding tissue that is magnified 10 times.
Benefits to the patient may include, but are not limited to:
Less blood loss than with "open" surgery
Less scarring
Decreased discomfort after surgery
Shorter hospital stay
Shorter recovery period
Foley catheter removed in 7 to 10 days
Surgeons also are hopeful this approach will help reduce the risk of impotence and minimize incontinence, two side effects that can be associated with prostatectomy.
Visit our Health Resources - Health References section Encyclopedia and Library for more information on prostate cancer.
Questions?
For additional information, call 800.933.0030 or contact us at Ask SRRMC.
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