Robotic Surgery for Prostate Cancer

Robotic Surgery for Prostate Cancer

Prostate cancer is one of the most common types of cancer affecting men worldwide. It manifests within the prostate, a walnut-shaped gland positioned beneath the bladder and ahead of the rectum. This gland is responsible for producing seminal fluid that nourishes sperm cells and facilitates the transportation of sperm cells.

Robotic prostate surgery, or robotic prostatectomy, is one of the most minimally invasive procedures used to treat prostate cancer. This procedure is performed by an experienced laparoscopic surgery team with the assistance of advanced surgical robots to perform intricate procedures with greater precision and control. Thus, it is called robotic surgery, robot-assisted surgery, or robotically-assisted laparoscopic surgery.

One of the key advantages of robotic surgery for prostate cancer is its minimally invasive nature. Traditional open surgery requires a large incision, whereas robotic surgery only requires a few small incisions. The smaller incisions result in less blood loss, reduced pain, and faster recovery times compared to open surgery.

Robotic Prostate Surgery Details
Robotic prostate surgery involves the insertion of miniaturized robotic equipment into the patient’s abdomen through a few small keyhole-sized incisions. These robotic instruments enable the surgeon to remove the prostate and nearby affected tissues with great precision.

The da Vinci Surgical Robotic System, developed by Intuitive Surgical, is the most widely used robotic surgical system for prostate cancer procedures. It consists of a console where the surgeon sits and controls the robotic arms that perform the surgery. The system translates the surgeon’s hand movements into precise movements of the robotic instruments.

During most of the surgery, the surgeon is seated at a computer console and manipulates the multi-jointed robotic instruments, allowing them to operate with the same or greater flexibility as a human hand and wrist.

The Procedure of Robotic Surgery for Prostate Cancer:
The procedure for robotic surgery for prostate cancer involves several steps –

• Robotic surgery requires the patient to undergo general anaesthesia to ensure they are completely unconscious and pain-free throughout the procedure.
• Once the patient is unconscious, the surgical team creates several small incisions, typically around the navel area, each measuring approximately 1 cm in length. These small incisions serve as entry points for the robotic instruments, camera, and trocars.
• To create a working space, the abdominal cavity is gently inflated with carbon dioxide (CO2).
• The surgeon utilizes three multi-jointed robotic arms to perform various tasks such as dissection, cauterization, cutting, and suturing. The movements of the surgeon’s hands are precisely translated into the movements of these robotic instruments. The robotic arms offer a wide range of motion and can execute complex manoeuvres with enhanced dexterity and precision.
• In addition, the surgeon controls a stereoscopic lens connected to a high-definition camera, which provides a three-dimensional view of the surgical site. This high-definition 3D view enables the surgeon to clearly visualize delicate structures and perform meticulous dissection.
• With the robotic instruments, the surgeon carefully dissects the tissues surrounding the prostate gland, aiming to remove the cancerous prostate while preserving surrounding structures like nerves and blood vessels.
• Once the prostate gland is successfully removed, the surgeon sutures the remaining tissues together to close the surgical site. The sutures may dissolve over time, and the incisions made at the beginning of the procedure are closed with stitches or adhesive strips.

The Risk Associated with Robotic Surgery for Prostate Cancer

Although robotic surgery for prostate cancer offers several advantages over traditional open surgery, it is important to be aware of the potential risks and complications associated with this procedure. Some of these risks or complications include:

• Erectile Dysfunction (impotence): Depending on the extent of the surgery and the patient’s individual circumstances, there is a risk of developing erectile dysfunction (impotence) following robotic prostate surgery. While preserving sexual function is a priority, it may not always be possible to maintain full function.
• Urinary Issues (inability to control urine): Following robotic prostate surgery, some patients may experience urinary issues, such as difficulty in controlling urine flow or urinary incontinence. The severity of these issues can vary, but they often improve over time with appropriate management and rehabilitation.
• Nerve Damage: Despite efforts to preserve the nerves responsible for erectile function, there is a risk of nerve damage during the surgery. This can potentially impact erectile function and other related functions.

It is essential for patients to have a thorough discussion with their healthcare provider to understand the potential risks and benefits of robotic prostate surgery and to make an informed decision based on their individual circumstances.

Conclusion:
Robotic surgery has revolutionized the treatment of prostate cancer by offering a minimally invasive option that provides numerous benefits. However, robotic prostate surgery may not be suitable for all patients. Like any surgical procedure, there are also inherent risks associated with undergoing this procedure. It is crucial for patients to consult with their healthcare providers or urologist in Bangalore to determine the most appropriate treatment approach based on their individual circumstances.