Dr Gaurav Aggarwal, MS (General Surgery-Gold Medalist), DNB(Urology), PDF-Surgical Oncology (Uro-Oncology), FAGE, HCG Cancer Centre, Kolkata
The advent of robotic technology has revolutionized cancer surgeries, enhancing their tolerability, effectiveness, and safety. Robotic surgeries offer surgeons a clear and magnified view of the surgical site, allowing them to perform surgeries with exceptional precision and flexibilityy, especially when working in a narrow deep-seated location as the pelvis. This approach has now become the gold standard surgical option for prostate cancer, particularly in its early stages.
Prostate cancer is one of the most common cancers among men and typically grows slowly. It may be confined to the prostate or may be locally advanced or metastatic at presentation (evaluated on imaging). There are no specific ssymptoms of prostate cancer and a vast majority may be picked up on a PSA (blood test) done as a part of routine work up for lower urinary tract symptoms- viz. difficulty in urinating, poor flow, blood in the urine, or pelvic discomfort.
What is Robotic Prostatectomy?
Robotic prostatectomy is a minimally invasive surgical approach designed to remove the entire prostate along with bilateral seminal vesicles and pelvic lymph nodes in men with localised prostate cancer.
The robotic surgery system consists of a patient cart (the robot), a surgeon console, a vision cart, and EndoWrist instruments. During the procedure, the surgeon operates from the surgeon console, controlling the robotic arms to perform the surgery with precision through tiny incisions.
This technique is associated with several benefits, including reduced pain and blood loss, minimal tissue damage, less scarring, shorter hospital stays, and faster recovery. Additionally, the risk of infection is also lower for patients undergoing robotic prostatectomy compared to traditional methods.
Who Can Have Robotic Surgery for Prostate Cancer?
Ideal candidates for robotic prostatectomy are those with early-stage, localized prostate cancer confined to the prostate gland.
The decision to recommend robotic surgery depends on certain factors such as:
• The stage and location of the disease
• The overall health/general condition of the patient
Benefits of Robotic Surgery for Localized Prostate Cancer
Compared to traditional open surgery, robotic-assisted radical prostatectomy offers:
• Reduced blood loss
• Less pain due to smaller incisions
• Shorter in-hospital stay
• Faster overall recovery (though a catheter will be needed post operatively for a few days- as with open surgery)