da Vinci Prostatectomy

Da Vinci prostatectomy refers to a technique in current widespread use to remove the prostate.  It is actually done by using a sophisticated surgical assistant called the da Vinci robot that assists the surgeon to remove the prostate laparoscopically. The operation itself is very similar to the standard prostatectomy described above, with the same structures being removed.  The da Vinci robot assists the surgeon by providing excellent visibility and fine movements of  small surgical arms within the pelvis.  The robot does not do any surgery on its own, and is not programmed to do any operating by itself:  it is completely controlled by the surgeon.

Currently over half of all prostatectomies done in the United States are being done robotically.  Potential advantages include: less blood loss, less postoperative discomfort, and faster return to full activities.

It is important to note that not all patients with prostate cancer are good candidates for robotic prostatectomy.  It is also important to know that the same types of complications are possible with robotic prostatectomy as with standard prostatectomy as noted above.