Highly advanced technology has led to the development of a revolutionary new form of prostate surgery, the robotic prostatectomy. For this surgery the surgeon sits at a counsel near the operating table and controls the robotic arms to perform the operation. Other members of the surgical team remain at the bedside to monitor the patient. The surgery is performed through tiny incisions in the patient’s abdomen. Robotic surgery increases the surgeon’s maneuverability and precision when moving the instruments.
Robotic Prostatectomy Benefits – Short-Term and Long-Term
The cutting edge da Vinci® Surgical System has revolutionized prostate cancer treatment. The robot has been used since 2003 in a limited number of medical centers around the country. Benefits of this minimally invasive procedure are realized by both the surgeon, through enhanced precision and visualization, and the patient, in short-term and long-term recovery.
When a millimeter can make all the difference
At McLaren-Flint, surgical teams perform robotic surgery with enhanced efficiency, communication and precision using three-dimensional (3-D) technology. This unique perspective allows for an unprecedented view of the surgical site and takes modern robotic surgery to new levels.
The entire surgical team works in 3-D, wearing special polarized glasses and aided by two, 60-inch by 80-inch flat projection screens, advanced lighting, and a data monitoring and intercom system. Using a tiny camera at the end of a laparoscope, the surgeon operates miniaturized instruments at the end of other laparoscopes from a remote console with a 3-D viewpoint.
Our team will guide you through every step of the process. Contact Dr. Rutila’s Office today at (810) 232-8888.
Comparison at a Glance:
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Robotic Prostatectomy Surgery
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Traditional Prostatectomy Surgery
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1cm (centimeter) incisions
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8-10 inch incision
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Minimal blood loss
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Blood loss, increase in possibility for blood transfusion
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Quick return to normal activities
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Lengthy recovery time
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Shorter hospital stay
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Hospital stay longer by 1 or 2 days
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Less Pain
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Pain after procedure
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Surgeon is in control of the procedure
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Surgeon is in control of the procedure
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Covered by most insurance companies
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Covered by most insurance companies
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As with any surgical procedures, these benefits cannot be guaranteed as surgery is both patient and procedure specific.
Additional Robotic prostatectomy benefits may include:
Quicker return to normal activity: Patients are able to return to work and other daily activities faster than they would if they had traditional open surgery.
Shorter hospitalization and recovery: A smaller incision, less pain, and a decrease in trauma to the body make it possible for a patient to return home sooner.
Reduced risk of incontinence and impotence: Robotic surgery allows the surgeon to operate with more precision reducing the chances of hitting nerves that cause incontinence and impotence in patients.
Less blood loss: The surgeon does not have to make a large incision into the abdomen allowing there to be less blood loss and need for a blood transfusion.
Reduced pain: Managing a patient’s pain is one of our priorities at McLaren which is why we have chosen to offer robotic surgery as a treatment option to prostatectomy patients. Robotic surgery has been proven as a surgical method that causes less pain for patients and a shorter recovery time.
Fewer complications than traditional open surgery.
Less scarring than traditional open surgery: Traditional open surgery leaves a large scar on the patient’s abdomen. However, a robotic prostatectomy leaves tiny 1 cm scars that are hardly noticeable and may can even seem to disappear overtime.
Less risk of infection: Due to the minimal size of the incision during a robotic prostatectomy the patient’s risk of exposure to infection is much less.