State-of-the-art
(Robotic) Treatment for Prostate Cancer
What is
the prostate?
The prostate
is a walnut-sized gland found below the bladder. It surrounds the urethra,
the tube that carries urine from the bladder to the penis. The prostate
is one of the male sex glands that produces seminal fluid. The nerves
responsible for erections are located on either side of the prostate.
What is
prostate cancer?
Prostate
cancer is a malignant tumor that consists of cells from the prostate gland.
As the cancer grows, it can spread beyond the prostate into the surrounding
tissues. Moreover, the cancer can also spread to distant parts of
the body such as the bones, lungs and liver.
Who does
prostate cancer affect?
Prostate cancer is the most common
type of cancer in men. Diagnosed and treated early in the course of disease,
it is also one of the most curable. The American Cancer Society estimates
there are 180,000-200,000 newly diagnosed cases of prostate cancer In the
United States annually. Prostate cancer is the second leading cause of
cancer death in men in the United States with approximately 40,000 men
dying of it each year.
Current
method of prostate removal
Surgical
removal of the prostate and the surrounding tissue is known as a prostatectomy.
Most prostatectomy procedures are performed through large, open surgical
incisions, which may result in lengthy and uncomfortable patient recovery,
substantial blood loss and significant risk of impotence and incontinence.
Laparoscopic
radical prostatectomy is a minimally invasive technique to perform radical
prostatectomy procedures. The surgeon performs the operation by manipulating
long handheld surgical instruments inserted into the abdomen through small
incisions. The surgeon views the operating field within the patient by using
a laparoscope, a long, thin, lighted telescope, that transmits a two-dimensional
view of the field onto a video screen.
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The da
Vinci Prostatectomy:
Taking surgery beyond the limits of the human hand
The da Vinci Surgical System from Intuitive Surgical,
Inc. is enabling the next generation of prostate surgery.
Incorporating
the latest advancements in robotics and computer technology, the da
Vinci Surgical System is the only operative surgical robot
that has been deemed safe and effective by the United States Food
and Drug Administration for use in performing urologic, abdominal
and thoracic (chest) surgical procedures. |
da
Vinci Surgical
System
The da Vinci Surgical System is a computer-enhanced
minimally invasive surgical system consisting of three main
components:
The InSlte 3-D Vision System provides the
surgeon with a 3-D view of the operative field with both high magnification
and resolution.
The Surgical Cart provides the robotic arms, which control the
articulating EndoWrlst" Instruments. These
instruments move in all directions giving the surgeon greater control
and manipulation for performing delicate maneuvers inside the patient.
The Surgeon Console where the surgeon sits, allows the surgeon
to view the operative site while controlling the movements of the
Instruments through their range of motions. Instrument movements
are precise and allowed only by the command and control of the surgeon. |
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Benefits of the da Vinci System
With its
3-D view, the da Vinci Surgical System aids the surgeon in
identifying vital anatomy such as the delicate nerves and blood vessels
surrounding the prostate. The EndoWrist Instruments provide
the surgeon with increased dexterity not available using conventional
laparoscopic instruments to perform a delicate and precise surgical
dissection and reconstruction of the bladder and urethra.
The da
Vinci
Surgical System enhances the advantages of laparoscopic surgery, which are:
- Equal
/ Improved Cancer cure rate
-
Non-thermal nerve sparing with improved
erectile function
- Rapid
urinary control with less incontinence
- Less
than 1% transfusion rate (transfusion rate
5/750 pt. )
-
Tiny keyhole incisions
-
Minimal Pain
-
24 hour hospital stay
-
Significantly shorter
return to normal activities
-
Faster recuperation
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