Robotic Prostatectomy as a Prostate Cancer Treatment
Prostate cancer is defined as cancer that begins in the prostate gland. Prostate cancer is not commonly found in men less than 40 years of age, though it is not altogether impossible. Prostate cancer can strike any male for a number of varying reasons. Men who have had prostate problems in the past, who have a family history of the disease, and those who have poor dietary habits and who abuse alcohol may be at a higher risk.
The symptoms of prostate cancer appear differently from one victim to another. But symptoms that are most alarming, and may directly relate to the onset of prostate cancer, is blood found in the urine and a burning pain while urinating. If these symptoms occur in Plano, Frisco and Dallas, Texas area men, Dr. Mark Allen is available to help determine if a robotic prostatectomy is the ideal prostate cancer treatment.
Prostate Cancer Treatment Options
When the above symptoms occur it is important to see your urologist. He will most likely biopsy the tissue from the prostate gland and report the results of the test via the Gleason grade. If the Gleason grade proves to be above the number 2, then it will be time to consider prostate cancer treatments. Different prostate cancer treatments are performed for different age groups and different stages of the disease. But common prostate cancer treatments include:
- Radiation therapy
- Chemotherapy
- Hormonal therapy
- Surgery
Surgery is the preferred prostate cancer treatment because it removes the cancer from the body by removing the prostate (either all or parts of it). There are two types of surgeries performed for prostate cancer, in both the prostate is completely removed in the early stages of the diagnosis to prevent further complications or the spread of the cancer into other regions, radical prostatectomy and robotic prostatectomy. Robotic prostate surgery has become the favored prostate cancer treatment among urologists and patients.
What is Robotic Prostatectomy?
Robotic prostatectomy is the same surgery as a radical prostatectomy, except that it is robotically-assisted. This surgery is a minimally invasive removal of the prostate.
A urologist will perform the surgery with the help of computerized robotic controlled instruments and high resolution cameras. The tools eliminate the shakiness of the surgeon’s hands and perform the surgery with more preciseness then ever before.
A robotic prostatectomy has been proven to greatly reduce post-op recovery in terms of minimizing pain levels, blood loss, hospital stay, recovery time, and side effects of a radical robotic prostatectomy. This is because unlike the radical prostatectomy the robotic prostatectomy does not require a large incision opening.
In this surgery, a urologist will enter the abdomen of the patient through a few very small incisions. The urologist then guides the robotic small instruments through the holes in the abdomen with a very tight and precise “joystick.” This allows the doctor to turn with 90 degrees of articulation and 7 degrees of freedom. The doctor will remove the prostate gland and the surgery is complete. The small incisions will leave very small circular scars that may completely heal in time.
Experts also agree that another pro to the robotic method is the lack of damage to the bladder and sexual function. A couple of common complaints of a patient who has received a radical prostatectomy are the loss of control over his bladder and the loss of ability to receive or maintain an erection. These side effects and risks are decreased with a robotic prostatectomy.
While the number of men that are diagnosed with prostate every year is increasing, it is important to note that the number of men that will die from the disease decrease every year, thanks to advanced tests, treatment options and education about prostate cancer. It is important to research the symptoms of prostate cancer, but if you think you may be suffering from the symptoms associated with this cancer then you need to see your doctor at your earliest convenience.
For additional resources on robotic prostatectomy as a prostate cancer treatment, please contact the office of Dr. Mark Allen, urology specialist serving the communities of Plano, Frisco and Dallas, Texas.