10 Key Advantages of Robotic Surgery in Prostate Cancer

10 Important Advantages of Robotic Surgery in Prostate Cancer Prostate cancer ranks among the most common cancers in men. Due to family history and varying incidence rates among ethnic groups, genetic predisposition can be considered among its causes. Advanced age, environmental risk factors, obesity, high alcohol and tobacco consumption constitute other causes of prostate cancer. Prof. Dr. Ali Fuat Atmaca from the Urology Department at Memorial Ankara Hospital shared information on the advantages provided by robotic surgery in prostate cancer.

Attention Should Be Paid to Genetic Factors

Only a small portion of prostate cancer shows true hereditary transmission. Familial prostate cancers appear at younger ages. For this reason, individuals with a family history of prostate cancer should undergo urological examination at younger ages, after 40 years old.

Can Be Confused with Benign Prostate Enlargement

Early-stage symptoms of prostate cancer, which do not manifest until advanced stages, are generally confused with benign prostate enlargement. However, in advanced stages it can present with symptoms such as inability to urinate, obstruction of kidney ducts and pain.

Robotic Surgery Is the Increasingly Preferred Method

While surgery is the most important treatment for prostate cancer that has not spread to distant areas, this surgery is performed using 3 different techniques: open, laparoscopic and robotic. In recent years, robotic surgery has become one of the more preferred methods due to its advantages. Robotic surgery represents one of the most advanced technologies in current medical practice. Its use in urological procedures is increasing day by day. The most common area where robots are used in urology is surgical treatment of prostate cancer.

Robotic Instruments Move According to the Surgeon's Hand Movements

No special preparation is required before robotic surgery application in prostate cancer. The patient fasting for 6-8 hours before surgery is necessary due to anesthesia administered before the operation. The "da Vinci Robotic Surgery" system that enables the procedure consists of 3 main units. These are: the imaging unit, the unit to which robotic arms are connected, and the console unit where the surgeon sits to control the robot and perform the surgery. As a closed procedure, robotic surgery is performed through 5 holes of 8 mm-1 cm diameter opened in the abdomen. Small tubes called "trocars" are placed in these holes, and surgery is performed with robot arms attached to 4 of them. The 5th hole is used by an assistant physician standing at the patient's side. Robotic instruments move according to the surgeon's hand movements. With these instruments, cutting, cauterization to stop bleeding, and suturing can be performed.

Robotic Surgery Advantages Increase Quality of Life

Robotic surgery provides many advantages to patients, improving their quality of life. These advantages are as follows: -Blood loss is reduced: In robotic surgery compared to open surgery, there is less blood loss. During robotic surgery, the abdomen is inflated with gas and gas pressure prevents bleeding. Additionally, thanks to the robot's camera system which provides three-dimensional vision, high resolution and can magnify the image ten to fifteen times, bleeding vessels are more easily detected and hemorrhaging can be controlled. -Less pain is felt: Since surgical incisions are smaller, patients experience less pain after surgery. -Return to daily life is faster: Patients undergoing robotic surgery are discharged from the hospital sooner than other patients. -Catheter is removed quickly: In patients undergoing prostate cancer surgery with robotic surgery, the bladder and the urethra are sutured together perfectly. Consequently, in many patients the catheter is kept in place for at most one week. -Urinary control is achieved in the early period: Following prostate cancer surgery performed with robotic surgery, urinary control is achieved in the early period. The most important structure in urinary control is muscle tissue called the sphincter. Additionally, longer preservation of the external urinary canal is important. Both can be safely preserved with robotic surgery and patients can achieve urinary control in the early period. -Lymph nodes spreading cancer can also be removed: In advanced prostate cancers, with robotic surgery, lymph nodes where prostate cancer may spread can be removed along with the prostate. -Oral nutrition begins shortly: Following prostate cancer surgery performed with robotic surgery, the patient can begin oral feeding the day after surgery. -Applicable to everyone: Robotic surgery is a method applicable to everyone. -Daily life activities are not restricted: Following surgery, the patient's daily life and social activities are not restricted. Post-operative Follow-ups Should Not Be Neglected There are certain points that patients undergoing prostate cancer surgery with robotic surgery should pay attention to. These patients should be diligent with their post-operative follow-ups and should comply with physician recommendations following evaluation of the pathology results.