Prostate cancer is a malignancy that occurs in the prostate gland in men. Its treatment ranges from chemotherapy to robot-assisted therapies based on the stage of cancer. Experts say robotic surgeries are minimally invasive procedures that reduce the recovery time and have lesser side effects compared to other treatments.
“Robot-assisted surgery is an advanced form of laparoscopic surgery where a surgeon works at a remote console controlling the robotic instruments. It allows the surgeon to perform complex surgeries much easier,” says Dr Raghunath SK, senior consultant and director of uro-oncology and robotic surgery, HCG Cancer Hospital, Bengaluru.
What happens during robotic prostate surgery?
“During robotic surgery for prostate cancer, small keyhole incisions are made in the abdomen. The doctor uses the robotic equipment to insert surgical tools and a thin tube with a camera through the incisions and remove the prostate gland. This procedure is called radical prostatectomy. The technology is very advanced and the robotic hand moves very similarly to that of a human hand,” says Dr Srikanth V, lead consultant urologist, uro-oncologist and robotic surgeon, Aasra Hospital, Bengaluru. This surgery often takes about 1.5 to 2 hours. As this form of cancer commonly occurs in the elderly, it is important to confirm that the individual is strong enough to handle the anesthesia.
When would someone need radical prostatectomy?
Dr Srikanth says, “Radical prostatectomy is recommended only in stage one and two of prostate cancer, when it is localised to the prostate gland and has not spread to other parts of the body. Sometimes, the seminal vesicles and lymph nodes can also be affected by prostate cancer.”
“In some cases, when the cancer is in early stages, the surgery can be performed by sparing the nerves going to the male genitalia, thereby preserving erectile function. However, if cancer has spread to the surrounding areas, they must be removed,” he further explained.
Pros and cons of robotic prostate surgery
| Pros | Cons |
| Minimally invasive with less blood loss | Chances of urinary incontinence, erectile dysfunction and other side-effects in some cases |
| Lesser risk of infection at the incision sites | Requires skilled surgeons trained in robot-assisted procedures |
| Advanced technology providing precision and highly defined 3D images | Infrastructure and affordability for such technology-assisted health solutions |
| Avoids damage to the distal sphincter and maintains the urethral length | |
| Shorter hospital stay and quicker resumption to daily activities | |
| Low recurrence rate | |
| Reduced chances of urinary incontinence, erectile dysfunction and other side-effects |
Expected results post robotic prostate surgery
According to Dr Srikanth, results expected post-surgery include:
- Absence of urinary incontinence.
- Maintenance of sexual potency.
- Absence of cancer cells.
- Minimal or no post-operative complications.
- Low recurrence rate.
“An individual who has undergone robotic surgery can be treated with radiation therapy in case of recurrence. However, if the cancer recurs after going through radiotherapy, they cannot undergo robotic surgery as the anatomy changes after radiation,” said Dr Rajashekhar C Jaka, consultant, surgical oncology and robotic surgery, Manipal Hospital, Bengaluru. Doctors often recommend following up once in three months for three years followed by once in six months for the next two years to make sure the cancer hasn’t recurred.
Takeaways
- Robotic prostate surgery is an advanced treatment procedure for treating prostate cancer.
- The procedure is known for its precision and minimal to no side effects.
- This procedure is done in stage one and two of prostate cancer and is associated with a shorter hospital stay. Experts mention a low recurrence rate as well.
