Advantages of Robotic Surgery in Prostate Cancer

Robotic surgery provides a clear, magnified view of the surgical site, allowing surgeons to operate on the tumor with improved accuracy and flexibility. Robotic surgery is one of the most promising prostate cancer treatment options, especially if the disease is in its early stages. Recently, robotic surgery has begun to become standard cancer treatment for prostate cancer in cases where the disease has not spread (localized) outside the prostate gland. Robotic prostatectomy, or robotic surgery for prostate cancer, is associated with less pain and blood loss, minimal tissue damage, less scarring, shorter hospital stays, and faster recovery. Most importantly, the risk of infection is also significantly lower in cancer patients who undergo robotic prostatectomy.

How is Prostate Cancer Surgery Performed with Robotic Surgery?

Robotic prostatectomy, or robotic-assisted prostate surgery, is a minimally invasive surgical procedure that involves partial or complete removal of the prostate gland in men diagnosed with prostate cancer. The robotic surgery system consists of a patient cart, surgeon console, vision cart and instruments. During the procedure, the surgeon carefully guides the robotic arms, which are part of the patient cart, to perform the procedure. Using an advanced surgical system, miniature robotic tools are inserted through several small keyhole incisions in the patient’s abdomen, allowing the surgeon to remove the prostate and nearby tissues with great precision. This is much less invasive than traditional radical retropubic prostatectomy, which involves an abdominal incision extending from the belly button to the pubic bone.

During robotic-assisted radical prostatectomy, a three-dimensional endoscope and image processing equipment are used to provide a magnified image of the sensitive structures surrounding the prostate gland (e.g. nerves, blood vessels and muscles), allowing optimal preservation of these vital structures. The prostate is eventually removed through one of the keyhole incisions. During most of the surgery, the surgeon sits at a computer console and uses small wrist instruments that offer a much greater range of motion than the human wrist. The surgery is performed without the surgeon’s hands entering the patient’s body cavity.

What are the Advantages of Prostate Cancer Surgery with Robotic Surgery?

Robotic prostate cancer surgery may be considered superior to traditional open prostate cancer surgery in many aspects. The advantages of prostate cancer surgery with robotic surgery can be listed as follows:

Advanced Sensitivity

Robotic technology allows surgeons to perform prostatectomies with millimeter precision. This sensitivity, along with better visibility, helps the surgeon carefully identify, expose and remove cancerous tissue. The seven degrees of freedom provided by articulated robotic instruments increases dexterity, allowing the surgeon to seamlessly perform more complex and technically challenging surgeries, such as prostatectomies. This improved sensitivity translates into multiple benefits, including fewer treatment-related complications, shorter hospital stays, and faster recovery.

Reduced Tissue Damage

The prostate gland is located deep in the pelvis. This gland is surrounded by vital structures such as the venous complex, rectum, sphincter muscles responsible for urinary control, and nerves responsible for sexual functions. During traditional prostatectomy, it is difficult to distinguish adjacent muscles, blood vessels, and veins that closely surround the prostate gland. If these structures are damaged during surgery, the patient may experience urinary incontinence or erectile dysfunction. Additionally, the anastomosis between the bladder and urethra is difficult to perform. However, during robotic prostatectomy, the surgeon has better control over the procedure and the surgery is performed in such a way that damage to the surrounding normal tissue is significantly reduced.

Less Blood Loss, Pain and Scarring

The robotic surgery system allows the surgeon to perform more precise and less disturbing dissection. This helps reduce blood loss. The use of gas that creates pressure by inflating the abdomen during surgery and provides surgeons with a better view also minimizes blood loss. Because small incisions are made instead of a single large incision, robotic prostatectomy benefits patients with significantly less pain and scarring.

Less Risk of Infection

Unlike open surgery, robotic prostate removal benefits cancer patients with a reduced risk of infection. Different reasons contributing to this reduced risk of infection include smaller incisions, increased sensitivity of the procedure, less exposure of internal tissues to the external environment, and shorter hospital stays.

Shorter Hospital Stay

By promoting faster recovery, reducing treatment-related complications, and promoting rapid mobilization, robotic prostatectomy helps patients avoid longer hospital stays. In most cases, patients will be able to walk on the second or third day of the procedure.

Fast Recovery

In most cases of radical prostatectomy, the hospital stay does not last more than 1-2 days, regardless of age. This rapid recovery is aided by smaller incisions and significantly less blood loss. Patients also experience reduced post-operative pain and a reduced need for painkillers. After surgery, some men experience immediate bladder control. Additionally, patients do not have much difficulty in gradually regaining their sexual function after robotic prostatectomy. During robotic prostate removal, surgeons may use nerve-sparing procedures to reduce the risk of impaired sexual function.

What Should Be Considered After Prostate Cancer with Robotic Surgery?

Robotic surgery is known as a minimally invasive technique. It offers patients advantages such as less pain, shorter hospital stay and faster recovery. However, the recovery process after this type of surgery requires care and attention. Patients receiving prostate cancer treatment with robotic surgery need to pay attention to some important issues in order to maintain their quality of life after the operation and minimize the risk of complications. Things to consider after robotic surgery for prostate cancer can be listed as follows:

• Physical activity is an important part of the recovery process after robotic surgery. Although the first few days after surgery usually require rest, patients are recommended to gradually start walking. Light exercises accelerate the healing process by increasing blood circulation and prevent complications such as clot formation. However, heavy lifting, strenuous exercises or movements that strain the abdominal muscles should be avoided.
• Nutrition and hydration are key components of recovery after prostate cancer surgery. Light and easy-to-digest foods should be preferred for the first few days after surgery. Foods rich in fiber regulate bowel movements by reducing the risk of constipation.
• Urine control is one of the most important issues to pay attention to after prostate cancer surgery. Problems such as urinary incontinence may occur after robotic surgery. However, this is usually temporary. Bladder training and exercises to strengthen the pelvic floor muscles are important during this period.
• Regular follow-up and doctor check-ups are critical to maintaining your health after prostate cancer treatment. In the postoperative period, your doctor will examine you at regular intervals and perform some tests to check whether the cancer has returned.

In addition, prostate cancer and its surgical treatment can also be psychologically impressive. During this period, it is important for patients to receive emotional support and consult a specialist if necessary. Support groups or therapy can help patients share their feelings and feel like they are not alone during this difficult time. You can also improve your quality of life by adopting stress management techniques and a healthy lifestyle.