The following are some of the different surgical options used to treat prostate cancer:

•    Radical prostatectomy (Retropubic or Perineal approach) - an open-surgery procedure in which the entire prostate gland and some tissue around it are removed. This surgery involves an incision in either the abdomen or the scrotum area.  Learn More>>  MedlinePlus, a service of the U.S. National Library of Medicine and the National Institutes of Health, offers an informative slideshow to better understand Radical Prostatectomy (Retropubic and Perineal approaches).

•    Laparoscopic radical prostatectomy - a less-invasive type of radical prostatectomy in which the prostate gland is removed using a laparoscope (a long, flexible lighted tube with a video camera attached). This type of procedure may also be performed using a surgical robot.

•    Robotic-assisted prostatectomy - a minimally invasive type of radical prostatectomy performed with the assistance of a robot that extends the capabilities of the surgeon. Learn More>> Intuitive Surgical, Inc. (makers of the da Vinci surgical robot) offers more information about robotic-assisted prostatectomy including videos, webcasts, podcasts and online patient seminars.

Benefits of Robotic-Assisted Prostatectomy vs. Radical Open Prostatectomy

• Shorter hospital stay
• Less pain
• Less risk of infection
• Less blood loss and transfusions
• Less scarring
• Faster recovery
• Quicker return to normal activities

•    Transurethral resection of the prostate (TURP) - surgery to remove part of the prostate gland that surrounds the urethra by using a small tool that is placed inside the prostate through the urethra. There is no incision with this method. TURP is used as a palliative procedure (to relieve symptoms), not as a procedure to cure the cancer.

•    Cryosurgery - is a procedure that involves killing cancer cells by freezing them and surrounding them with ice crystals. Tiny needles are placed directly into the tumor, and argon gases are passed through the needles and exchanged with helium gases. This causes a freezing and warming cycle. For prostate treatment, the needles are often inserted using transrectal ultrasound (TRUS) guided technology. The urethra is protected from freezing by the use of warm fluid placed into a catheter during the procedure.

Surgery for prostate cancer generally requires a stay in the hospital. The length of the hospital stay will depend on the type of procedure performed. A urinary catheter will be inserted into the bladder during surgery, and will be kept in place for a period of time afterwards, often for one to two weeks.

Robotic surgery testimonials:  Narratives by actual patients and their partners.

Learn More >>  Making the Treatment Decision Informational Seminars are offered monthly to provide clear, unbiased information on the treatment options available for prostate cancer. It is our goal to help you make the best treatment decision for you and your family.

Prostate cancer patients must be actively involved in choosing between several equally effective treatment methods. Patients should be encouraged to research the various options and make their decision taking into account their quality of life concerns along with their work and home life schedules. Although a diagnosis of cancer can be an intimidating experience, the more you are informed about the options available to you, the more equipped you will be to make the decision that is best for you.

We encourage you to contact our Patient Navigator at (678) 843-5665 or renee.sevy@emoryhealthcare.org with any questions regarding robotic-assisted surgery for prostate cancer at Saint Joseph's. We're here to help.

Information on this page is provided collaboratively by the team at the Prostate Cancer Center at Saint Joseph's and has been medically reviewed by Rajesh G. Laungani, MD, 2010. Claims regarding treatment are based on years of clinical experience and industry reported data. The PCC follows American Urological Association and  National Comprehensive Cancer Network (NCCN) Clinical Practice Guidelines for the treatment of prostate cancer.

Last Updated: April 22, 2012 (RSH)