Prostate Procedures
Laparoscopic Prostatectomy
Indication
Curative therapy for localized prostate cancer. According to the American Cancer Society (ACS), prostate cancer is the most common type of cancer in men in the United States, other than skin cancer. The ACS estimates that about 218,890 new cases will be diagnosed in 2007 and about 27,050 men will die of the disease. Prostate cancer is the second leading cause of cancer death in men, exceeded only by lung cancer.
Traditional Approach
In traditional surgery, the incisions have to be large enough for the surgeon’s hands to enter the patient’s body. The surgeon removes the prostate, nearby lymph nodes, seminal vesicles and adjacent tissue. Removal of the prostate is one of the most effective curative treatments for prostate cancer.
Minimally Invasive Approach
In minimally invasive surgery, the incisions are tiny; they’re often called "key holes" and the surgery is called "key hole" or laparoscopic surgery. The surgeon’s hands never enter the patient’s body. Instead, tiny instruments are inserted into the small incisions. They have mini-cameras attached to them, so the doctors can see what they’re doing on video monitors.
Advantages
Compared to traditional surgery, minimally invasive surgery leads to faster recovery, less post-operative pain and smaller scars. Among the many strengths in patient care our department offers, the most important may be our vast experience with minimally invasive surgical techniques.
Frequently Asked Questions/Myths
Laparoscopic surgery is not as effective as open surgery?
False. Laparoscopic approaches have been shown to be just as effective as open techniques in terms of cancer control and return of urinary and sexual function.
Laparoscopic surgery takes much longer to perform than open surgery?
False. Our vast experience and expertise have made laparoscopic approaches our standard approach for several years. As a result, our operative times are not significantly different than open approaches.