Surgical removal of the prostate and surrounding tissue (radical prostatectomy has long been viewed as treatment for prostate cancer. Today, laparoscopic prostatectomy or daVinci® prostatectomy (dVP), offers a less-invasive alternative to traditional surgery.  There have been great outcomes with this procedure as well as reduced hospital stays and shorter overall recovery time.

Several Physicians of Western New York Urology Associates perform robotic laparoscopic prostatectomies using the daVinci® Surgical System. (Link to News where it lists physicians)

The daVinci® Surgical System is comprised of four components including the Console, the Cart, the 3D Endoscope and the Wristed instruments. The dVP technique enables the surgeon to be more precise by enhancing the capability to perform complex minimally invasive surgery. The surgeon sits at the console and uses master controls. The daVinci is positioned next to the patient. The surgeon performs tasks at the console with all the control he would in traditional, open surgery. The daVinci®, in turn, performs the exact same movements as the surgeon.

Benefits of dVP  

Potential patient benefits of robotic prostatectomy include:

• Less bleeding
• Less pain and discomfort
• Less risk of internal scarring
• Less time in the hospital and faster recuperation
• Less risk of infection

About The Procedure

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The operation is performed using the daVinci Surgical system and 3-D endoscopic and wristed instruments inserted through 5-6 small incisions across the mid-abdomen.

During the dVP, a telescopic lens is inserted into one of the small incisions. This provides a magnified 3 dimensional view of the delicate nerves and muscle surrounding the prostate, thus allowing optimal preservation of these vital structures. The cancerous prostate gland is dissected free from the bladder and urethra, and the bladder and urethra are sewn together without the surgeon's hands ever entering into the patient's body. The prostate is removed intact through one of the small incisions located at the belly button by extending the incision to accommodate the size of the prostate. These small incisions are closed with only a few staples.

Post Operative Information

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