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URMC » Quality » Ratings » Prostatecomy

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  • Robotic Prostatectomy
    • Overview
    • Building Excellence: Best people and technology
    • Exceeding Standards: Fact-based guidelines
    • Getting Results: Best outcomes
  • Stroke
• Glossary of Terms

 

Robotic Prostatectomy for Prostate Cancer

Building Excellence:
The Best People, Places, and Technology

Urology specialists at Strong use leading-edge technology in the treatment of prostate cancer. Strong began performing laparoscopic radical prostatectomies in 2001. In 2003, Strong introduced the da Vinci™ Robotic Surgical System to Upstate New York for performing certain procedures laparoscopically, eliminating the need for large incisions and improving recovery time. Surgery using robotic technology in the removal of cancerous prostates (called robotic prostatectomy) provides greater accuracy and improves a surgeon’s ability to preserve vital structures near the prostate, which is important in eliminating potential side effects.

Strong is one of the largest providers of robotic prostatectomy in the United States, with five urologic surgeons performing this procedure regularly. More than 1,000 robotic prostatectomies have been performed at Strong since 2003. Strong has two operating rooms dedicated to robotic prostatectomy, more than any other hospital in the Northeast.

Patients are cared for by a team of experts who are skilled and experienced in robotic technology, including board-certified or board-eligible urologists, surgical nurses, and anesthesiologists. Patients travel to Strong from throughout New York State to take advantage of the benefits of robotic prostatectomy.

Strong’s robotic urologic surgical team trains physicians from around the world in the procedure, including doctors from Rochester and throughout New York State. Strong offers fellowship training in laparoscopic robotic prostatectomy for surgeons, which is recognized by the National Endourological Society.

How it Works

Using the robotic surgical system for prostate surgery, a patient is surrounded by medical personnel, yet the surgeon is located at a console a few feet away. Supporting surgical team members prepare small incisions in the patient, install the correct instruments, and supervise the laparoscopic arms and tools being used. The surgeon uses virtual 3-D images provided by laparoscopic cameras to determine the appropriate surgical movements, which are replicated inside the patient by the da Vinci™ system’s robotic arm. The images give the appearance of being inside the patient, providing a depth perception that is missing in traditional laparoscopic surgery. It brings the surgeon as close to the surgical site as possible, helping to improve accuracy and precision. The instruments are designed with seven degrees of motion to mimic the dexterity of the human wrist. Each has a specific surgical mission such as clamping, suturing, and tissue manipulation.