New Delhi: Prostate cancer is one of the most common types of cancer among men, with millions of new cases diagnosed each year. In recent years, however, a new form of treatment has emerged that provides patients with better results and faster recovery: robot-assisted therapy. prostate cancer surgery.
What are some of the treatment options for prostate cancer?
Traditionally, radical prostatectomy has been the primary treatment for prostate cancer. This involves removing all prostate and is typically offered to men whose cancer has not yet spread. Surgery can be done in different ways, including open surgery, which involves a large incision, and laparoscopic surgery, which uses smaller incisions. However, in the last decade, robotic-assisted surgery has become the gold standard for operating on prostate cancer patients.
Can you tell us a bit about robotic-assisted surgery?
Robot-assisted surgery is a minimally invasive surgical approach that involves making small incisions up to 8mm in size. The surgery is performed using robotic instruments inserted through small incisions, allowing surgeons to remotely control the instruments while sitting at a console that provides a magnified three-dimensional view of the operating field within the abdomen.
What are the benefits associated with robotic assisted surgery?
The benefits of this approach are numerous. First, because of the better vision, the surgery is more precise with less chance of bleeding, thus reducing the need for blood transfusions. Second, the endowment of robotic instruments in that the robotic instrument can be bent to various angles in close proximity to the tip allows surgeons to operate in deep spaces and difficult angles in a minimally invasive manner. This feature helps the surgeon to overcome the difficulties he faces when performing this surgery laparoscopically. Also, since the incisions are small, patients experience less pain in the postoperative period and recovery times are much quicker with patients being discharged from the hospital within 24 to 48 hours of surgery.
Who is eligible for the same?
Not all patients are recommended to undergo robotic-assisted prostate surgery. Surgery is generally recommended for patients whose cancer is located in the prostate gland. For patients with cancer that has spread to other parts of the body, surgery may not be the best option. However, for eligible patients, robotic-assisted surgery can be very effective, resulting in a cure for many patients. While there are risks associated with any surgical procedure, the risks/complications such as bleeding or infection after robotic-assisted prostatectomy are generally lower than with other forms of surgery.
What are the possible side effects of robotic assistive technology?
Radical prostatectomy is associated with loss of urine or urinary incontinence for a few months after surgery. However, more than 90% of patients regain full control of urination within a few months, especially with the help of exercises. However, robotic surgery may result in faster recovery of this function.
Robot-assisted prostate cancer surgery is a significant advance in cancer care, providing patients with better functional and possibly oncological outcomes. With the continuing advances in robotics technology, along with technologies such as artificial intelligence and 3D modeling, we can expect to see even more improvements in prostate cancer treatment in the coming years.
Dr. Puneet Ahluwalia, Director and Chief, Uro-Oncology and Robotic Surgery, medantaGurgaon
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