Radical Prostatectomy - For Patients with Prostate Cancer

What is Prostate Cancer

Prostate cancer is a disease in which malignant (cancer) cells form in the tissues of the prostate. The prostate is a gland in the male reproductive system located just below the bladder and in front of the rectum. It is about the size of a walnut and surrounds the urethra (the tube that empties urine from the bladder). The prostate gland produces fluid that makes up part of the semen.

Treatment options and prognosis depend on the stage of the cancer, the Gleason score, and the patient’s age and general health. With greater public awareness, early detection is on the rise and mortality rates are declining.

Additionally, new advances in medical technology are enabling cancer victims to go on to live active and productive lives after their treatment. Consult with your doctor for advice on the options that are available to treat your specific condition.

The Surgical Treatment

One of the most common treatments for prostate cancer involves the surgical removal of the prostate gland, known as radical prostatectomy. Traditionally radical prostatectomy requires a large, 8-10 inch incision.

If your doctor recommends surgery to treat your prostate cancer, you may be a candidate for a new, less invasive surgical procedure called da Vinci Prostatectomy. This procedure incorporates a state-of-the-art surgical system that helps your surgeon see vital anatomical structures more clearly and to perform a more precise surgical procedure. The da Vinci Surgical System has been successfully used in thousands of prostate cancer procedures worldwide.

da Vinci Prostatectomy is the most predominant standard of care in Australia for prostate cancer. 47% of prostatectomies are being done this way compared to 43% being done through open approaches and 10% through laparoscopic approaches (Peter MacCallum study).

For most patients, da Vinci Prostatectomy has been proven to offer numerous potential benefits including:

• Reduced scarring
• Reduced blood loss
• Reduced transfusion rate
• Reduced pain
• Shorter hospital stay, and
• Earlier return to work

As with any surgical procedure, these benefits cannot be guaranteed as surgery is both patient and procedure specific.

Westmead Private Hospital is pleased to offer the latest treatment option for prostate cancer.

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