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Radical Prostatectomy

Surgery for prostate cancer is called a radical prostatectomy

Radical prostatectomy is used with intent to cure and involves removing the entire prostate gland and some of the nearby tissue. There are a number of ways to perform this surgery, including open, laparoscopic and robotic. Your surgeon will discuss the advantages and disadvantages for each of these options. Our team has considerable experience in performing this type of surgery.

Robotic prostatectomy with intent to cure is becoming a sought after surgical option. The minimally invasive procedure is performed with the assistance of da Vinci® surgical robot , and duplicates the standard surgery to remove the prostate gland but with smaller incisions. The goal of this procedure is to excise the cancer completely, provide good urinary continence post-operatively and maintain ability to have erections after the surgery.

Our robotic surgery team is made up of five urologic oncologists and one urologist, all specializing in robotic surgery and performs hundreds of prostatectomies each year.

Robotic surgery uses slender telescope-like instruments placed through small incisions as opposed to a large incision that is typical in an open surgery. The surgeon controls the robot from a console next to the patient where the operating field can be viewed in three dimensions. This type of technology, which acts as an extension of the surgeons hands, allowing for more accurate surgery with better outcomes, less pain, less risk of wound infection, less blood loss, less scarring and faster recovery time.

All prostate surgical techniques carry a risk of urinary incontinence and erectile dysfunction. Your surgeon will explain these risks and help you connect to our Prostate Cancer Survivorship Clinic where you and your spouse or partner can receive aftercare and support.