da Vinci Prostatectomy is chosen by more U.S. men than any other treatment for prostate cancer¹ and is being selected by more and more men worldwide. da Vinci Prostatectomy is a minimally invasive, robotic-assisted surgical procedure that removes the cancerous prostate gland and related structures. For most patients, the three main concerns about prostate cancer are: Getting rid of the cancer while maintaining both urinary and sexual (erectile) function. da Vinci Prostatectomy offers patients many potential benefits over traditional open surgery in these three areas including:

Better Cancer Control

Studies show that, compared to open surgery, experienced da Vincisurgeons achieve better cancer control – lower positive margin rates. Positive margin rates are a measure of cancer cells left behind – lower is better.

Faster Return of Erectile Function

Studies show patients who are potent prior to surgery experience a faster return of erectile function than patients who have open surgery.

Better Chance for Return of Urinary Continence

Recent studies show more patients have full return of urinary continence within 6 months as compared to patients having open surgery

• Shorter hospital stay
  
• Less blood loss
  
• Less need for blood tranfusion
  
• Lower risk of complications
  
• Lower risk of wound infection
  
• Fewer days with catheter
  
• Less pain
  
• Faster recovery and return to normal activities
  

Improved Results of Surgery Over Radiation & Other Treatments

da Vinci Prostatectomy is one of many treatment options for men facing prostate cancer. Besides surgery, other treatments include radiation (external beam, intensity modulated radiated, and brachytherapy), cryotherapy, hormone therapy, and watchful waiting/active surveillance.

Recent studies comparing surgery to radiation, including IMRT, found that surgery to remove the cancerous prostate resulted in the lowest cancer death rate.^12,13Another recent study found that the 10 year likelihood of radiation patients developing a secondary cancer within 10 years is 25% for EBRT and 15% after brachytherapy.

A study of over 400,000 men with localized prostate cancer showed that, when compared to radiotherapy and observation, radical prostatectomy patients had the most favorable cancer-specific survival rates.

Minimally Invasive Surgery

The da Vinci System enables surgeons to perform even the most complex and delicate procedures through tiny incisions with unmatched vision, precision, dexterity and control.

*Source: da Vinci Prostatectomy

http://www.davinciprostatectomy.com/index.aspx