Urologic Cancer

Robotic Radical Prostatectomy

In many cases of prostate cancer, surgical removal of the entire prostate gland, called radical prostatectomy, is the preferred treatment. Traditionally, prostatectomy has been accomplished by making an incision in the lower abdomen. Evolution in the surgical technique over the past twenty years has improved the ability to cure the cancer while reducing potential complications such as blood loss, incontinence, and erectile dysfunction.

At UCSF Medical Center we have extensive experience with radical prostatectomy and have achieved excellent results in all aspects. Improvements in technology and surgeon experience have led to the development of minimally invasive, or laparoscopic, operations where the procedure is visualized with a small telescope and performed through several small incisions. Operations which are routinely performed in this manner at UCSF Medical Center include removal of the adrenal and kidney.

More recently, we have used this approach to perform radical prostatectomy. The operation has been greatly facilitated with the use of the state-of-the-art robotic system, called the daVinci Surgical System. It provides a magnified, three-dimensional view during the operation and maintains surgeon dexterity through its robotic arms. We are currently using the robotic system to perform radical prostatectomy, applying a technique similar to our open operation and thus drawing on our prior experience and achieving similar results. A comparison of the two procedures is summarized in the table below.

• Radical Prostatectomy
• Patient's Guide to Prostate Cancer
• UCSF Prostate Cancer Center
• Prostate Cancer -- Signs and Symptoms, Diagnosis and Treatment

Reviewed by health care specialists at UCSF Medical Center.
Last updated August 1, 2007

This information is for educational purposes only and is not intended to replace the advice of your doctor or health care provider. We encourage you to discuss with your doctor any questions or concerns you may have.