What is robotic prostatectomy?
A prostatectomy is a surgical operation that removes all or part of the prostate gland. Using the da Vinci surgical system, the surgeons at South Bay Urology can perform robotic prostatectomy. Dr. Matsunaga launched our robotics program in 2006, when he helped perform the South Bay’s first ever robotic prostatectomy. With the addition of Dr. Lesser, SBU physicians have performed over 2,000 robotic procedures to date!
What are radical prostatectomies?
What can I expect during the procedure?
The procedure has become the standard of care for the surgical treatment of prostate cancer. During the operation, we will use the da Vinci surgical system to make several small incisions in the lower abdomen. From these incision sites, we will remove the entire prostate gland, the seminal vesicles (the glands above the prostate, behind the bladder and in front of the rectum), and a portion of each vas deferens (the duct that transports sperm from the testicle to the urethra). In some cases, we will also remove the pelvic lymph nodes.
In most cases, we will preserve the nerves needed for erection, but this decision will vary from patient to patient and will also depend on the characteristics of your cancer. Additionally, our advanced bladder neck sparing technique leads to a more rapid return of continence, with most of our patients being completely dry after 3-6 months (or sooner). A quarter of our patients are continent immediately after removing the catheter.
The results of Drs. Matsunaga and Lesser have shown identical oncologic outcomes, less blood loss with a 0% blood transfusion rate, shorter hospital stays (typically <23 hours), quicker return of continence, and a more rapid return to normal everyday activities. But data has also shown that experience is paramount in order to achieve these superb outcomes. SBU surgeons have performed over 1,500 radical prostatectomies to date.
Schedule an appointment in Southern California
Doctors Matsunaga and Lesser are two surgeons in the South Bay who routinely perform the robotic prostatectomy procedure. If you have been diagnosed with prostate cancer, schedule an appointment today. The doctors at South Bay Urology will ensure that you get the proper consultation and treatment options. And with the help of da Vinci, we can perform minimally-invasive surgery, which results in a cancer cure with less downtime and recovery. To get started, give us a call at (310) 542-0199 or fill out the request form on our site.