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Prostate Surgery

Facing prostate surgery can be unnerving for many men. You may have concerns about pain after surgery, the length of recovery and urinary and sexual functions as you heal. Robot-assisted surgery can help make your prostate surgery easier. Traditional surgery uses a large incision which typically requires a lengthy and uncomfortable recovery and has a higher risk of impotence and incontinence.

Procedures

Prostate cancer is a common form of cancer in men over age 65. A prostatectomy may be needed to surgically remove the prostate when cancer is diagnosed and confined to the prostate. 

Robotic prostatectomy uses tiny (1-2 centimeter) incisions, miniature instruments and a very small high-definition, three-dimensional camera. Surgeons have a clear, magnified view inside the body, allowing them to operate with a high degree of precision and control. This makes it easier to preserve the nerves surrounding the prostate than with traditional open surgery. 

Enlarged prostate can be treated with aquablation. Dr. Gerald Park at NKCH is the only hospital in Missouri and Kansas – and among the first in the United States – to offer the treatment that combines imaging, robotics and water.

Aquablation is a sound alternative for men who have not found relief with medications. While medications relax and shrink the prostate, they also may decrease blood pressure and interfere with the prostate’s sexual function. Aquablation preserves the part of the prostate that controls sexual function.

Benefits

The benefits of robotic surgery over traditional open surgery typically include:

  • Better clinical outcomes in many cases
  • Faster return to daily activities
  • Less blood loss
  • Less pain and discomfort following surgery
  • Less scarring
  • Less surgical trauma and greater surgical precision in sparing surrounding nerves
  • Reduced risk of infection and complications
  • Shorter hospital stay and faster recovery

Robotic surgery isn't right for everyone. Talk with your doctor about all treatment options, as well as the risks and benefits or contact one of our urology specialists for more information.