Robotic Surgery and Prostate Cancer: What is Radical Prostatectomy? How does the Da Vinci robot improve it

Learn about radical prostatectomy, its indications, and how Da Vinci robots improve surgical precision and reduce complications.

The most effective treatment for localised prostate tumour is radical prostatectomy. It involves the removal of the entire prostate gland, and usually the seminal vessels. This surgery is recommended for early-stage cancer patients, when the tumour remains confined to the prostate.

Recent years have seen the introduction of robot assisted surgery using the Da Vinci system has revolutionised this procedureThis technology allows for unprecedented precision and safety in surgery. This type of surgery can be recommended in clinical stages T1 or T2 to remove the tumor completely before it spreads. It’s recommended for men with good health who have an expected life span long enough to benefit.

“The main goal of radical prostatectomy is to eliminate the cancer definitively before it spreads,” says Dr. Manuel Ruibal, robotic urologic surgeon at Quirónsalud Torrevieja Hospital.

Open Surgery and the Da Vinci Robot: A Surgical Revolution

In the past, radical prostatectomy has been performed through open surgery. This procedure required a large cut in the lower abdominal area and offered a very limited view into the surgical field. Laparoscopic techniques were a major step in the direction of less invasive procedures. The introduction of Da Vinci, a robotic system that combines both approaches and offers unmatched precision, was the real game changer.

The Da Vinci robot enables the surgeon to control robotic arms with millimetric accuracy from a console. The surgeon can now operate from a console, controlling robotic arms that perform movements with millimetric precision.

The Differences between Traditional and Robotic Prostatectomy

Da Vinci is a major advancement in open surgery. Open surgery requires larger incisions with limited vision. Robotic surgeries use small incisions that offer enhanced precision and improved visibility.

Dr. Ruibal says, “With Da Vinci, we eliminate human movements and achieve greater precision.” It is crucial to preserve functions such as sexual and urinary continence.

1. Type of incision

• • Traditional surgery This procedure requires large incisions that can result in more tissue damage, and a higher risk of complications.
  • Da Vinci robotic surgery: The procedure is performed using small laparoscopic cuts, which reduces tissue trauma and improves recovery.

2. You can also read about the following:

• • Traditional surgery Precision is affected by the surgeon’s manual skills and fatigue.
  • Robotic surgery It offers greater stability and refined movement, which allows for enhanced surgical accuracy.

3. The surgical field: a view from the operating room

• • Traditional surgery The view is usually two-dimensional, which makes it difficult to perceive depth.
  • Robotic surgery It offers a high-definition, three-dimensional view that greatly improves visualization.

4. Recovery Time

• • Traditional surgery The recovery tends to take longer due to the increased invasiveness of the surgery, more pain and longer hospital stay.
  • Robotic surgery The recovery time is shorter, as there is less bleeding and trauma.

5. Preserving key structures

• • Traditional surgery Limited precision makes it difficult to preserve delicate nerves, vessels and organs.
  • Robotic surgery Reduces postoperative side-effects and enhances preservation of critical structures.

The Da Vinci robot is not autonomous, despite its futuristic look. All movements are controlled by the surgeon from an ergonomic console located in the operating room. Through small incisions a camera, as well as various surgical instruments, are inserted. The system translates in real time the movements of the surgeon into highly precise robotic action.

“The difference isn’t just in the technology—it’s in how we use it. The surgical team’s experience is essential to fully utilize the benefits of the Da Vinci System,” Dr. Ruibal adds.

Who can benefit from robotic prostate surgery?

The robotic-assisted prostatectomies are recommended for patients who have localised prostate carcinoma in its early stage. The patient must be in good general health before undergoing major surgery to benefit from its long-term curative properties.

The technique may be used to treat locally advanced cancers in some cases. This is possible if the clinical conditions are met and the multidisciplinary team supports the indication.

The technique is particularly beneficial to younger patients who are physically active, as it preserves functions like continence and sexuality.

The robot’s precision, and the minimal tissue trauma it causes, reduce intraoperative bleeding. This reduces the chance of complications, and accelerates recovery. Dr. Ruibal states, “Patients will notice the difference on day one.” They walk sooner, eat sooner, and go home with more independence—something unthinkable with traditional surgery.”

The following benefits are also available:

• Postoperative pain is reduced, which reduces the need for pain medications.
• Usually one or two night hospital stay.
• Incisions smaller, lower risk of infection and better cosmetic outcomes.
• Resumption of daily and professional activity is faster.

Da Vinci has significantly reduced the side effects of erectile dysfunction and urinary incontinence, despite their persistence. The robot’s capability to identify and protect the nerves responsible to these functions results in a faster functional recovery. Recovery can still vary, and may require personalized rehab.

Studies confirm that open surgery and robotic surgery offer the same cancer-control outcomes. It is more important to consider the surgeon’s experience and skill than the actual technique.

The key is in the proper selection of patients, refined techniques, and detailed plans. The specialist says that technology is a powerful instrument, but the surgeon performs.

At Quirónsalud Torrevieja Hospital, robotic surgery with the Da Vinci system has been successfully implemented for over two years. This cutting-edge technology is only available at the hospital in Alicante.

This system has helped the hospital become a benchmark for minimally invasive urologic procedures, offering a safer approach and better functional results.

“Our commitment to innovation is clear: we will offer the best possible medicine. “Robotic surgery is one of the main tools we use in the fight against Cancer,” concluded the hospital’s team.

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