New Method of Robotic AIR Prostatectomy Shows Multiple Benefits

A new robotic surgical technique developed at The Cancer Institute of New Jersey (CINJ) for the removal of all or part of the prostate gland is showing what investigators call a “dramatic improvement” in a male’s sexual potency rate. A team fof CINJ found a way to enhance the procedure, by developing a new technique known as Athermal Intrafascial Robotic (AIR) prostatectomy.

Robotic prostatectomy allows a surgeon to control a set of robotic arms that holds the surgical instruments in order to remove prostate cancer through several incisions that are smaller than a quarter. It allows for additional precision, reduced blood loss, shorter hospital stays and faster recovery for the patient. Additionally,

In AIR prostatectomy, the nerve that controls a man’s ability to have an erection is better preserved by sparing over 90 percent of the tissues that surrounds the prostate. In the conventional open or robotic radical prostatectomy, typically only 40 to 50 percent of the tissue around the prostate is spared. Additional tissues that are located at the top of the prostate are nearly impossible to spare during an open prostatectomy due to the presence of a major vein called the dorsal venous complex.

Typically with the conventional method, the sexual potency rate is between 65 and 75 percent at one year following the surgery. With the AIR procedure, investigators at CINJ found the potency level was at 91 percent nine months post surgery. At the nine-month mark for the conventional robotic method, the potency rate was only 67 percent.

At six months, the continence rate (defined as requiring no protective pads) following the AIR procedure was 93 percent.

After performing more than 450 robotic prostatectomy procedures over the past four years at CINJ's Flagship hospital, the team concluded that not only does the AIR procedure help men regain sexual function in a quicker fashion, but it also helps them to regain control over their bladder faster as well as reducing incontinence.

The results were recently presented at the 26th World Congress Endourology meeting in Shanghai, China.



NOTE: Issues on this site regarding prostate cancer and treatment options, are provided for information only, and are not meant to substitute for the advice of your own physician or other medical professional. Prostate-Report.org does not endorse any specific product, service or treatment.





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