New advance in robotic prostate surgery
October 3rd, 2008 Posted in prostatectomyRobotic surgery offers better cosmetic benefits, reduced pain, early continence, a high rate of sexual potency, and minimal blood loss, all without sacrificing the success of cancer elimination.
To ease the pain of recovery following prostate cancer surgery, physician-scientists have developed an innovative and patient-friendly approach that eliminates the use of a penile urinary catheter. The new patentable technique, used in conjunction with robotic prostatectomy — the surgical removal of the prostate — eliminates the pain and discomfort associated with the standard catheter.
The new approach re-routes urine directly from the bladder by way of a narrow tube that exits through a small needle puncture below the gut, and also serves to support the internal urinary structures as the patient heals.
These new advance is a result of work in the Department of Urology at NewYork-Presbyterian/Weill Cornell, to better improve the lifestyles of patients following prostate removal, such as the reconstruction and sparing of nerves and muscles in order to preserve urinary continence and sexual function.