A Robotic prostatectomy, also known as Da Vinci robotic surgery, is an innovative and increasingly popular procedure for the treatment of localised prostate cancer.
One of the most state-of-the-art surgical options available for localised prostate cancer, Da Vinci robotic surgery has achieved successful results for thousands of prostate cancer patients worldwide.
Dr Swindle is one of a select few surgeons in Australia who is trained and authorised to deliver robotic prostate cancer surgery, and was the first ever Queensland surgeon to use the minimally invasive robot technology to perform a radical prostatectomy.
Each year, more and more Australian patients opt for robotic prostatectomy over other radical prostatectomy surgeries due to its high level of safety, reliability, and lack of complications when treating localised prostate cancer.
How does the Da Vinci robotic prostatectomy work?
A Da Vinci robotic prostatectomy allows Dr Swindle to perform minimally invasive surgery with fewer incisions, resulting in a faster recovery time for the patient.
Using the technology, Dr Swindle is able to control a surgical cart, which provides 3D vision through an endoscopic camera. Three robotic arms, controlled by Dr Swindle’s hand movements, control the movement of surgical instruments.
Compared with traditional radical prostatectomy, robotic prostatectomy uses significantly smaller incisions (1 cm, compared to the typical 25 cm incisions for traditional surgery), which reduces blood loss and risk of infection, as well as shortening patient recovery times.
What are the desired outcomes for robotic surgery for prostate cancer?
Many studies demonstrate that Da Vinci robotic prostatectomy offers improved cancer control and nerve sparing. Nerves and vessels are magnified between 10 and 15 times, giving the surgeon enhanced precision.
Robotic prostatectomy offers patients the following potential benefits:
Typically, a patient can expect to leave hospital within one to two days, and return to normal daily activities within a week.