Prostate Surgery

The prostate is a gland in the male reproductive system located just below the bladder and in front of the rectum. It is about the size of a walnut and surrounds the urethra (the tube that empties urine from the bladder). The prostate gland produces fluid that makes up part of the semen.
 
Prostate surgery is most often used in the treatment of cancer when cancer cells form in the tissues of the prostate. Urologists (physicians who specialize in the treatment of the male reproductive system) may need to surgically remove the prostate when cancer is diagnosed and confined to the prostate.
 
Though there are other alternatives to prostate surgery, robotic surgery for prostate cancer, or robotic prostatectomy, is becoming the preferred treatment for prostate cancer that is detected early.




This illustration shows the difference in the incisions made with traditional surgical methods and with robotic surgery.


Like many other patients, if you are facing prostate surgery, you may be concerned about your ability to have erections and normal bathroom functions following surgery.  With the preciseness of robotic prostate surgery, the chances of preserving the nerves necessary for these functions are greater than with traditional surgery.  Often, patients are able to return to their former levels of potency and function.

The benefits to you, as a patient, are important reasons to consider robotic surgery.  Some of the other benefits you may experience include:

• Less surgical trauma
• Reduced blood loss and less need for transfusions
• Less pain and discomfort following surgery
• Shorter hospital stay
• Quicker recovery and return to normal daily activities
• Less scarring

If you suffer from any of the conditions listed here, contact one of the robotically-trained urologists on the North Kansas City Hospital medical staff.  Click here for a list of these physicians.

Remember, robotic surgery may not be appropriate for every individual and individual results may vary. Always ask your doctor about all treatment options, as well as the risks and benefits.