Robots Perform Prostate Surgery

Like everything else in the world of medicine, surgical practices are changing with modern technology. One growing trend is the use of robotic tools during surgical procedures. Robots can make procedures less invasive and allow for quicker recovery periods.

Prostate surgeries in particular have been aided by robotic instruments over the past decade. According to a 2009 study published in the Journal of the American Medical Association, 9 percent of all prostate surgeries in 2003 were performed with robotic equipment. This number rose by 43 percent over the next four years.

In some proceedures, the use of robotic equipment has also decreased blood loss and lowered the risk of complications. Many patients also experienced a shorter stay at the hospital due to faster healing.

The 2009 study also discovered some downsides to robotic prostate surgery. It was reported that those who had prostate surgery with the aid of robotic instruments increased their risk of erectile dysfunction, incontinence and other urogenital problems. This may be due to nerve trauma during the surgery. Robotic instruments have decreased the amount of shakiness during incisions, yet the effects on surrounding nerves have stayed the same.

When considering robotic surgery, there are ways to ensure you are in the right hands. HealthFinder.gov suggests doing your homework on your surgical team. If they are not accustomed to performing the surgery without robotic instruments, the technology will not necessarily increase their skills. Some doctors say using this new equipment requires a lot of practice. Ask about the frequency in which they perform the procedure with robotic equipment and about the outcomes for previous patients.

Links:

http://www.healthfinder.gov/News/newsstory.aspx?docid=634340

http://online.wsj.com/article/SB1000142405270230470310457517395214590752...