For Patients with Prostate Cancer, Robotic Surgery Improves
Outcomes and Post-Surgery Quality of Life
Prostate cancer is the most common form of cancer in men. It’s estimated that one in seven men will be diagnosed with this condition during their lifetime. With early detection, survival rates are very high. Yet, it remains one of men’s leading causes of cancer-related deaths, mainly due to late diagnosis.
Robotic surgery stands out among the advances that have transformed treatment. It combines precision, minimal invasiveness and improved functional outcomes. Let’s explore its benefits and why it’s become the modern standard of care.
Why is robotic surgery the new standard for prostate cancer?
Across the globe, prostate cancer surgery is the procedure most commonly performed with robotic assistance. With its exceptional precision, it not only removes the tumor, but also preserves key structures that directly affect urinary continence and sexual function.
According to Dr. Ángel Tabernero, robotic surgery specialist at Hospital Universitario HLA Moncloa in Madrid, robotic technology provides:
❂ 3D magnified vision up to 40X
❂ Steady, tremor-free, high precision movements
❂ Selective coagulation
❂ Delicate suturing with millimetric accuracy
And while open surgery, laparoscopy and robotic surgery all achieve similar cure rates, robotic surgery stands out for delivering better functional results and a faster recovery:
❂ Faster return of urinary continence: over 90% of patients regain continence when the catheter is removed, and over 97% do so within the following months.
❂ Lower risk of impotence: more than 90% of patients maintain erectile function.
❂ Fewer days having to use a catheter
❂ Less blood loss
❂ Smaller scars and better cosmetic results
Which prostate cancer patients are candidates for robotic surgery?
Though each case requires a personalized evaluation, candidates for robotic surgery often meet these criteria:
❂ Tumor confined to the prostate
❂ Life expectancy greater than 10 years
The surgeon’s expertise: the human experience behind the robot’s precision
Robotic surgery is essentially laparoscopy assisted by a robot. The key difference lies in the specialist performing the procedure.
Dr. Tabernero comments, “The robot is simply a tool connected to the patient so the surgeon can perform the specific movements through the robot’s arms. Without the surgeon, the robot does absolutely nothing.”
Obviously, robotic surgery is highly dependent on the surgeon’s skill. Technology enhances human capability, but it doesn’t replace it. The best outcomes are seen in centers with:
❂ High surgical volume
❂ Experienced surgical teams
❂ Standardized excellence protocols
“Technology paired with experience leads to surgical excellence,” the specialist emphasizes.
Global access to top medical centers with VUMI®
Choosing care that combines advanced technology with experienced specialists makes a significant difference in treatment outcomes, recovery and overall quality of life.
With VUMI®, you have access to an international network of highly specialized hospitals, such as Hospital Universitario HLA Moncloa in Madrid, where robotic surgery is a standard practice performed by highly experienced surgeons.
You’ll also have access to VIP benefits such as:
❂ Second Medical Opinion
❂ Consultations with world-renowned specialists
❂ Prescription medications
❂ Specialized treatments and surgeries
And much more!
