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 | | LAPAROSCOPIC PROSTATECTOMY
A Minimally Invasive Surgical Treatment for Prostate Cancer
What is a laparoscopic prostatectomy?
It is a minimally invasive surgical treatment for prostate cancer. It involves few key hole incisions in order to remove the whole prostate |
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What are some of the advantages of a laparoscopic prostatectomy?
- Shortened hospital stay
- Significantly less bleeding
Blood Loss Comparison
- Early removal of catheter
- Minimal requirement for pain medications after the surgery
- 10-15 times visual magnification
- Resume to normal activity within one to two weeks after operation
- Improved cosmetic results
How does laparoscopic surgery compare to open as far as the cancer cure rate?
The results in control of cancer for the laparoscopic patients have been essentially identical to that of open radical prostatectomy. This is confirmed in major institutions across the country where this procedure is being performed on routine basis.
Gleason Score
How long does a laparoscopic prostatectomy procedure take?
It is usually about 2.5-3.5 hours. Each case is different due to the size of the prostate and different anatomy. This is comparable to the average time of open surgery.
How long do I stay in the hospital after a laparoscopic prostatectomy?
A majority of my patients are discharged one-day after a laparoscopic prostatectomy. However, the time of discharge is decided on case-by-case basis. By the second night, over 90 percent of patients are comfortable to go home.
Postoperative Stay
How long do I need to have a catheter after a laparoscopic prostatectomy?
For open surgery, the catheter is removed after two to three weeks. However with laparoscopic prostatectomy, the catheter is removed three days after the operation. This is done in under control of an X-ray in order to check the status of the anastomosis.
What is the blood loss after a laparoscopic prostatectomy?
The average blood loss for a laparoscopic prostatectomy is about 150cc. Therefore, the risk of blood transfusion is extremely low. The blood vessels are collapsed due to the abdominal pressure and are well controlled as the result of a high visual magnification that is obtained with the use of a camera.
Are the nerves responsible for sexual function being spared during laparoscopic prostatectomy?
Every effort is made to spare the nerves. One of the main advantages of laparoscopic prostatectomy is the fact that the nerves and vessels are all magnified and therefore it is much easier to save them. Return of potency could take up to six months and on some individual cases, Viagra has significantly helped the patients.
Am I going to leak after a laparoscopic prostatectomy?
For the first few weeks, one needs to wear a protective pad. The return of continence is fast and within few weeks, over 95 percent of the patients have full control of their urination. Occasionally I see patients with mild stress urinary incontinence after surgery which usually resolves by performing the Kegal exercises.
Am I a good candidate for a laparoscopic prostatectomy?
Men who are diagnosed with a localized prostate cancer are candidates for this procedure. Certainly any patient who is a candidate for open surgery, would have an excellent outcome with a laparoscopic prostatectomy. |
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