The Benefits of Robotic Surgery to Remove Prostate Cancer

Prostate cancer is the most common male-specific cancer, affecting about one in eight men (12.5%) in the United States during their lifetime. This pervasive threat requires a powerful treatment approach — and that’s where robotic prostate surgery comes in.

At the forefront of this innovation is the Samadi Modified Advanced Robotic Technique (SMART), a revolutionary approach developed by David B. Samadi, MD, one of the world’s leading urologists and robotic surgeons. Keep reading to learn more about robotic prostate surgery and its many benefits.

What is robotic prostate surgery?

Robotic surgery is a minimally invasive procedure in which a surgeon uses a robotic-assisted system to perform complex operations through very small incisions.

The system includes robotic arms equipped with tiny, specialized surgical instruments. The robotic arms also hold a high-definition camera that provides a magnified, 3D view of the surgical area, including the prostate gland and all its connected and surrounding tissues.

The surgeon remains in complete control at a nearby console, where they manipulate the robotic arms with extreme precision. This technology enhances the surgeon’s ability to operate in tight spaces with improved dexterity and range of motion compared to traditional prostate surgery techniques.

The SMART difference

SMART surgery is a minimally invasive robotic-assisted laparoscopic prostatectomy (RALP) using the da Vinci® Robotic System. Dr. Samadi created this advanced technique to improve upon robotic prostate surgery techniques by fully removing the cancer, preserving sexual function, and restoring urinary system function.

Traditional prostate removal methods work from the outside inward, while SMART surgery works from within. This technique avoids cutting or damaging key structures, such as connective tissues, the urinary sphincter, nerves, and important blood vessels. 

Dr. Samadi also uses a unique technique to minimize post-surgery leakage. Further, he uses cold tools, like clips and surgical scissors to avoid the potentially damaging heat from cautery.

Key benefits of robotic prostate surgery

Robotic prostate surgery, particularly SMART, offers many impressive advantages compared to traditional prostate removal. These include:

• Small incisions (a series of six tiny punctures for SMART)
• Less post-procedural pain and discomfort
• Minimal blood loss; near-zero blood transfusion rate
• Faster healing; less downtime and more comfortable recovery
• Short-term catheter use (versus long-term for traditional surgery)
• Restored continence for men who had normal continence before surgery
• Sexual function; almost 83% of men reclaim sexual function by 18 months
• Low recurrence rates; less than 2% of men have cancer at a year

Ultimately, patients who choose robotic prostate removal have better surgical and recovery experiences, with a dramatically improved quality of life afterward.

The next step: Your robotic surgery consultation

With more than 10,000 successful robotic prostate surgeries, Dr. Samadi is a pioneer in robotic-assisted prostate cancer treatment. 

He’s a board-certified and fellowship-trained urologist who’s known as New York City’s best in prostate cancer surgery. His advanced techniques provide the best chance at a cancer-free life while preserving what matters most — continence, sexual function, and quality of life.

For a consultation with Dr. Samadi at our offices in Midtown Manhattan or Roslyn, New York, call 212-365-5000 today or use the convenient online booking feature at your convenience.