Prostate cancer surgery has been revolutionized with the use of the da Vinci robotic surgical system. Da Vinci Robotic Prostatectomy is a minimally invasive option for prostate cancer treatment available thanks to cutting edge breakthroughs in surgical technology. Da Vinci robotic prostate cancer surgery maintains all of the benefits of definitive surgical treatment for prostate cancer while adding the benefits decreased blood loss, less pain and more rapid return to regular activities and a shorter hospital stay. For these reasons it is clear why da Vinci robotic prostate cancer surgery has become the preferred method for removal of the prostate after early diagnosis of prostate cancer.
Miami urologist David Robbins, MD is a board certified urologist and is the director of the robotic surgical program at Urological Consultants of Florida. He has a special focus in prostate cancer having trained under the guidance of world renowned prostatectomy surgeon and pioneer in the field of nerve-sparing prostate cancer surgery Dr. Herbert Lepor. He refined his techniques of nerve-sparing prostatectomy for prostate cancer during his time at NYU and is now recognized by his colleagues and patients as one of the best prostate cancer surgeons performing da Vinci robotic prostatectomy surgery in greater Miami region. Dr. Robbins is currently performing da Vinci robotic prostate cancer surgery on a weekly basis with excellent results with respect to maintenance of erectile function, urinary continence and most importantly cancer cure. Dr. Robbins is currently perfoming da Vinci robotic prostatectomy procedures for prostate cancer at Mount Sinai Medcial Center in Miami Beach and Aventura Hospital and Medical Center in Aventura.
Miami urologist Dr. David Robbins trained at New York University and learned how to perform robotic surgery from world leaders in the field of prostate cancer surgery and da Vinci robotic surgery. This specialized training in robotic prostate cancer surgery along with Dr. Robbins' intense drive toward improvement has helped him to develop the skills necessary to provide patients with the highest quality robotic surgery outcomes espcecially with regard to prostate cancer cure, urinary continence and maintenance of erectile function. In addition to patient satisfaction with the functional aspects of robotic prostate cancer surgery, Dr. Robbins is highly appreciated by his patients for the personal care that he delivers and his genuine compasion. For these reasons, Dr. David Robbins is considered by many to be the best urologist specializing in robotic prostatectomy surgery and prostate cancer treatment in Miami, Florida.
During open "radical" prostatectomy (removal of the prostate) for prosate cancer, the prostate is removed using a large midline incision from the umbilicus to the pubic bone. The major drawback of this approach is not only the size of the incision but also the stretching of the abdominal muscles and skin that is necessary to place a retractor to gain the appropriate visualization in order to perform an open prostatectomy. This large incision can take longer to heal and results in increased post operative pain and impaired mobility. One of the many advantages to da Vinci robotic prostatectomy for prostate cancer is that is can be performed through five tiny incisions and the prostate removed through the umbilicus at the end of the procedure. This leads to less post operative pain and scarring and a quicker return to regular activities. Additionally, the view of the surgical field afforded by the 3D stereoscopic display means that the surgeon has a much clearer view of the nerves and blood vessels surrounding the prostate which helps to minimize blood loss and reduces the risk of damaging the nerves responsible for continence and erectile function. During da Vinci robotic prostatectomy for prostate cancer, the prostate gland and seminal vesicles are separated from the bladder and urethra and then these two structures are reconnected over a foley catheter to maintain a contained urinary channel. For advanced disease the pelvic lymph nodes can be sampled to verify that the disease has not spread beyond the prostate.
The robot itself consists of two units. The Patient-side cart has four robotic arms for carrying out the surgery; one arm holds a camera and the other three hold instruments. The surgeon sits at a console with a stereoscopic 3D view of the operating field. Unlike a conventional (2D) screen, this allows the perception of depth which makes accurate surgery much easier. Beneath the display are the master controls which translate the surgeon's hand movements in real-time to the movement of the robotic arms and instruments. The system is designed to remove tremor and allow very precise movement.
"I was diagnosed with prostate cancer in November 2010. On February 15, 2011, I registered at Mt. Sinai Hospital for robotic surgery to be performed by Dr. David Robbins and his team. Deep inside, I was expecting the worst. These were the results: 1) Pain - No pain (Percocet was prescribed. Didn't have to use any). 2) Overall Discomfort - The same night of the surgery I walked the hallway on my hospital floor. 3) Incontinence - After the catheter was removed I used pads for a few days. Not saying that every once in a while I got a little wet, but three weeks after the surgery it was 95% under control. Today, fine and dandy. I thank the Good Lord for delivering me into the gifted hands of Dr. Robbins. An event that causes so much distress because of the obscure, turned out to be a positive, very bearable life changing experience." DR. ROBBINS' EXPERT ROBOTIC TEAM Please click here to download and print a copy of Dr. Robbins preoperative and postoperative instructions for da Vinci robotic prostatectomy. Please click here to link to additional information from Intuitive Surgical regarding da Vinci robotic prostatectomy.
