Robotic devices for prostate surgery let surgeons perform complex procedures with expanded movement, 3-D visualization and a better view of the operative field than with traditional methods. Robotic surgery causes less trauma to the surgical site, resulting in faster patient recovery. Some patients are better-suited for the procedure.
Extent of Disease
The prostate cancer must be clinically localized; that is, confined to the prostate gland. It cannot have spread to the lymph nodes and other organs.
Previous Abdominal Surgery
A history of surgeries on the abdominal region, such as appendectomy, hernia or gall bladder procedures, doesn't preclude the use of robotic method for prostate surgery.
Exclusionary Neurological Factors
Patients who have had a stroke or cerebral aneurysm likely aren't candidates for robotic prostate surgery, as the surgical table is titled head-first at a 45° angle for the one- to three-hour procedure.
Exclusionary Cardiac and Pulmonary Factors
The following cardiac and pulmonary disorders are among those that exclude patients from robotic prostate surgery: class II-IV angina, class II-IV congestive heart failure, severe restrictive lung disease, asthma or cardio-obstructive pulmonary disease and any condition requiring supplemental oxygen.
Miscellaneous Contraindicating Factors
Other factors include severe glaucoma, hip disease or disorder that's not compatible with the surgical position, and obesity with a BMI of 40 or greater.
Tags: prostate surgery, class II-IV, robotic prostate
