According to a new research that appeared in The Journal of Urology, patients who opt for robotic prostatectomy surgery for removal of prostate cancer appear more optimistic when compared to those who select conventional surgery for the same.
Dr. David B. Samadi
Majority of robotic surgery patients also expected shorter hospitalization and faster return to physical activity.
Dr. Samadi, The Mount Sinai Medical Center’s Vice Chairman, Department of Urology, and also the Chief of Robotics and Minimally Invasive Surgery, stated that the robotic surgery has instilled a sense of optimism in the patients and proves that this procedure is quite successful.
The study was performed through questionnaire and included about 200 men of similar age and PSA level. More than half of the patients opted for robotic prostatectomy surgery, and the other half selected the standard, open prostatectomy surgery. The former predicted faster recovery and shorter return time to physical activity. Researchers reported that resuming physical activity was not conclusively faster.
Although post-operative reports suggested that patients who underwent robotic prostatectomy were discharged from the hospital 8 to 12 h sooner than their counterparts who opted for traditional surgery, there was some questionable evidence on the benefits of robotic surgery related to physical activity.
Dr. Samadi informed that he attempts to balance patient hopes with realistic expectations, and handling patient expectations are vital for treating prostate cancer. He continued that although robotic surgery delivers significant benefits over standard surgery, it should not be presumed that recovery will be easy. Men should understand the pros and cons involved in the robotic surgery.