What Is A Laparoscopic Radical Prostatectomy, And What Are The Risks/Advantages?
Dr. Uzzo answers the question: 'Laparoscopic Radical Prostatectomy?'
March 16, 2009 -- Question: What is a laparoscopic radical prostatectomy, and what are the risks/advantages?
Answer: So, doctors can remove the prostate any number of ways, including through an incision or using telescopes like in laparoscopy. Again as was mentioned, during laparoscopy, the belly is distended with carbon dioxide gas and then a camera is inserted through a small portal and instruments are inserted through adjacent portals and the prostate can be removed in that way.
The real benefit of laparoscopic prostate removal is that it's less blood loss, quicker recovery, and really it's been shown to be equivalent to the open prostatectomy in most endpoint parameters including cancer specific control. And so patients get back to work faster. Many of them will regain their urinary control quicker. It is a technically difficult and demanding type of surgery and no doubt one that you need to discuss with your doctor because not all patients are adequate candidates for laparoscopic prostatectomy.
Related Stories
ABC News Live