Laparoscopic procedure speeds recovery for prostate cancer surgery patients

A new minimally invasive approach to prostate cancer surgery has many advantages for patients over conventional radical prostatectomy.

The surgery involves using laparoscopic techniques to surgically remove cancer of the prostate gland and surrounding tissue.

The first laparoscopic prostatectomy was done in October 2003, and they are now done at least once a week.

The procedure is very challenging. It requires more time than traditional open radical prostatectomy, but the recovery time is much better for patients.

Laparoscopic prostatectomy is performed through five small keyhole incisions (approximately one centimeter each) across the abdomen. The laparoscope gives surgeons a detailed view of the prostate gland and surrounding tissue and allows for precise removal of the prostate gland and suturing of blood vessels.

Patients spend as little as one night in the hospital following surgery, instead of two or three days. Catheters are removed in one week, versus two weeks with open surgery. Patient can return to normal activity such as work in as little as two weeks – one-third of the six weeks that is common with traditional radical prostatectomy. Patients also notice less pain.

Not all patients are candidates for laparoscopic prostatectomy. Ideal patients have localized prostate cancer, low PSA (prostate specific antigen) levels and have had no prior surgeries. Radical prostatectomy and laparoscopic prostatectomy are generally performed on patients with early stage prostate cancer.

Laparoscopic prostatectomy will not replace open radical prostatectomy or radioactive seed implantation for treating prostate cancer. Some patients do not wish to undergo surgery because of the downtime during recovery. Laparoscopic prostatectomy is better because it reduces the recovery time for patients.

Go to the Baptist Online Cancer Resource Center.