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ARTICLE

Surgery for Prostate Cancer: Exploring Your Options

September is Prostate Cancer Awareness Month

We believe that an empowered patient is a more confident patient. In addition to that theory, we also believe that knowledge is power. A man who has been diagnosed with prostate cancer, or who are awaiting a formal diagnosis after specific testing, can benefit from exploring the treatment options available for his potential condition. In the best situation, he will have gained knowledge that he doesn’t need at the moment. Gaining knowledge that does need to be used is also a “best situation.” Here, we discuss a few of the common surgical techniques that may be used to treat prostate cancer.

  • Open Prostatectomy. Historically, prostate surgery has been an “open” procedure that is performed through the abdomen. Open surgery may be necessary in some cases, but we explore more conservative means whenever possible.
  • Laparoscopic Prostatectomy. Radical Prostatectomy can be performed using the laparoscopic technique, which provides a minimally-invasive alternative to major abdominal surgery. Laparoscopic surgical techniques are used in all areas of medicine these days as a way to improve patient outcomes and reduce surgical risks. The procedure is performed through a few small incisions rather than a single, larger one.
  • Robotic surgery. We are proud to be at the forefront of surgical technology. Patients of our Rancho Mirage urology practice can benefit from our experience in the use of the robotic surgical platform. This technology improves the conservative nature of necessary surgery by magnifying the surgical field and controlling tiny instruments with a surgeon-operated robotic arm. The robotic surgical technique is a complement to laparoscopic surgeries like Prostatectomy.

Which Type of Prostate Surgery is Right for You?

There is a lot to think about before undergoing any surgery. We invite you to ask us questions and discuss concerns you may have with your urologist here in our Rancho Mirage office. We lean toward minimally invasive surgical techniques whenever possible due to the shortened recovery time and minor scarring.