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10-Year Success With Robotic Prostate Surgery
New Study Documents the Long-Term Success of Robotic-Assisted Surgery With Effective Prostate Cancer Control for 10 Years, Says Robotic Prostate Surgeon, David B. Samadi, MD
NEW YORK, NY--(Marketwired - Jul 28, 2014) - Robotic prostate removal surgery is a preferred treatment method for men with localized prostate cancer. According to a new study from Detroit, Michigan, robotic prostatectomy yields highly successful long-term prostate cancer results. In fact, nearly all -- 98.8% -- of the patients remained prostate cancer survivors at ten years post-surgery; results comparable to the more invasive surgical method used in the past.
The study also highlighted the importance of personalized patient care following robotic prostate surgery. Combining modern molecular diagnostic techniques with traditional post-surgery tumor analysis and prostate-specific antigen (PSA) testing can enhance the ability to predict recurrence and design appropriate follow-up regimens. One of the leading robotic prostate surgeons, David B. Samadi, MD, Chairman of Urology and Chief of Robotic Surgery at Lenox Hill Hospital, emphasizes a personalized approach to long-term patient monitoring.
"One of the many benefits of robotic surgery is our ability to thoroughly assess the prostate tumor after removal," Dr. Samadi explained. "We learn a tremendous amount in seeing the prostate cancer firsthand during surgery and by continuing our testing in the lab. This is vital information that simply doesn't come from radiation or hormone therapy. Once the prostate is removed, we have a much better idea of what the future holds for our patients."
After following nearly 500 men with localized prostate cancer, researchers determined that post-surgery assessment of prostate cancer severity is the best indicator of disease recurrence. That information, paired with routine PSA testing and more advanced biometrics, can be used to determine the need for and guide secondary treatment.
While robotic prostate surgery is highly effective in eliminating prostate cancer entirely, its success depends, in large part, on surgeon expertise. During the procedure, the robotic controls are entirely directed by the surgeon from start-to-finish and the procedure is known to have a steep learning curve. The Detroit researchers point out that their institution was one of the first structured robotic surgery program more than a decade ago -- further evidence of the procedure's success as early as 2001.
As a highly trained oncologic urologic surgeon, Dr. Samadi is one of few experienced in open surgery, laparoscopic surgery, and robotic surgery. Of the ten-year success mark he added, "It's not to say men should be concerned about prostate cancer recurrence after ten years. Rather, it's very encouraging to see documented long-term success with robotic prostate surgery. Surgeon expertise will continue to drive patient success."
The study was published online in the July issue of European Journal, http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/24996687
