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At Boston Medical Center we have had excellent long term results
with regard to cancer control, potency and continence recovery following traditional
open prostatectomy. It is clear now from several studies that successful outcomes
after prostate cancer surgery are directly related to the skill of the surgeon,
including the specific techniques utilized and the volume of cases performed.
Robotic technology allows surgeons skilled in open prostatectomy to perform the same operation utilizing minimally invasive techniques. Prostate cancer surgeons who have demonstrated excellent cancer control and quality of life outcomes in their patients can use the da Vinci robot system to translate these excellent results into their patients operated using this minimally invasive technology. However, the da Vinci system will not automatically improve the outcomes of less experienced surgeons. At Boston Medical Center, we have learned that proper patient selection is important in achieving excellent outcomes. Not every patient is a good candidate for robotic prostatectomy and currently 20% of our patients, after a comprehensive evaluation, are recommended to undergo the standard open radical retropubic approach.
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