A New Standard in Preserving Erectile Function After Radical Prostatectomy -
Using the daVinci™ Robotic Surgical System for Sparing of the Lateral Prostatic Fascia and Neurovascular Plexus
Under the leadership of Nikhil L Shah, MD, director minimally-invasive and robotic urology, Saint Joseph's offers the latest breakthrough approach for
| This technique often results in significantly better chance at recovery of erectile function as compared to those who undergo conventional nerve-sparing surgery. |
|
|
prostatectomy. This procedure, called the Neurovascular Plexus, leverages the unique surgical capabilities of the da Vinci robotic surgical system to spare the crucial nerves and arteries which help regain sexual function and maintain continence. This technique often results in significantly better chance at recovery of erectile function as compared to those who undergo conventional nerve-sparing surgery.
Dr. Shah trained at Henry Ford Hospital in Detroit, Michigan under Dr. Mani Menon, who pioneered the robotic prostatectomy technique. While there, Dr. Shah assisted the surgeons at Henry Ford to develop a new technique of nerve-sparing prostatectomy using the daVinci™ Surgical System.
The technique involves not only sparing the main neurovascular bundles as are typically done in open surgery, but using the attributes of the robot to additionally spare a neurovascular plexus located in fascia that surrounds the prostate. Patients are typically offfered extended nerve-sparing when they present with focal or extremely localized disease.
Clinical validation
In patients who underwent a robotic radical prostatectomy incorporating the new nerve-sparing technique, more than 87% percent achieved erections that were back to their pre-operative baseline. This is in contrast to patients undergoing standard nerve sparing surgery of whom 75% reported being able to have intercourse, but only 26 percent reported being satisfied or back to their baseline.
According to Dr. Shah, sparing the lateral prostatic fascia, or fascia on the outside of the prostate, is only possible through the advantages of the robotic surgery system. More specifically, surgeons are now able to see the pelvic anatomy with a three-dimensional magnified view and negotiate precious tissues planes by employing the precision of the robotic instruments.
Dr. Shah recently coauthored an article with Dr. Menon on this technique for the British Journal of Urology which will be published soon. In addition, the results and outcomes in patients having undergone this extended sparing of the neurovascular plexus have been published in numerous medical journals.
Prostatectomy is a formidable operation for any man to consider given the potential implications for affecting their most critical functions. The advent of robotic technology has allowed experienced fellowship trained surgeons, such as Dr. Shah, to perform prostatectomies that can now spare vital structures which offer men not only a chance of cancer cure but also a chance to live with dignity.
For more information about robotic surgery, call 1-866-SJ-ROBOT (1-866-757-6268).
