Dr. Mark Delworth on Robotic Prostatectomy

Mark Delworth, MD, a urologist and the medical director of the Minimally Invasive and Robotic Surgery Program at TriHealth Hospital, talks about the outcomes of robotic surgery for the treatment of prostate cancer.

The biggest advantages of robotic prostatectomy are less pain and blood loss and shorter hospitalization and recovery time, says Delworth. Some studies have also shown that robotic surgeries improve pathological parameters, leading to a reduction in recurrence rates. However not every study has confirmed these findings.

There is also some question as to if robotic prostatectomies result in the same functional status outcomes as traditional surgeries, including sexual function and urinary control. Delworth feels that studies support that robotic surgery actually delivers better functional status outcomes.