Robotic surgery has dramatically lowered the rate of impotency from prostate surgery in a large number of men since its introduction in South Africa two years ago\u201a according to one of the country\u2019s top urologists.<\/p>\n
Dr Lance Coetzee\u201a from The Urology Hospital\u201a Pretoria\u201a which was the first hospital in South Africa to acquire a R20-million da Vinci Surgical System in October 2013\u201a said the hospital had completed almost 400 successful robotic prostatectomies (removal of cancerous prostate) with a host of significant benefits to men.<\/p>\n
Prostate cancer is the most common cancer in black South African men and the second most common in white men\u201a according to the National Cancer Registry.<\/p>\n
Before robotics\u201a many men suffered from impotence\u201a incontinence and a long and painful recovery after surgery.<\/p>\n
Now\u201a due to the precision of robotic surgery\u201a vital nerves may be preserved more easily\u201a dramatically lowering the risk and incidence of impotence and incontinence.<\/p>\n
Other benefits of this minimally-invasive state-of-the-art technology include less pain\u201a less blood loss\u201a shorter hospital stay and a quick return to normal daily activities – sometimes within a week\u201a compared to six weeks previously.<\/p>\n
\u201cRobotic surgery is effectively preserving erectile function and urinary control in many cases. This surgery provides for vision and precision which\u201a if conducted properly\u201a by well-trained surgeons\u201a reduces the chance of damaging vital nerves.<\/p>\n
\u201cPreviously\u201a potency may have returned – sometimes only partially – over a period of one to two years with an average 50% recovery rate. Now\u201a we\u2019re seeing erectile function often returning within one to three months\u201a depending on the patient\u2019s potency before the operation\u201a\u201d Dr Coetzee said.<\/p>\n
Previously\u201a some men chose to live with prostate cancer\u201a maintain potency and die from the disease\u201a rather than undergo an operation and risk becoming impotent. \u201cNow\u201a this is no longer necessary\u201a\u201d he said.<\/p>\n
Dr Coetzee has performed more than 200 robotic procedures and is one of only two proctors in the country which means he is able to train other urologists on robotic surgery.<\/p>\n
He explained that the da Vinci Surgery System was also perfectly placed to undertake partial nephrectomies (removal of cancerous part of kidney) which could revolutionise kidney cancer treatment in South Africa.<\/p>\n
The robot could also be used for a range of gynaecological procedures and discussions were underway with medical aid companies to cover the costs of these operations.<\/p>\n
US Marine Corps tests robot dog soldier<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n