PROSTATE SURGERY
Robotic Radical Prostatectomy
Many patients come to Santis having already decided to have their prostate removed, which is known as a radical prostatectomy. Professor Christopher Eden has performed more than 4,000 radical prostatectomies, and his skill in nerve preservation means that our patient results in terms of cancer survival, potency and continence are among the best in the world.
Why should I choose Santis?
Professor Eden pioneered keyhole radical prostatectomy in the UK, performing the very first operation in 2000, paving the way for mass-adoption of the technique throughout the world. As such, he is highly experienced in practising the technique, which for patients means that they will receive the best result possible.
24 years after our first keyhole radical prostatectomy and with the introduction of the da Vinci surgical robot, Santis continues to push the boundaries of the operation, including advanced nerve-sparing techniques. We were also the first in the UK to introduce the new Retzius-sparing technique, which our published research has shown to dramatically improve continence after surgery. It has been so successful that it is now our default technique, and we have more experience than any other UK clinic in it.
What does a radical prostatectomy involve?
We exclusively perform robotically-assisted radical prostatectomies (more commonly known as RARP, or keyhole surgery). This involves removing the prostate using a single 4 cm incision (Single Port robot) or six small incisions (multiport robot) in the lower abdomen, being careful not to damage the bundles of tiny nerves that control erections. The size of the incisions mean that patients can expect to recover far more quickly than with open surgery, where a much larger incision is required.
In patients with more aggressive and/or advanced prostate cancers, the lymph nodes that drain the prostate on either side may also need be removed to complete the staging and to improve the cure rate.
Who is a radical prostatectomy suitable for?
It’s suitable for men with low, intermediate and high-risk prostate cancer and there is also some suggesting that it may benefit men with limited metastatic prostate cancer i.e. those in whom it has spread to 5 or fewer sites, but this remains to be confirmed by ongoing clinical trials.
Why use a robot?
Using a robot is beneficial for three reasons. Firstly, the HD cameras allow the surgeon unparalleled visibility into the abdomen so he can perform at the highest level. Secondly, the range of motion offered by the robot is greater than human hand, which is ideal for the delicate movements required when removing the prostate. Finally, it reassures our patients that we are committed to using the very latest technology in delivering their care.
Surgery is usually the best option for patients, and here is why:
REASON 1
Certainty
It provides definitive information about the stage (extent) and grade (aggressiveness) of the tumour, because after the operation, the prostate is sent to a lab for final analysis – from which the prognosis can be accurately determined. Surgery also removes the possibility of radiotherapy-induced rectal and bladder cancer.
REASON 2
A safety net
It leaves in reserve two further powerful treatment options if the cancer recurs: radiotherapy and hormonal therapy. Cancer recurrence after surgery can be promptly identified by the PSA blood test and salvage treatment is generally very well tolerated and effective. The reverse is not true if radiotherapy (including brachytherapy) is used as the primary treatment.
REASON 3
Surgeon-specific results
Cancer control, continence and potency results are much better when the surgery is done by high-volume surgeons. Having your operation performed by a high-volume surgeon should allow you to combine the certainty of surgery, the preservation of a treatment safety net if needed and good cancer control, continence and potency.
Watch Professor Eden explain why he recommends prostate cancer surgery
REAL RESULTS
What our patients say
An extraordinary result from a very remarkable man. I personally owe my life to Professor Christopher Eden.
Without Prof. Eden’s actions I would have spent the last six years in a mess.
Best wishes to anyone considering asking Professor Eden for help. I can only highly recommend him to you.
Professor Eden is in our opinion the best surgeon for prostatectomy.
Selecting Professor Eden is genuinely the best decision I have ever made, I thoroughly recommend him.
I am extremely grateful for his skills and professionalism. There is no doubt that I would not be here without him.
