Douglas Masson, MD, Urology Clinic of Southwest Washington

Facing any kind of urologic surgery creates a great deal of anxiety for most men. Among your concerns is: “Will my body function normally following surgery?” Traditional open urologic surgery — in which large incisions are made to access the pelvic organs — has been the standard approach when surgery is needed. Yet common drawbacks of this procedure include significant post-surgical pain, a lengthy recovery, and an unpredictable, potentially long-term impact on continence and sexual function.

Fortunately, less invasive surgical options are available to many patients facing urologic surgery. With the da Vinci Surgical System®, specially-trained surgeons use robotics-guided technology to perform prostatectomy and other urologic procedures right here at PeaceHealth Southwest.

For patients, this often means a more complete eradication of cancer, retention of bladder control and potency. “This minimally invasive approach is ideal for delicate urologic surgery including prostatectomy, in which the target site is not only tightly confined but also surrounded by nerves affecting urinary control and sexual function,” says Douglas Masson, MD, of the Urology Clinic of Southwest Washington.

If your physician recommends surgery to treat your prostate cancer, you may be a candidate for this new less invasive approach. For more information on the da Vinci Surgical System, visit RemarkableRobotics.org.