Prostate & Testicular Cancer
St. John da Vinci® Surgical System
This cutting-edge technology is a computer-enhanced minimally invasive surgical system developed through the use of the latest advancements in robotics and computer technology. Known as the “robot,” the da Vinci® allows a specially trained surgeon to operate while seated at a console using master controls to manipulate instruments and viewing the surgical site via a tiny camera that transmits a magnified 3-dimensional image of the surgical area to a television screen. Foot pedals allow the surgeon to reposition the operating image, and hand controls are used to send electronic signals from the surgeon’s wrist, hand and finger movements to the computerized micro-surgical instrument arms, which have tiny instruments at their ends. These instruments allow the surgeon to cut, suction, cauterize, stitch and remove tissue more precisely. Prostate cancer patients can benefit from the da Vinci® robot which requires only a few tiny incisions, or ports, are necessary to perform the minimally invasive surgery. The da Vinci® Surgical System results in shorter hospital stays, fewer complications, quicker recovery, less scarring and a faster return to work or activities.
Anatomy of the Prostate Gland
The prostate gland is about the size of a walnut and surrounds the neck of a man’s bladder and urethra—the tube that carries urine from the bladder.
Prostate Problems
There are many different kinds of prostate problems, and they are common in men age 50 and older.
Prostate Biopsy
If the results of your exam and tests lead your doctor to suspect prostate cancer, a core needle biopsy will be done. A thin needle is used to remove small samples of prostate tissue. These samples are checked for cancer.
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