David Albala, MD, is a leader in Duke’s rapidly growing robotic prostatectomy program.

Why should a patient be interested in learning about robotic surgery for prostate cancer?

First of all, there are a lot of choices for treating prostate cancer.

From surgery to remove the prostate to treatments that focus only on the cancerous part of the gland -- the Duke Prostate Center offers the full array of options, so we can meet each patient’s unique needs.

For many men, robotic surgery offers an excellent combination of benefits in terms of treating the cancer and maintaining quality of life.

What are some of those benefits?

Because robotic surgery is minimally invasive, the side effects can be much less significant. Although every man is different, robotic surgery can mean a shorter recovery time, less pain, and the quick return of potency and urinary control.

And patients are left with several tiny scars instead of one long one.

But is robotic surgery effective in treating the cancer?

Yes. As in open surgery, the primary purpose of robotic surgery is to cure the cancer by removing the prostate gland entirely.

Is robotic surgery widely available?

It is becoming more common, but it still available at only a handful of medical centers. Duke was an early adopter of robotic technology for prostate surgery, and the demand for it is growing rapidly.

As with any surgery, the experience of the surgeon is a key consideration. At Duke, we have one of the largest experiences in the country for robotic prostatectomy. I alone have performed close to a thousand of these procedures.

But doesn’t the robot do the work?

A robot is only as good as the surgeon controlling it. As in medicine in general, the best care requires both cutting-edge technology and a human touch.

Dr. Albala and his colleagues Philip Walther, MD, Tom Polascik, MD, and Cary Robertson, MD, lead Duke’s rapidly growing robotic prostatectomy program.