Da Vinci Robot and Prostate Cancer: The Importance of the Surgeon
When a man is diagnosed with prostate cancer, it is common to start searching for information about the different treatment options available. During this process, many patients hear about robotic surgery using the Da Vinci robot and often ask:
“If I have robotic surgery, will the results be better?”
Robotic surgery has represented a major advance in the treatment of prostate cancer. It allows for minimally invasive surgery, greater precision, and faster recovery. However, there is one essential aspect that is often misunderstood:
The robot does not operate on its own.
The Da Vinci system is a highly sophisticated tool entirely controlled by the surgeon. In a delicate procedure such as radical prostatectomy, the experience of the surgical team remains one of the most important factors for achieving good outcomes.
At Arzoz Urology, we collaborate with Dr. Lucas Regis, a specialist with extensive experience in robotic urological surgery and minimally invasive radical prostatectomy.
What is the Da Vinci robot?
The Da Vinci robot is an advanced surgical system that allows complex procedures to be performed through small incisions.
During surgery:
- the surgeon controls the robotic arms from a console
- the vision is magnified in 3D
- movements are extremely precise
- natural hand tremor is minimized
This precision is especially important in prostate surgery because the prostate is surrounded by delicate structures responsible for:
- urinary continence
- erectile function
- sphincter control
What is a robotic radical prostatectomy?
Radical prostatectomy is the surgical removal of the entire prostate gland to treat localized prostate cancer.
Today, many of these procedures are performed robotically because robotic surgery offers:
- less surgical trauma
- reduced bleeding
- less postoperative pain
- faster recovery
- excellent anatomical precision
The goal is not only to remove the cancer but also to preserve the patient’s quality of life as much as possible.
The most important factor is not only the robot
Many patients automatically associate “robot” with “better surgery.” However, reality is more complex.
The robot:
- does not make decisions
- does not interpret imaging
- does not identify the tumor by itself
- does not automatically preserve nerves
Everything depends on the experience and judgment of the surgeon performing the procedure.
In prostate surgery, experience is essential to:
- achieve optimal cancer control
- minimize urinary incontinence
- preserve erectile function whenever possible
- adapt the technique to each patient
- manage complex intraoperative situations
The difference between a good surgery and an excellent one is often not the machine itself, but the expertise and experience of the surgeon controlling it.
Urinary continence and erectile function: the main concerns
One of the biggest fears after diagnosis is:
- “Will I have urinary leakage?”
- “Will I lose erectile function?”
These concerns are completely understandable.
Functional recovery depends on many factors:
- age
- previous health status
- tumor aggressiveness
- prostate anatomy
- and above all, surgical technique
Robotic surgery allows extremely precise work in delicate anatomical areas, but it is the surgeon who decides:
- how far to dissect
- which structures to preserve
- how to adapt the surgery to each specific case
This is why choosing an experienced robotic prostate surgery team is so important.
Dr. Lucas Regis’ experience in robotic surgery
At Arzoz Urology, we work together with Dr. Lucas Regis, a specialist with extensive experience in robotic urologic surgery and minimally invasive radical prostatectomy.
His expertise in advanced prostate surgery allows us to offer:
- individualized patient assessment
- precise and nerve-sparing surgery whenever possible
- treatments tailored to each clinical situation
- an approach focused both on cancer control and quality of life
In robotic surgery, technology matters. But even more important is the experience gained from performing hundreds of procedures and the ability to adapt surgery to each individual patient.
Does every patient need surgery?
Not always.
Every prostate cancer case is different. Depending on:
- age
- PSA level
- MRI findings
- biopsy results
- tumor aggressiveness
the best option may be:
- active surveillance
- robotic surgery
- radiation therapy
- or focal therapies
This is why an expert and personalized urological evaluation is essential.
What is recovery like after robotic prostate surgery?
Recovery is usually faster than with traditional open surgery.
In many cases:
- hospital stay is short
- postoperative pain is moderate
- patients can walk shortly after surgery
After the procedure, a urinary catheter is temporarily required for a few days.
Recovery of continence and sexual function is more gradual and varies from patient to patient.
Robotic prostate surgery with the Da Vinci robot in Girona
Robotic surgery represents a major advance in prostate cancer treatment, but technology alone does not guarantee outcomes.
The experience of the surgical team, technical precision, and individualized patient assessment remain essential factors.
At Arzoz Urology, we collaborate with Dr. Lucas Regis to offer advanced robotic prostate surgery focused not only on cancer control but also on preserving the patient’s quality of life.
Following a prostate cancer diagnosis, a specialized evaluation can help determine the most appropriate treatment option for each individual case.
