Our Summary

This study looked at the effectiveness and cost of using robotic surgery to treat prostate cancer, in comparison to more traditional methods of surgery. Prostate cancer is the second most common cancer in Canadian men, and one of the treatment options is radical prostatectomy - removing the prostate gland and surrounding tissues. Recently, surgeons have started using robots to assist with this.

The researchers compared the outcomes of robot-assisted surgery with open and laparoscopic (keyhole) surgery. They found that while the robot-assisted surgery led to less blood loss and shorter hospital stays, there was no significant difference in the health outcomes for patients. In terms of cost, the robot-assisted surgery was more expensive, with a small increase in the quality of life for patients.

However, the study also suggested that if future research showed that robot-assisted surgery led to better long-term health outcomes, the cost-effectiveness ratio would improve. The study also estimated that the annual cost to the healthcare budget would be between $0.8 million and $3.4 million over the next five years if the use of robot-assisted surgery were to increase.

In short, while there are some benefits to robot-assisted surgery, there is currently no high-quality evidence that it leads to better health outcomes for patients with prostate cancer. It is also more expensive than traditional methods of surgery.

FAQs

  1. What are the benefits of using robot-assisted surgery for prostate cancer treatment as compared to traditional methods?
  2. Is there a significant difference in health outcomes for patients who undergo robot-assisted surgery versus traditional surgery for prostate cancer?
  3. How does the cost of robot-assisted surgery compare to traditional methods of prostate cancer surgery?

Doctor’s Tip

Therefore, it is important for patients to discuss all their options with their doctor and weigh the potential benefits and risks before making a decision about undergoing a prostatectomy. It is also important to consider the long-term implications and costs associated with robot-assisted surgery. Ultimately, the decision should be based on individual factors and preferences, in consultation with a healthcare provider.

Suitable For

Patients who are typically recommended for prostatectomy include those with localized prostate cancer that has not spread beyond the prostate gland, and those who are in good overall health and able to undergo surgery. Patients with aggressive or advanced prostate cancer may not be suitable candidates for prostatectomy. Ultimately, the decision to undergo prostatectomy should be made in consultation with a healthcare provider, taking into consideration the individual patient’s overall health and preferences.

Timeline

Timeline of a patient’s experience before and after prostatectomy:

Before surgery:

  • Patient undergoes various tests and consultations to determine the best treatment plan for their prostate cancer
  • Patient may undergo imaging tests such as MRI or CT scans to determine the extent of the cancer
  • Patient may undergo a biopsy to confirm the diagnosis
  • Patient discusses the risks and benefits of surgery with their healthcare team
  • Patient may undergo preoperative preparation such as bowel prep or medication adjustments
  • Patient may have a preoperative appointment with their surgeon to go over the procedure and recovery process

After surgery:

  • Patient is monitored in the recovery room immediately after surgery
  • Patient may stay in the hospital for a few days to recover
  • Patient may experience pain, swelling, and discomfort post-surgery
  • Patient may have a catheter in place to help drain urine from the bladder
  • Patient may need to follow a specific diet and activity plan during recovery
  • Patient may need to attend follow-up appointments with their healthcare team to monitor their recovery and address any complications
  • Patient may need to undergo physical therapy to regain strength and function in the pelvic area
  • Patient may need to undergo additional treatments such as radiation therapy or hormone therapy depending on the stage and aggressiveness of their cancer

Overall, the patient’s experience before and after prostatectomy involves a thorough evaluation, preparation, surgery, recovery, and ongoing monitoring to ensure the best possible outcome for their prostate cancer treatment.

What to Ask Your Doctor

Some questions a patient should ask their doctor about prostatectomy include:

  1. What are the different surgical options for treating prostate cancer, including robot-assisted surgery, open surgery, and laparoscopic surgery?
  2. What are the potential risks and benefits of each type of surgery?
  3. How experienced is the surgical team in performing robot-assisted surgery for prostate cancer?
  4. What is the success rate of robot-assisted surgery compared to traditional methods of surgery in terms of cancer control and long-term outcomes?
  5. What is the expected recovery time and potential side effects of robot-assisted surgery?
  6. How does the cost of robot-assisted surgery compare to other types of surgery, and will it be covered by insurance?
  7. Are there any specific criteria or factors that make a patient a better candidate for robot-assisted surgery versus other types of surgery?
  8. What follow-up care and monitoring will be needed after robot-assisted surgery?
  9. Are there any ongoing clinical trials or research studies investigating the effectiveness of robot-assisted surgery for prostate cancer?
  10. Can the doctor provide any recommendations or resources for further information or support regarding prostate cancer treatment options?

Reference

Authors: Health Quality Ontario. Journal: Ont Health Technol Assess Ser. 2017 Jul 7;17(11):1-172. eCollection 2017. PMID: 28744334