How robotic surgery helps prostate cancer treatment

Dr Chin Chong, is a senior consultant urologist of 31 years experience whose  subspecialty is in Oncology and Urinary Incontinence.

As one of the key opinion leaders in bladder dysfunction and urinary cancers, his surgical expertise includes minimally-invasive continence surgery, laparoscopic and robotic surgery for kidney, bladder and prostate cancer.

His practice is current and evidenced-based and his pride is his consistently low surgical complication rate.

Prostate Cancer is the second most common type of cancer in maies all over the world. There are different treatments for patients with prostate cancer like radiation therapy, hormone therapy and most modern form of technology is is robotic surgery.

Dr. Chin Chon Min, consultant Urologist in Oncology, incontinence and Robotic surgery of the Mount Elizabeth hospital Singapore. He is also the adjunct Associate professor of at the National University of Singapore, shared his expertise with our local doctors, when he was in Sri Lanka to address the Annual Scientific Sessions held in Collaboration with the Sri Lankan College of Oncology and the Sri Lanka Association of Urological surgeons.

He explained the outstanding benefits of robotic surgery as a safe, consistent and a cutting edge technological advancement. He said the use of this treatment is less traumatic and minimal invasive. The robotic system has capabilities that help the surgeon to visualise the operation better and improve his dexterity and precision when compared with open surgery. It enables the prostate removal operation to be minimally invasive, where incisions are only around 1cm in length. Technology enables us to do the prostate cancer surgery better with less complications,with less bleeding and better results.

Dr. Chin Chong A Senior Consultatnt, Urogolist and Specialist in cancer. Incontinence and Robotic Surgery.

The pain during surgery with robotic surgery will last two days but the pain after an open surgery will last more than two weeks said Dr Chin.and would required additional treatment such as therapy radiation. Dr. Chin explains that the magnified 3 dimensional vision available in robotic surgery is a unique innovation that allows the surgeon to ensure precision when removing the cancerous growth. This clear cut vision is vital in the removal of the prostate cancer since the prostate lies deep in the pelvis, in normal surgery there is a possibility of portions of cancer growth being left behind. With robotic surgery there is less pain,less blood loss,less tensionand less damage to sorrounding structures and fewer complications.

What is prostate cancer, what are some of the causes?

Prostate cancer is a type of cancer that forms in tissues of the prostate (a gland in the male reproductive systems found below the bladder). Some of the causes can be attributed to high fat diets, like beef and high intake of animal and saturated fats.

The age group of men above 65 are often subjected to prostate cancer. It even can cause death if not detected early.

What are some of the symptoms?

Difficulty in passing urine, slow urinary stream, frequent urination, blood in the semen, pain and limb weakness. Nine percent of prostate cancer is genetic. Though individuals maintain a healthy lifestyle, most men in thier 50s and 60s are sure to develop prostate cancer. In Sri Lanka, this cancer is the fifth most common cancer among men. Prostate cancer is rare males who are younger than 40, but the chances are high after the age 50.

Dr. Chin’s explained that robotic surgery has revolutionised the prostate cancer treatment, offering unmatched precision and significantly reduced recovery times. He emphasised the benefits over traditional methods, including precision and reduced recovery time.

Dr. Chin reiterates that robotic surgery is growing globally with more and more doctors and surgeons, acquiring the skills needed to perform this surgery. Although robotic surgery is costly to invest in, the outcomes are positive said Dr Chin. He stressed that however robotic surgery needs adequate training and should be supported by an efficient team in order to achieve a successful outcome. Speaking about the number of cancer patients on the rise all over the world, he attributed the causes due to ageing and negative lifestyle changes.

Sri Lanka is no different, the best way to ensure prevention to ensure that cancers are detected and treated early. Unfortunately, most urological cancers do not respond well with chemotherapy and radio therapy, resulting in the need for surgery. The only solution Dr recommends is Robotic Surgery which is growing in popularity globally. Robotic surgery is expensive but Dr. Chin stressed the outcomes are positive and quicker. Dr. Chin was full of admiration for the Sri Lankan medical system and medical team for their efficiency, commitment and capability.