Prostate cancer is the second most common type of cancer in men in Singapore. According to Singapore National Cancer Registry Annual Report 2015-2019, prostate cancer accounts for 15.4% of cancer cases in men. With prostate cancer, there are different treatments that patients may receive like radiation therapy, surgery, hormone therapy, etc. However, in this article we will discuss specifically about robotic prostatectomy for prostate cancer treatment in Singapore.
Robotic Prostatectomy For Prostate Cancer Treatment – What Is It?
The treatment for higher grade cancers non-metastasised prostate cancer, the standard treatments are either radiotherapy or surgery. Surgical treatment involves the removal of the prostate and the surrounding tissues. One of the best surgical options in Singapore today is Robotic Prostatectomy for prostate cancer treatment.
With Robotic Prostatectomy, surgeons use the da Vinci ® Robotic Surgical System to remove the prostate. It is less traumatic and minimally 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. Open surgery for prostate cancer treatment on the other hand would result in incisions that run from the belly button to the pubic bone.
Robotic Prostatectomy For Prostate Cancer Treatment May Help Reduce Chances of Erectile Dysfunction And Urinary Incontinence Side Effects
Erectile dysfunction and urinary incontinence are two of the possible main long-term side effects from prostate surgery.
Nerve-Sparing Robotic Prostatectomy
Patients who do not have extensive prostate cancer may be suitable for Nerve-Sparing Robotic Prostatectomy. With the visualisation and precision capabilities of the da vinci ® robot, the nerves that control erections (lying next to the prostate) can be spared during the prostate surgery. This procedure, a majority of patients may be able to retain the ability to achieve erections after surgery.
Retzius-Sparing Robotic Prostatectomy
The Retzius is a space between the pubic bone, the bladder and the prostate. Ligaments and other structures that are crucial for maintaining continence is found in this area. Normally in Robotic Prostatectomy, these ligaments and structures are severed so that the surgeon can gain access to remove the prostate.
Retzius-Sparing Robotic Prostatectomy is a specialised technic that modifies conventional Robotic Prostatectomy. Using this technique, the prostate is approached from another direction through an incision between the bladder and colon. This spares the ligaments and structures in the Retzius. Retzius-Sparing Robotic Prostatectomy helps patients regain urinary continence after surgery faster.
Other Benefits of Robotic Prostatectomy for Prostate Cancer Surgical Treatment
Compare to traditional open surgery, there is no doubt that Robotic Prostatectomy brings more benefits to the patient.
- Less blood loss
- Less pain
- Quicker recovery period
- Fewer chances of obtaining an infection
- Smaller incision hence, less scaring
Risks And Side Effects Of Robotic Prostatectomy
Like all surgery, there are some risks and side effects from Robotic Prostatectomy. These are some risks that you might want to be aware of.
- Bleeding
- Infection
- Organ damage
- Blood clot
Side effects of Robotic Prostatectomy as mentioned earlier in this article, includes:
Urinary incontinence : Urinary incontinence can arise after Robotic Prostatectomy, just like after open surgery. Nevertheless, this adverse effect commonly gets better with time.
Erectile dysfunction : The recovery of erectile function after prostatectomy is determined based on the patient’s age, the level of preoperative sexual function, and if the nerves were spared during surgery.
How Much Might Robotic Prostatectomy Cost?
MOH’s benchmark fees (accessed 3 Oct 22) indicates a median cost of $ 8,205 (Class C ward) for a subsidised patient for prostate removal surgery. For private hospitals, the benchmark median cost goes up to $54,435. Based on our research, robotic surgery may cost about $5,000-$8,000 more than for conventional open surgery in public hospitals. The cost difference in private healthcare will depend on the surgeon engaged for the operation.
Oncologists and Urologists in Singapore For Prostate Cancer Treatment
If you are looking for oncologists or urologists in Singapore for prostate cancer treatment, below is a list that you can consider:
Doctor | Clinic | Specialities |
SMG Urology Centre with Beng Surgery | Dr Beng specializes in Urology and his area of interest are the treatment of urinary stones, male impotence, aging and hormone deficiency, female urinary tract infections & incontinence problems, prostate and male urinary tract and cancers of the genital urinary tracts. | |
S H Ho Urology and Laparoscopy Centre | Dr Ho Siew Hong provides clinical services in areas such as Cancerous (malignant) diseases of the urinary tract, Non-cancerous (benign) diseases of the urinary tract, Cancer of the prostate, kidney and bladder, Urinary leakage/incontinence, Benign prostatic hyperplasia and Kidney stones. | |
Lewis Liew Urology | Dr. Liew is a urologist who specializes Prostate cancer, Kidney cancer, Bladder cancer, Robotic & laparoscopic surgery, Kidney stone surgery, Kidney transplant, Hernia surgery. | |
Andrology, Urology & Continence Centre | Dr Peter Lim Huat Chye provides clinical expertise such as Andrology, Erectile Dysfunction, Urinary incontinence/leakage in males, Urinary incontinence/leakage in females, Prostate Cancer & Diseases and Urological Cancers such as kidney & bladder cancers. | |
Ace Urology Clinic | Dr Ong specialises in the creening and treatment of haematuria, abnormal PSA, prostate, kidney, bladder and testicular cancers, male circumcision, etc. | |
Advanced Urology Associates | Dr Gerald Tan’s clinical expertise include Robotic and minimally invasive surgery, Prostate cancer, Kidney cancer, Bladder cancer, Testicular cancer, Kidney and urinary stones. | |
Advanced Urology Associates | Dr James Tan’s clinical interest include Prostate cancer, Kidney cancer, Bladder cancer, Robotic & laparoscopic surgery, Kidney stone surgery, Kidney transplant, Hernia surgery. | |
Tan Urology | Dr Tan provides services related to Uro-oncology (Kidney cancer, bladder cancer, prostate cancer, testicular cancers and penile cancer). | |
Colin Teo Urology | Dr. Teo specialises in the diagnosis and treatment of urinary stone diseases and urological cancers, shockwave treatments, endoscopic laser equipment, robotic surgery, etc. | |
Parkway Cancer Centre | Dr Wong’s areas of expertise and interest are in prostate, kidney, bladder, upper gastrointestinal and lung cancers. |
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This article is informative only and is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment, and should never be relied upon for specific medical advice.
