The Prostate Cancer Centre in Scotland is the only one of its kind, offering expert diagnosis and treatment for prostate cancer
Should you receive a cancer diagnosis, you will be provided with lots of easy-to-digest information about treatment options such as:
The hospital has a dedicated day chemotherapy unit where chemotherapy treatment is delivered by a team of educated and experienced specialist nurses who provide 24/7 support during therapy.
Ross Hall Hospital is also the only private hospital offering robotic surgery using the Da Vinci surgical system in Scotland. Our experienced, robotically trained consultant urological surgeons at the centre offer robotic treatments to patients across a range of specialisms.
Through a combination of key information and the co-ordination of dedicated treatment plans, your team of specialists will also act as the main liaison between other hospital departments including the pharmacy and radiology, supporting the timely delivery of results. The specialist nursing team form a cornerstone of the hospital cancer care team and can liaise with members of the inpatient and day nursing team should investigations or treatment be required.
The private prostate cancer centre team is comprised of a number of experienced specialists, with joint clinics being run with a consultant urologist and a consultant urological oncologist supported by a specialist urology nursing team.
At Ross Hall Hospital in Glasgow, we are the only private hospital in Scotland who provide robotic surgery to patients. Specifically, we use the Da Vinci surgical system to perform robotic prostatectomies. This is surgery to remove a prostate diseased with cancer.
How does the Da Vinci surgical system work?
The Da Vinci robot is made up of a number of mechanical arms which your surgeon controls through a linked console. Syncing the surgeon’s hand movements in real time, the robotic arms mimic the movements exactly. The benefit lies in the range of motion the robotic instruments have compared to the human hand and wrist – this enables smaller, even more precise movements to be made by your surgeon.
The Da Vinci robot enables minimally invasive surgery and removes the need for you to have open surgery. The robot uses a system made of tiny surgical instruments which are inserted through one to three very small incisions, as well as a camera that allows your surgeon to watch everything that is happening via an HD, 3D image.
What are the benefits of the Da Vinci surgical system?
The most important benefit that comes with using the Da Vinci robot is the ability it gives surgeons to use even smaller and more precise movements than they would be able to with their own hands. As a result, we are able to perform more minimally invasive surgery than we would otherwise be able to carry out without the robot. The increased dexterity and preciseness in the robot’s movements means greater precision during surgery, enhanced surgical accuracy, and overall improved surgical outcomes. This also allows for a faster recovery time and a swifter return to the comfort of your own home following surgery.
There are numerous benefits of minimally invasive surgery which are enhanced with the use of the Da Vinci robot, including:
Robotic prostatectomies using the Da Vinci robot
A robotic prostatectomy is a well-established surgical practice and has been shown to offer better overall outcomes in terms of urinary incontinence and erectile dysfunction compared to non-robotic surgical techniques.
The procedure is performed under general anaesthetic, meaning you will be asleep throughout the duration of the prostatectomy – this will usually take between two to three hours. Your surgeon will use the Da Vinci robot to make small incisions in your abdomen to gain access to your prostate. From here, they will insert a small camera as well as the specifically designed surgical tools required. Your surgeon will then remove your prostate gland and the surrounding tissue as well as the seminal vesicles, which are removed via one of the small incisions. More so, if required, your surgeon can remove the lymph nodes from around your prostate gland.
The Da Vinci robot allows your surgeon to be extremely precise in removing the prostate and vesicles, only targeting the diseased tissue and wherever possible avoiding the other delicate surrounding structures, including nerves, blood vessels and muscles. With this robotic approach, your surgeon is able to access an ultra-clear HD view of the inside of your abdomen. The magnified view alongside the minute surgical tools allows them to operate with more accuracy than ever before.
Who needs a robotic prostatectomy?
Having your prostate removed is just one amongst many treatments available for those with prostate cancer. A robotic prostatectomy is a treatment option for prostate cancer which is localised, which means it is confined to your prostate. Your surgeon will be able to discuss whether they recommend you undergo this treatment or not. You may be recommended a robotic prostatectomy if:
Consultants
Professor Imran Ahmad, Mr Jaimin Bhatt, and Mr Lorenzo Dutto are the consultant urological surgeons who offer robotic prostatectomies using the Da Vinci robot at Ross Hall Hospital.
The rest of our consultants are also able to refer patients on to either Professor Ahmad, Mr Bhatt, or Mr Dutto to carry out the procedure if required. Our consultant urological surgeons work closely with our oncology department to formulate an appropriate, tailored treatment plan for patients, ensuring continuity and an established line of communication between the teams throughout your treatment.
Recovering from your robotic prostatectomy using the Da Vinci robot
Your recovery time with a robotic prostatectomy is usually quicker than traditional surgery. However, this is still a form of major surgery, so we recommend taking the appropriate amount of time to rest and heal at home after.
It is recommended you avoid strenuous activity and heavy lifting for at least a month after your procedure. More so, you should expect to take around a month off work, but this will depend on your profession and working conditions.
If you want to know more about robotic-assisted surgery, book your appointment online today or call a member of our team directly on 0808 231 1478.
