da Vinci Surgery
 

Sexual Function

The prostate is surrounded by delicate nerves that support erectile function. Most patients are candidates for what is known as a nerve-sparing prostatectomy. During the procedure, the surgeon removes the cancerous prostate while taking extra steps to save these critical nerves.

Graph: Sexual Function at 1 Year with da Vinci Surgery compared to Open Surgery

Results from recent studies, including patient questionnaires, show that men who have da Vinci® Surgery and who are sexually potent prior to surgery experience a faster recovery of erectile function as compared to men who have open surgery.1,2 Erectile function means a man’s erection is sufficient/acceptable for intercourse. Talk to your surgeon about what you can expect in terms of recovering erectile function. Also, ask about a rehabilitation program that may include exercises and drug therapy.

Radiation and Sexual Function

Radiation can cause long-term damage to the important nerves and structures involved in erectile function. Studies show many patients who have brachytherapy or external beam radiation treatment develop erectile dysfunction - as many as 50%.3 Many radiation patients are also placed on hormone therapy, which can have an immediate negative effect on erectile function.2

  1. Ficarra V, Novara G, Fracalanza S, D'Elia C, Secco S, Iafrate M, Cavalleri S, Artibani W. A prospective, non-randomized trial comparing robot-assisted laparoscopic and retropubic radical prostatectomy in one European institution. BJU Int. 2009 Aug;104(4):534-9. Epub 2009 Mar 5.
  2. Rocco B, Matei DV, Melegari S, Ospina JC, Mazzoleni F, Errico G, Mastropasqua M, Santoro L, Detti S, de Cobelli O. Robotic vs open prostatectomy in a laparoscopically naive centre: a matched-pair analysis. BJU Int. 2009 Oct;104(7):991-5. Epub 2009 May 5.
  3. Merrick G. Erectile function after prostate brachytherapy. Int J Radiat Oncol Biol Phys. 2005 Jun; 62(2): 437-47

While clinical studies support the effectiveness of the da Vinci Surgical System when used in minimally invasive surgery, individual results may vary. There are no guarantees of outcome. All surgeries involve the risk of major complications. Before you decide on surgery, discuss treatment options with your doctor. Understanding the risks of each treatment can help you make the best decision for your individual situation. Surgery with the da Vinci Surgical System may not be appropriate for every individual; it may not be applicable to your condition. Always ask your doctor about all treatment options, as well as their risks and benefits. Only your doctor can determine whether da Vinci Surgery is appropriate for your situation. The clinical information and opinions, including any inaccuracies expressed in this material by patients or doctor about da Vinci Surgery are not necessarily those of Intuitive Surgical, Inc. and should not be considered as substitute for medical advice provided by your doctor. All people depicted unless otherwise noted are models.  © 2012 Intuitive Surgical. All rights reserved. Intuitive, Intuitive Surgical, da Vinci, da Vinci S, da Vinci Si, Single-Site,  InSite, TilePro and EndoWrist are trademarks or registered trademarks of Intuitive Surgical. All other product names are trademarks or registered trademarks of their respective holders.

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da Vinci Prostatectomy