Comparing CyberKnife & Surgery
A radical prostatectomy is a surgical procedure to remove cancer that has not spread beyond the prostate. CyberKnife may provide patients a non-surgical alternative to a radical prostatectomy.
Type of Procedure
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No incision - delivers radiation like brachytherapy from outside the body to treat cancer inside the body
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Surgery (may not be appropriate for patients of advanced age or those with multiple medical conditions); may be traditional surgery or less invasive surgery using da Vinci Surgical System
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Treatment Settings
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Hospitaly Stay
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Anethesia
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Outpatient treatment - no hospital stay
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No anesthesia
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Hospital stay
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General anesthesia
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Accuracy/Damage to Surrounding Tissue
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Sub-millimeter accuracy that protects surrounding structures and tissues
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Removes the entire prostate while trying to spare muscles and nerves that control urination and sexual function
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Recovery/Side Effects
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No recovery time; patient quickly resumes normal activities
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Pain associated with surgery; post-operative recovery time; erectile dysfunction; radiation therapy may be required after surgery
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Outcomes
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Research at the Swedish Radiosurgery Center and elsewhere are showing excellent PSA responses and low rates of recurrence. Longer follow-up is needed to confirm these findings.
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High cure/survival rates in favorable-risk patients
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Radical Prostatectomy
A radical prostatectomy is a surgical treatment for cancer that has not spread beyond the prostate. The patient may be under general or spinal anesthesia. The surgeon removes the prostate and possibly the lymph nodes while trying to spare the nerves that would affect erectile functions. Because the surgeon must cut the urethra, which runs through the center of the prostate gland, and reattach it after removing the prostate, the patient will have a catheter for several days. The patient typically will remain in the hospital for 2-4 days, and will have a recovery time of about 12 weeks.
A radical prostatectomy often cures prostate cancer. After the procedure, a few men (less that 3%) are incontinent of urine, while about 50% lose erectile function.