BUFFALO, NY – The Minimally Invasive Surgical Center at Roswell Park Cancer Institute (RPCI) has treated its 100^th patient with a radical prostatectomy using the da Vinci® Surgical Robotic System. RPCI is the first facility in the Buffalo-Niagara region to offer robotic surgery to prostate cancer patients. The sophisticated tool incorporates the latest advances in robotics and computer technology.       

 “Robot-assisted surgery is a less invasive option for many prostate cancer patients,” said James Mohler, MD, Chair of the Department of Urologic Oncology, RPCI. “Following robotic-assisted prostatectomy, patients are usually able to go home the day after surgery. Patients generally experience less post-operative pain and discomfort and have a faster recovery of urinary control. Many men are able to return to work as soon as two weeks following surgery.”

By integrating computer technology and the surgeons’ skill, the robotic system enables surgeons to see vital anatomical structures more clearly and perform surgical procedures more precisely. The technology extends the surgeon’s capabilities by providing a three-dimensional view of the operating field, and improves access to the surgical site through small ports that eliminate the need for large incisions. The system also gives surgeons the ability to rotate instruments 360 degrees that allows complex maneuvers like tying knots.

“Roswell Park is averaging five robotic prostatectomy cases each week and we look forward to expanding the use of the robotic surgical system for the treatment of other types of cancer,” continued Khurshid Guru, MD, Department of Urologic Oncology and leader of the robotic program at RPCI. Dr. Guru comes to RPCI from Henry Ford Health System, Detroit, MI, where robotic prostatectomy began.

Roswell Park Cancer Institute, founded in 1898, is the nation’s first cancer research, treatment and education center and is the only National Cancer Institute-designated comprehensive cancer center in Upstate New York. RPCI is a member of the prestigious National Comprehensive Cancer Network, an alliance of the nation’s leading cancer centers. For more information, visit RPCI’s website at www.roswellpark.org, call 1-877-ASK-RPCI or e-mail askrpci@roswellpark.org.