Hi
Having recently been diagnosed with intermediate grade prostate cancer, I’m to have a laparoscopic radical prostatectomy in January. Two close relatives have had a prostatectomy in the last two years, one had open surgery due to additional problems but the other had a robotic (da vinci) laparoscopic procedure & insists this is the option I should go for. Unfortunately, my hospital does not yet have the da vinci equipment, coming next year apparently! So far, I’ve had every confidence in my Consultant who’s been very professional, accommodating & honest & I’m slightly loath to upset things or possibly delay my procedure by asking to be transferred to a hospital/consultant that uses the robotic system. I’ve attempted to understand weather or not robotic surgery really does offer significant advantages over the manual procedure but a lot of the internet information I’ve read so far seems to be either directly or indirectly involved with the equipment manufacturer & may therefore be biased!
So to my quandary; should I stick with the manual laparoscopic procedure I’ve been offered or ask to be referred to hospital that uses the latest robotic procedure? Any guidance would be greatly appreciated.
