Robotic Prostatectomy and Prostate Health

It’s a simple fact of life that the prostate wasn’t designed to age well. Most men will develop benign enlargement once they’re past 40, with at least 1 in 4 men developing problems requiring treatment into older age.

More worryingly, prostate cancer is now the commonest cancer diagnosed in the UK, and one of the most common causes of cancer related death. Around 50,000 men are diagnosed with prostate cancer per year, and sadly around 12,000 men die per annum.

Due to increasing public awareness of the condition, fuelled by high profile cases and publicity campaigns, diagnoses are increasing. Not all men need treatment, and indeed a large number will never come to harm without intervention

With an easy and effective screening blood test having been in use for over 30 years, the PSA test, there has been a slow fall in prostate cancer mortality. However, there is much more to do, and further advances in MRI scans and biopsy techniques now mean we can be much more accurate in determining who needs to be fully assessed or treated, and who can be reassured.

Consultant Urological Surgeon, Mr Edward Streeter

When it comes to treatment of prostate problems, these vary depending on whether there is significant cancer or just benign enlargement. Mr Edward Streeter is a senior Consultant Urological Surgeon who has worked in East Kent since 2008 and specialises in prostate issues.

He was instrumental in introducing the Da Vinci Robotic Surgical System to Kent and Canterbury Hospital in 2011 and has since introduced both Urolift and Rezum steam therapy there.

More recently, Edward has explored the use of focal therapy in the Trust, where if appropriate, it is possible to treat just part of the prostate instead of the whole gland. He has involved the Urology department in the National PART study of focal versus whole prostate treatments, which is aiming to determine the role of these new treatments in the range of available options.

Mr Streeter was trained in Cambridge and Oxford, and has an extensive experience of cancer surgery, having conducted well over 1600 major cases in his Consultant career.

The Da Vinci Robotic System

The Da Vinci Robotic System allows surgery to be conducted with just small telescopic incisions, meaning less pain, a shorter stay in hospital (typically just over 24 hours for a prostate removal), and better results compared to other surgical techniques.

The surgeon controls the robot through a 3D vision console. High magnification and tiny instruments mean more accuracy and a faster recovery compared to open surgery. Robotic surgery is one of several options available for the treatment of prostate cancer, and Edward can give an individualised appraisal of all of these to help tailor your treatment as required.

As a specialist in prostate disorders, both benign and cancer, he will be very happy to discuss in detail any concerns you have.

Spencer Private Hospitals is proudly part of your local NHS trust, so your private care also supports public healthcare.

Book with confidence and visit our website today www.spencerprivatehospitals.com or call our dedicated team on 01227 235743.