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The study in question involved more than 300 men. Roughly half the patients underwent robot-assisted procedures while the other half underwent traditional radical prostatectomies.
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While robot-assisted laparoscopic prostatectomies have fast become the popular choice for treatment of prostate cancer, new research indicates there may be no discernable quality of life benefits. The study compared the outcomes of patients who underwent robot-assisted prostate removal with those who were treated using non-robotic techniques. The study in question involved more than 300 men. Roughly half the patients underwent robot-assisted procedures while the other half underwent traditional radical prostatectomies. Researchers found no significant differences between the two trial groups in regard to reported pain within a 12-week period following surgery. They also found no significant differences in rates for other common side effects, such as urinary complaints. The study is intended to span a two-year period with additional findings to be reported at a later date. As the present time, researchers say the initial findings indicate no discernable difference in outcomes between the two groups. That means patients are strongly advised to select a surgeon they trust rather
than a particular procedure. Both surgical procedures effectively address the need to treat some prostate cancers by completely removing a diseased gland. The American Cancer Society estimates more than 161,000 men across the country will be diagnosed with prostate cancer in the coming year. Prostate removal is recommended in some cases when there are concerns that cancer is high risk and likely to spread. Other treatment alternatives, such as radiotherapy and brachytherapy, may also be recommended. Prostate cancer is a condition that is estimated to impact about 1 in 7 men. Since all men are at risk for this disease as they get older, it is recommended that routine screening become a part of life in around the age of 50 or so. Risk factors, such as a family history, may prompt the need for screening to begin sooner. When prostate cancer is detected early, it is often highly treatable using a number of different procedures, including surgery and brachytherapy.