Robotic vs. Open Prostate Surgery: Which is Better?

When it comes to treating prostate cancer, men often are given the choice between surgery performed by a robot or traditional open surgery performed by a surgeon. In this video, Dr. Geo Espinosa, ND, LAc, IFMCP, CNS, clinical assistant professor of integrative and functional urology at New York University and author of Thrive—Don’t Survive: Dr. Geo’s Guide to Living Your Best Life Before & After Prostate Cancer, explains the risks and benefits of each procedure. Robotic prostate surgery often results in less blood loss and less time spent in the hospital, but it is 20% to 30% more expensive. The risk for side effects (primarily erectile dysfunction and incontinence) is about the same for the two methods. Ultimately, Dr. Geo suggests that the surgeon’s experience with the procedure is the single most important factor leading to optimal results. For the best care, Dr. Geo recommends a surgeon with experience in both robotic and open surgery. If you are having this procedure performed at a teaching hospital, ask who will actually be performing the surgery.

For more valuable information from Dr. Geo, check out his newest book Bottom Line’s 1,000 Cures for 200 Ailments: Integrative Medicine for the Most Common Illnesses