Robotic prostatectomy suitable for men over 70
A study published by Dr Moon [1] et al in the British Journal of Urology International has found that robotic prostatectomy can be offered to selected older men without an increased risk of urinary incontinence. Based on experience in open surgery it has traditionally it has been believed that men over 70 suffer higher risk of urinary complications after prostatectomy, and this has been a reason in the past to deny such men potentially curative surgery. This analysis of over 250 men undergoing robotic prostatectomy for prostate cancer found that at 12 months post-operatively, men over 70 had similar continence rates to their younger counterparts. The advantages of a minimally invasive (keyhole) procedure particularly apply to older men who may suffer additional health problems and particularly benefit from a more rapid recovery after robotic surgery
