Outpatient Prostatectomy Procedure Allows Prostate Cancer Patients To Recover At Home
A good night's sleep in your own bed may actually contribute to faster recovery and fewer complications following an innovative outpatient robotic prostatectomy procedure performed by Dr. Jason Joseph with Urology of Virginia and offered at Sentara CarePlex Hospital. Robotic prostatectomy is a minimally invasive surgery in which physicians use da Vinci surgical robotic technology to remove the prostate gland through small incisions in order to treat prostate cancer. Typically, robotic surgical technology allows surgeons to perform procedures requiring smaller incisions and with improved visualization and dexterity, which results in faster healing and recovery.
Benefits of outpatient prostatectomy
Dr. Joseph, who trained at the at the Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Minnesota, is a firm believer in allowing patients to recover at home when a hospital stay is not needed. Studies show that walking and moving around as early as possible after surgery helps reduce the risk of blood clots in the legs, and may also reduce the risk of post-operative pneumonia.
In addition to reduced complications, patient satisfaction is extremely high with the outpatient option. "Most patients prefer to go home and be with their families after surgery to recover," explains Dr. Joseph. "Additionally, we know that sleep is critical to recovery, and patients sleep better at home. Since introducing the outpatient prostatectomy pathway, when we speak with patients after surgery, we are finding that in almost all cases, men who recover at home tend to be a bit further along the recovery curve, which is extremely encouraging."
Lloyd Boxley, a patient of Dr. Joseph's, reflected on his experience. "My experience was great! The idea of being able to go home helped my mental recovery after the surgery. With help from family, I was able to manage the procedures given to us for home care. I recommend that procedure for those needing it, and Dr. Joseph is good at assessing whether you will be able to handle it."
Who is a good candidate for outpatient prostatectomy?
Prostate cancer patients who want to consider the outpatient option for robotic prostatectomy should talk with their physician to see if they are a good candidate. Dr. Joseph ensures that patients have a good support system at home during recovery. Additionally, he and a skilled team of perioperative nurses work closely with patients and families to ensure patients are well-prepared for the outpatient recovery pathway.
Innovation from diagnosis to treatment
In addition to the innovative outpatient prostatectomy procedure, Sentara CarePlex Hospital is also the first location in the region to offer transperineal prostate biopsies for diagnosing prostate cancer. The biopsies, performed by Dr. Joseph, improve diagnostic accuracy and essentially eliminate the risk of life-threatening bloodstream infection (sepsis), making it even safer for patients.
By staying ahead of the latest treatment best practices and technology innovations, as well as enhancing the portfolio of supportive services available, Sentara is helping to improve the cancer patient journey.