In the Philippines, prostate cancer lags slightly behind lung cancer as the leading cause of death by cancer among men. Prostate cancer seems to afflict males aged 50 and above who are usually averse to seeking medical help and only come forward when the disease progresses. Urologist Dr. Poh Beow Kiong, who specializes in prostate cancer, practising at Gleneagles Hospital and Mount Elizabeth Novena Hospital in Singapore, said that the success rates of prostate cancer treatments are higher when detected early. Dr. Poh was here recently to talk to business leaders about different urological diseases like prostate cancer. Dr. Poh noted that new treatments are now available that offer less post-operative complications and faster recovery than the traditional open surgeries. “Our biggest challenge (for those in cancer treatment) is to find out if a tumor is benign or cancerous without surgery,” said Dr. Poh. “Our understanding of prostate cancer has changed over the past decade.”
Dr. Poh explained the Da Vinci Robot assisted prostatectomy which is effective in completely removing the entire prostate with the prostate cancer cells while preserving continent and erectile functions. The robot is controlled remotely by a surgeon skilled in the use of this machine. It is done with the robotic arms holding on to the laparoscopic instruments. These instruments are inserted into the body via 5-6 keyhole-size ports (openings) ranging from 0.5 cm to 1.2 cm in diameter. The robotic arms allow for greater precision with its 360-degree range of movements and provides the surgeon with a 3D view of the operating field inside the patient’s body. The robotic prostatectomy reduces the patient’s hospital stay and let him return to his normal erectile and continent functions quickly.

Dr. Poh is one of the few urologists in Singapore trained in advanced minimally invasive surgery and Endorology. He helped refine the technique of laparoscopic retropubic radical prostatectomy and is one of the few urologists in Singapore trained to perform the technically challenging Holmium Laser Enucleation of Prostate (HoLEP).
The advantages of robotic prostate surgery over open surgery are as follows:

  • Less blood loss and reduced need for blood transfusion during surgery
  • Lower risk of wound infection
  • Shorter hospital stay (from 7-10 days to 3-4 days)
  • Fewer days with catheter
  • Faster return of erectile (sexual) function
  • Lower risk of permanent urinary incontinence

The use of these robotic surgical systems requires surgeons to undergo special training. Without adequate training, the risks might outweigh the benefits of robotic-assisted surgery. In treating each patient, Dr. Poh stressed that a holistic approach is crucial. The entire team including the nurses, the assistant surgeon and the anesthetist need to be well trained in the robotic approach as it is a completely different concept from open surgery.
For more information about the prostate cancer and other condition, visit https://www.gleneagles.com.sg/healthplus.
Health Plus is an online health and wellness resource developed by Gleneagles Hospital, Singapore.
To make an enquiry or appointment, contact our Central Patient Assistance Centre at: 24-Hr Helpline: +65 6735 5000; email: cpac@parkwaypantai.com; online appointment: http://www.gleneagles.com.sg.

RELATED ARTICLESMORE FROM AUTHOR