Urologic Cancers & Adrenal Diseases
A cancer diagnosis can be frightening, but there is good news for cancer patients. Advances in technology help today's surgeons target cancerous tissue with greater accuracy and in less invasive ways than ever before.
Robotic surgery provides a high-resolution, three-dimensional view for the surgeon, making it easier to distinguish between cancerous tissue and healthy tissue. The robot's arms allow the surgeon to move with precision control through incisions a fraction of the size of those used during traditional surgery.
Our SLUCare urologists use robotic surgery to treat a variety of conditions, including prostate cancer, kidney cancer, bladder cancer, and adrenal diseases. Robotic surgery offers many benefits over traditional or laparoscopic surgery, including:
- Reduced blood loss
- Less pain
- Shorter hospital stay
- Faster recovery
- Minimal scarring
Kidney Cancer
Treatment for kidney cancer typically involves surgery, as this disease does not respond well to other forms of cancer treatment. Robotic surgery offers advantages for patients for all the reasons listed above. Plus, when appropriate, robotic surgery may permit removal of just the diseased portion of the kidney, rather than complete kidney removal. Our team offers treatment for varying degrees of kidney cancer.
Prostate Cancer
Prostate cancer is the most common cancer in American men. If the cancer is confined to the prostate at diagnosis, treatment options include radiation, high-intensity ultrasound, cryotherapy (freezing the cancer cells), or surgery to remove the prostate (prostatectomy). Robotic surgery may help to preserve sexual function and urinary control better than other surgical methods.
Bladder Cancer
Bladder cancer is most common in men and women over age 50. The diagnosis is typically confirmed by a cystoscopy. If the tumor is not deep, it may be treated with a transurethral section of the bladder — a same-day procedure in which cancer cells are removed through the urethra. If the tumor is through the bladder wall, removal of the bladder (cystectomy) may be required. Cystectomy performed with robotic surgery reduces pain and scarring, speeds recovery and minimizes the need for a blood transfusion.
SLUCare Urologic Cancer Locations
SSM Health Saint Louis University Hospital - West Pavilion
3655 Vista Ave.
St. Louis, MO 63110