Why Choose dVP at the Urology Center of Florida?

Excellence in Urologic Healthcare 

The Urology Center of Florida has a long and proud history of excellence in the practice of genitourinary medicine. Founded by D. Russell Locke, M.D., the Urology Center has delivered world-class urologic care for more than 17 years, and has been consistently recognized as one of the top urologic programs in the nation. Since 1988, we have dedicated ourselves to the early detection, diagnosis, and treatment of prostate cancer. The fight against prostate cancer has changed dramatically in recent years with technology playing an increasingly important role. 

With the introduction of the da Vinci^® Surgical System (Intuitive Surgical, Mountain View, CA) surgeons at the Urology Center of Florida are now able to transfer their open surgical skills to a laparoscopic environment using a robotic interface. This novel surgical approach, referred to as robotic prostatectomy or da Vinci^® prostatectomy (dVP), represents a minimally invasive surgical technique that provides a safe and alternative way to remove the prostate gland in patients diagnosed with prostate cancer.

Over the past three years, we have performed hundreds of robotic prostatectomies at our institution using the da Vinci^® Surgical System. This cumulative experience shows that the dVP is as effective as open radical prostatectomy in treating prostate cancer. The dVP is generally associated with less post-operative pain, fewer complications, shorter hospital stays, faster recovery, earlier return of urinary control and improved sexual function.

Results-Oriented Approach

The primary goals of the dVP, in the order of importance, are complete cancer excision, preservation of urinary control, and preservation of sexual function. The technical challenges inherent in achieving these goals are best met with a comprehensive understanding of pelvic anatomy and precise surgical technique. Through the extensive use of operative video taping and analysis of surgical outcomes, our dVP team continually evaluates all aspects of our surgical technique in an attempt to identify subtle variations that can be used to improve the outcome of future patients.

This results-oriented approach to the surgical management of prostate cancer has inspired several innovations and technical refinements, including pubovesical complex “bunching”, vesical neck and prostatic urethra preservation, urethrourethral anastomosis, and pubovesical ligament and fascia re-approximation.

By combining our precise surgical technique with the latest advancements in robotics and computer technology, our skilled surgeons are performing minimally invasive prostate cancer surgery in a manner never before experienced to enhance complete cancer excision and preservation of urinary and sexual function.

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