Robotic Prostatectomy is an appropriate therapy for prostate cancer when there is a high chance the disease is confined to, or near, the prostate.  In general these cancers are considered low or intermediate risk with a Gleason score of 6 or 7.  There are circumstances where younger individuals, age < 65yr, with high risk prostate cancer (Gleason 8 or above) maybe candidates for robotic prostatectomy, but this is a case-by-case decision.

For low volume (2 cores or less on biopsy), low risk (Gleason 6) prostate cancer there is a growing body of evidence that a delayed-therapy, active surveillance approach can spare a patient from the complications (erectile dysfunction and urinary incontinence) associated with all of the treatment options used for managing prostate cancer.  These complications occur to varying degrees with all prostate cancer treatments including cryotherapy, high frequency ultrasound (Hi-FU), brachytherapy, external beam radiation (IMRT) and surgery.

Dr Berry helped develop an antegrade, interfascial nerve sparing approach to robotic prostectomy during his fellowship and has been involved with over 350 procedures. This technique has been shown in published studies to have a number of benefits with respect to return of urinary continence and sexual function compared to standard robotic methods.  He is the only surgeon outside Brigham and Women's Hospital who uses this technique.  He has the following post procedure continence rates.
- 80% of men are pad free or wear a safety liner at 3 months
- 90% of men are pad free at 9 months

Download PDF of European Urology 2009




Return of erectile function is in general a slower process.  Dr Berry recommends an active penile rehabilitation program in all men with high quality erections preoperatively including

- Perioperative use of oral PDE5's (Viagra, Cialis, Levitra)
- Use of vaccum devices to prevent post procedure shortening
- Use of penile medications (MUSE, injections) to regain
  spontaneous function sooner after surgery

While a number of patients have had spontaneous erections return within 1 month of surgery this is not a typical response and full healing may take between 12 and 18 months after surgery.
Considering Robotic Prostatectomy? Would you like a second opinion regarding your prostate cancer?

Complete this form and Dr Berry will contact you directly, or email DrBerryUrology@gmail.com. Please contact the office at 413 785 5321 for an appointment

Below are pictures of Australian reptiles including a frilled neck lizard, the thorny devil and salt-water crocodile
daVinci Robotic Video