When you need to choose a prostate cancer / robotic surgeon, the selection of the best specialist for you is important.
New Approaches to Prostate Cancer
There have been many recent advances in the field of prostate cancer. Whether you need robotic surgery, brachytherapy, or radiotherapy, there are now many approaches and specialists to choose from.
The process of finding the best surgeon for you that is both suitable and located in Brisbane can be daunting.
How do I find the best robotic prostate surgeon?
Ask your General Practitioner
An excellent place to start your search would be your general practitioner, they are trusted advisers and can help find the most suitable specialists such as urologists specialising in prostate cancer.
Your GP is familiar with your medical history, and may also have several patients with first-hand experience with specific surgeons, clinics and hospitals.
Past Patients
It is also common to talk with other patients who can give you a perspective of not only the surgeon and his or her ability but also the preoperative and postoperative care offered.
Google Search
Dr Google is also a valuable resource. Not only for information about anatomy and procedure details, but also when researching a doctor’s experience and subspecialty focus.
It is important to understand that your surgeon has the focus, experience and current training to resolve your specific problem.
Look carefully at the surgeon’s CV. Some questions you should look to have answered include:
- Are they a leader in the field? Do they publish in journals? Are they invited to major scientific meetings?
- Do they have unique qualifications such as national or international accreditation?
- Are they a subspecialist who focuses on prostate cancer or are they a generalist who treats lots of other unrelated conditions?
- Have they done extensive international training for at least 1-2 years (preferably longer) at world-leading institutions ?
Clinical Outcomes
All surgeons should audit the clinical results of their surgery such as positive margin (cancer clearance) rates and the rates of incontinence, impotence, and other complications.
Detailed data on the long term results of their own robotic radical prostatectomy procedures should be readily available.
Patients are increasingly interested in this information and your surgeon should make this available to you so that you can make an informed choice.
Reviews
More and more patients are sharing their experiences on platforms such as Google Reviews and Facebook.
While not definitive, they can add some perspective on a particular clinic and past patients’ satisfaction.
How to choose the best robotic prostate surgeon
Here is a checklist that covers the key points in selecting your robotic prostate surgeon. Does your specialist offer:
- Suitable qualifications and training in specific procedures being considered
- Experience with hundreds of successful procedures
- National / international peer recognition
- Peer recognition or third party accreditation from a “Centre of Excellence”
- Statistics on results of their surgery, preferably independently audited
- Proper resources and support staff for the provision of postsurgical care
- Clear costing and policies for your procedure
- Easy access to your doctor if needed
- Evidence of active participating in continuing education as a participant and as a teacher.
Feel Comfortable
From a subjective viewpoint, you should feel comfortable with your doctor and feel free to ask any questions about your treatment.
Your doctor should take the time to listen to you and clear any doubts that you might have.
Ideally your prostate surgery should be performed at a facility that is a recognized “Centre of Excellence” which would ensure that:
- The facility has performed the required number of robotic prostate surgeries in the last year with excellent outcomes
- The staff have undergone training specific to prostate cancer procedures, and
- There is a patient coordinator who is your first point of contact from start to finish throughout your recovery journey.
- The facility has been internationally recognised as a “Centre of Excellence” facility by an independent international body.
Your Next Step
If you live in or around Brisbane, the Sunshine Coast, or Bundaberg and would like to have your prostate questions answered, we recommend you make an appointment with A/Prof Gianduzzo online or by calling .
For information about A/Prof Gianduzzo please click on the following links:
