In 2007, according to the National Cancer Institute, an estimated 67,100 new cases of bladder cancer will be diagnosed in the United States and 13,750 people will die of the disease. For most men suffering from invasive bladder cancer, the most serious kind, treatment typically involves open surgery to remove the bladder as well as the nearby prostate and reconstruction of an ileum conduit or neobladder to divert urine. In 20-30 percent of cases of bladder cancer involving men, an incidental finding of prostate cancer will also be discovered.

"Now, da Vinci(R) robotic technology is allowing us to expand our experience performing robotic prostatectomy surgeries for prostate cancer to this very complex surgery for bladder cancer," explains David B. Samadi, MD, Chief of the Division of Robotics and Minimally Invasive Surgery, who has performed close to 1,500 robotic prostatectomies. "With its quality of magnification, precision and proven track record, the da Vinci(R) surgical system has been one of the most exciting recent developments in the treatment of prostate cancer. Applying robotic technology to perform cystoprostatectomies is a natural progression."

Dr. Samadi and Simon J. Hall, MD, Director of the Deane Center and Chairman of Mount Sinai's Department of Urology, have been performing successful robotic cystoprostatectomies on patients with bladder cancer working as a team. Dr. Samadi first removes the bladder and prostate robotically through several tiny incisions in the abdomen. Depending on the location and extent of the cancer, as well as the patient's age, Dr. Hall will then make a small open incision in the abdomen and using sections of small intestine, create either a neobladder or an ileum conduit.

"We are delighted with the success of these robotic cystoprostatectomies," comments Dr. Samadi. "The procedure is shorter, there is much less blood loss during robotic surgery and significantly reduced post-operative pain, and patients leave the hospital sooner and recover quicker. Our patients have done exceedingly well." Adds Dr. Hall, "We are amazed at how much minimally invasive robotic technology reduces surgical complications associated with this procedure."

Dr. Samadi is quick to point out, "This is not just about technology. Performing such a highly complex procedure requires a robotic surgeon who is also experienced in open and laparoscopic urologic surgery, teamed with a specially trained urologist experienced in reconstructive surgery." Adds Dr. Hall, "A cystoprostatectomy, whether done robotically or the traditional way, is a huge undertaking. The success of the surgery depends on the skills of the surgeons involved, as well as having in place a team of anesthesiologists and nurses trained to provide highly specialized perioperative care."

About David B. Samadi M.D. & RoboticOncology

David B. Samadi, M.D. is Chief, Division of Robotics and Minimally Invasive Surgery at Mount Sinai School of Medicine in New York City. He is a board certified Urologic Oncologist, specializing in the diagnosis and treatment of bladder, kidney, and prostate cancer using minimally invasive procedures like da Vinci surgery. If you would like more information about Dr. Samadi's state-of-the-art treatment options, including the robotic cystoprostatectomy, please don't hesitate to call him at 1-888-Robot10 (1-888-762-6810), or visit him on the web at roboticoncology

About Simon J. Hall, M.D.

Simon J. Hall, MD, is chairman of Mount Sinai's Department of Urology and Director of the Barbara and Maurice Deane Prostate Health and Research Center at Mount Sinai School of Medicine. For information about Dr. Hall's expertise please contact him at 212-241-3743.