A minimally invasive approach to prostate cancer surgery has many advantages for patients over conventional radical prostatectomy. The surgery, first performed in the Louisville area at Baptist Hospital East, uses laparoscopic techniques to surgically remove cancer of the prostate gland and surrounding tissue.

Laparoscopic prostatectomy is performed through five small keyhole incisions (approximately one centimeter each) across the abdomen.

The laparoscope gives surgeons a detailed view of the prostate gland and surrounding tissue and allows for precise removal of the prostate gland and suturing of blood vessels. Patients spend as little as one night in the hospital following surgery, instead of two or three days. Catheters are removed in one week, versus two weeks with open surgery.

Patients can return to normal activity such as work in as little as two weeks – one-third of the six weeks that is common with traditional radical prostatectomy. Patients also notice less pain.

Not all patients are candidates for laparoscopic prostatectomy. Ideal patients have localized prostate cancer, low PSA (prostate specific antigen) levels and have had no prior surgeries. Radical prostatectomy and laparoscopic prostatectomy are generally performed on patients with early stage prostate cancer.

For more information, contact BHEInfoCenter@bhsi.com or call the Baptist Hospital East Information Center at (502) 897-8131.