Robotically Assisted Surgery

Using Robotically Assisted Surgery to Combat Prostate Cancer  

Since the introduction of robotically assisted surgery, more than 2000 robotically assisted procedures to remove cancerous prostates have been performed in the Celje General Hospital. 

In the Western world, prostate cancer is the most common cancer in the male population. The number of newly diagnosed prostate cancer patients increases each year; however, thanks to effective diagnostics, a growing number of prostate cancers are discovered in the early stages, when the condition is highly curable. It is estimated that 1,350 men in Slovenia and approximately 382,000 men in Europe will develop prostate cancer in 2013.

When the cancer is limited to the prostate and has not yet spread to nearby or distant organs, the condition is treated by removing the prostate. The procedure can be performed by traditional surgery, laparoscopic surgery or robotically assisted surgery. The robotically assisted procedure that the Celje General Hospital pioneered in Slovenia and the Western Balkan region in 2010 is now rapidly gaining recognition throughout the world.
Progress in science and technology means that treatment methods are constantly being developed, changed and perfected. When it comes to treating prostate cancer, the latest technological support implemented by physicians is the da Vinci robotic system. The platform offers technological solutions designed to maximise the precision of the surgeon's work and minimise the pain suffered by the patient. 

By the end of 2018, more than 2.000 robotically assisted procedures to remove cancerous prostates had been performed in the Celje General Hospital. The results of our treatments, carefully monitored and measured, have proved excellent and comparable to treatment results in established robotic centres. The Head and pioneer of robotically assisted surgery in the Celje General Hospital is Sandi Poteko, MD, urology specialist. Working with a team of colleagues, Dr. Poteko strives to achieve top results in cancer treatment, as well as in maintaining the ability of holding urine and erectile function.

On our website, we have compiled detailed information on the method and course of treatment, post-surgery recovery and return to everyday activities. If you are unable to find answers to your questions on the website, we have also provided phone numbers and e-mail addresses where you can contact us for further information.