Dr. Mark Allen is a Plano Texas urologist who offers the da Vinci robotic prostatectomy surgery for the removal of prostate cancer. This treatment for prostate cancer has proven to be effective in reducing the side effects following surgery including less scarring, less pain, and faster overall recovery.

1. (Originally posted on http://northtexasurologist.com on March 29, 2012)
Plano, Texas Urologist Pioneer in Performing the da Vinci Robotic Surgery for the
Treatment of Prostate Cancer
Dr. Mark Allen offers the robotic prostatectomy to men throughout the North Dallas area as a
recommended surgery for prostate removal
Men of all different walks of life will experience a urological problem at one time or another in their life.
Some of the most common urological symptoms that a man could experience include pelvic pain,
incontinence, a burning sensation while urinating, and impotence. While some of these symptoms can
occur with age, injury, weight gain, and lifestyle choice, it is not normal for these symptoms to become so
severe that it disrupts normal activities of life.
According to the Dr. Mark Allen, a Plano, Texas urologist, acute urological symptoms such as ongoing
pelvic pain, urinary incontinence, impotence, and other symptoms usually signal an underlying problem.
For some men, a PSA test may be administered and the result could be prostate cancer.
When a man has been diagnosed with prostate cancer, a course of treatment will be prescribed based on
the overall symptoms, stage of the disease, age and overall health of the patient. For many, surgery is the
first step in removing the cancerous tissue from the prostate gland. A partial or full removal of the prostate
gland is called a prostatectomy.
Treatment for Prostate Cancer
Traditionally, open surgery using a large incision has been the standard approach to many urological
procedures such as a prostatectomy. Open surgery often leads to a longer recovery process, increased
pain and larger scars. Today, many surgeons are turning towards a more minimally invasive approach by
choosing the da Vinci Surgical System. A robotic prostatectomy is a treatment for prostate cancer has
proven to be effective for thousands of men who have been diagnosed with the disease.
The technology uses very tiny incisions that allow surgeons to use miniature instruments and with a 3D
camera and microscope, operate with precise control and movement. The approach leaves minimal
scarring and reduces the loss of blood, pain, and overall trauma that historically accompanies an open and
complex prostatectomy. Some men will be able to have prostate removal surgery and continue without
any additional treatment for their cancer (for men who are diagnosed in earlier stages); for men who have
prostate cancer that is in a latter stage, the prostatectomy may be accompanied with chemotherapy and/or
radiation treatment, or a combination of both.
Robotic surgery is growing in popularity and continues to result in excellent clinical outcomes. It is
important to discuss all of the risk factors associated with a prostatectomy with your urologist. While not all
urological practices have adopted the da Vinci robotic surgery for prostate removal, Dr. Mark Allen is a
pioneer in the Dallas area.
According to Dr. Allen, “The da Vinci robotic prostatectomy for prostate removal surgery has proven to be
very effective for patients diagnosed with prostate cancer. Despite the revolutionary advancement, it is a
big investment with a large learning curve and it requires a great deal of training. There are noted side
effects that are at risk for occurring following a prostatectomy including loss of urinary control and
impotence, but the robotic feature minimizes these risks further and if a surgeon has been trained and is
highly skilled at performing the surgery, the patient’s risks decrease even further.”
If you have been diagnosed with prostate cancer and are considering robotic surgery for prostate removal,
discuss all of your options and considerations with your urologist. Treatment for prostate cancer will vary
for each individual.