THE prostate cancer is the most common type of cancer in men and is the second leading cause of death in the male population after cardiovascular diseases. It is estimated that approximately 30% of men over the age of 50 will develop the disease at some point in their lives. According to the American Cancer Society, 1 in 8 men will be diagnosed with prostate cancer, but only 1 in 41 will eventually die from the disease. This is because, when diagnosed early and early, prostate cancer is completely curable, with extremely high survival rates. In fact, modern medicine now makes it possible not only for healingbut also for maintaining quality of life after surgery.
In this context, Mr Urologist surgeon Dr. Markos KaravitakisDirector of the 2nd Urological Clinic Lefkos Stavros – The Athens Clinic and Vice-President of the EAU PO of the European Urological Society, with many years of experience in robotic and laparoscopic surgery, introduces in Greece a surgical technique for the treatment of prostate cancer, the Robotic Prostatectomy with the most effective Lateral Access technique (Technique Gaston) — a technique that promises excellent results both in oncological efficacy and in maintaining quality of life after surgery.
From classical surgery to the modern robotic and laparoscopic era
The development of technology has radically transformed the surgical treatment of prostate cancer. Open procedures, which required large surgical wounds, significant blood loss and a long recovery period, have now been replaced by minimally invasive methods.
Robotic and laparoscopic surgery now allow the surgeon to manipulate instruments with millimeter precision, having three-dimensional magnification of the surgical field. This is how they achieve:
- Minimal bleeding
- Less postoperative pain
- Faster recovery and discharge from the hospital
- Much better preservation of normal functionality
However, the real change in prostate cancer treatment is not only in the use of the robotic system, but in how the prostate is accessed. And this is precisely where the Gaston technique comes in, radically changing the map of prostate cancer surgical treatment.
What is the lateral approach and why it marks a new era in prostate cancer treatment
OR lateral approach to robotic radical prostatectomy developed by the famous French urologist Dr. Richard Gaston, Director of the Urology Clinic of St. Augustin in Bordeaux, France and is a completely new approach to the prostate during robotic radical prostatectomy.
Unlike classic techniques, where the surgeon approaches the prostate from behind or above, the Gaston technique opts for a lateral approach through a narrow, targeted opening.
This allows for the preservation of the erectile nerves (neuroprotection), as well as the protection of the urinary continence mechanisms. Essentially, it is a method that combines the radicality of the oncological result with the maximum possible preservation of the patient’s physiological functionality.
The dual goal of modern urological surgery for prostate cancer
The treatment of prostate cancer today is not limited to simply removing the tumor. The main goal of modern surgery is the complete treatment with preservation of the quality of life.
The two critical functions that must be protected are:
- Urinary continenceso that the patient can return to his daily life without losses.
- Erectile functionwhich is directly linked to a man’s self-confidence and psychological balance.
The Gaston technique allows maintaining both of these functions, thanks to neuroprotection.
The importance of neuroprotection
The erectile nerves are like “skins” around the prostate and are extremely sensitive to any mechanical irritation. Even a little pressure or heat can cause damage and, consequently, erectile dysfunction.
OR side access in robotic radical prostatectomy allows the surgeon to ensure maximum protection. At the same time, anatomical structures related to continence, such as the urethral sphincter and pelvic connective tissues, are also kept intact.
Thus, the operation achieves the ideal result: radical removal of the cancer with full functional restoration.
Impressive clinical results
The effectiveness of the Gaston technique has been proven through numerous international publications.
The data show that the side access offers:
- Up to 95% urinary continenceeven a few days after surgery
- Restoration of erection at a rate that exceeds 80% within the first year
- Minimal trauma and shorter hospital stay
- Exact and radical removal of the tumor
These are results that, until recently, were considered almost impossible in the surgical treatment of prostate cancer.
From France to Greece: Dr. Markos Karavitakis leads the way
OR lateral approach technique applied for the first time in Greece by Urologist surgeon Dr. Marko Karavitakiswho has been trained by Dr. himself. Richard Gaston in France.
Dr. Karavitakis is currently the only Greek surgeon — and one of the few internationally — who applies this technique to robotic radical prostatectomy.
A new era in prostate cancer surgery for patients in Greece
Thanks to this technique, patients in Greece no longer need to travel to specialized centers abroad to receive the maximum quality of robotic surgery.
The Gaston technique is now available in Greece, by Urologist Dr. Markos Karavitakis and his specialized team, offering state-of-the-art treatment with international standards.
The philosophy of Dr. Markou Karavitaki focuses on three main axes:
- Safety and radicality in cancer treatment
- Protection of functionality and quality of life
- Human approach to each patient
With this triptych, medical science meets empathy, offering a new level of care and efficiency.
The power of technology in the service of life
The technology, when in the hands of experienced and skilled surgeons, can deliver miraculous results.
OR side access is the latest and most impressive example of this progress — a technique that combines the power of mechanical precision with the sensitivity of human touch.
Prostate cancer is no longer synonymous with fear or loss, but a disease that can be treated radically and effectivelywithout depriving the man of his functionality and self-confidence.
The Urologist-Andrologist Dr. Markos Karavitakis
THE Surgeon Urologist – Andrologist Dr. Markos Karavitakis is among the most experienced and recognized surgeons in Greece and Europe, performing on average 4 robotic or laparoscopic procedures per day and having to his credit over 2,500 surgeries in total.
THE Dr. Markos Karavitakis has been distinguished multiple times for his work, having been allocated 5 of the first 6 Surgical Techniques awards in the two most recent ones Panhellenic Urological Conferences (2022 & 2024)which confirms his expertise and leadership in the field of urology.
At the same time, it has major research and writing projectwith publications in international scientific journals of high prestige, while he participates as a speaker in Greek and international conferences, actively contributing to the development of urological science.
He and his team provide full support for their patients, 24/7ensuring continuous interest and immediate response to every need.
THE Urologist surgeon Dr. Markos Karavitakis undertakes both the surgery and the follow-up of each patient, offering comprehensive and personalized medical care from the first visit to full recovery.
To learn more about his innovative technique Urological Surgeon Dr. Markos Karavitakisvisit his website at www.karavitakis-urology.gr or contact him and his team by phone at 6974565446.