Brazil's SUS Introduces Robotic-Assisted Surgery for Prostate Cancer
The Brazilian Unified Health System (SUS) will now offer robotic-assisted prostate cancer surgery following regulatory approval, aiming to enhance treatment quality and accessibility.
- • The Ministry of Health incorporated robotic-assisted radical prostatectomy into SUS.
- • Conitec approved the procedure for clinically localized or locally advanced prostate cancer.
- • Technical areas have 180 days to implement the service in SUS facilities.
- • Rodrigo Nascimento Pinheiro highlighted the need for protocols, reference centers, and training for safety and quality.
Key details
The Brazilian Ministry of Health has officially incorporated robotic-assisted radical prostatectomy into the Unified Health System (SUS) for treating patients with clinically localized or locally advanced prostate cancer. This surgical procedure involves the complete removal of the prostate and surrounding tissues, aimed at curative treatment primarily for early-stage prostate cancer. The decision follows approval by Conitec, the National Commission for the Incorporation of Technologies in SUS, which endorsed the use of robotic prostatectomy for this purpose.
According to the Ministry, technical areas have up to 180 days to implement this service in SUS facilities, ensuring broader access to advanced prostate cancer treatment. Rodrigo Nascimento Pinheiro, president of the Brazilian Society of Oncological Surgery (SBCO), emphasized the importance of establishing protocols, reference centers, and specialized training for medical teams to guarantee safety and quality. Pinheiro highlighted that robotic surgery has proven effective in training new professionals through controlled and supervised practice, enhancing surgical precision and patient outcomes.
This development marks a significant advancement in public healthcare innovation in Brazil, aiming to make high-quality, cutting-edge cancer treatment more accessible across the country. The implementation process will include monitoring and reporting by Conitec to maintain high standards of care and equitable treatment availability.