Robotic prostate surgery is a treatment option for prostate conditions, including prostate cancer. This approach most often involves advanced robotic surgical equipment. Remotely controlled technology is used, providing the surgeon with greater accuracy and control throughout the procedure.
What is Robotic Prostate Surgery?
Robotic prostate surgery is a technique for treating prostate cancer, performed with the da Vinci robotic system. The procedure enables the surgeon to make highly precise, controlled movements with robotic arms, allowing for a less invasive removal of the prostate gland. This surgery can provide benefits such as reduced blood loss, lowered pain levels, a quicker recovery, and fewer complications. Robotic prostatectomy, which involves the partial or complete removal of the prostate gland, is included under the scope of robotic prostate surgery.
Advantages of Robotic Prostate Surgery
Robotic prostate surgery brings several advantages over conventional techniques. These include reduced blood loss, milder pain, fewer complications, lower infection risk, less tissue disruption, smaller incisions with less scarring, shorter hospitalizations, faster recovery, better visualization, and a more accurate surgical approach. The robotic system gives surgeons a three-dimensional view, enhancing surgical precision and control. Together, these aspects help patients feel less pain and discomfort after surgery and resume daily life more quickly.
The Process of Robotic Prostate Surgery
Robotic prostate surgery is carried out through 4-5 small incisions in the patient’s abdomen. A robotic camera and various surgical tools are inserted through these openings. With this equipment, the cancerous prostate tissue is removed, and the bladder and urinary duct are reconnected using robotic assistance.
The operation is conducted under general anesthesia and usually lasts 2-3 hours. Afterward, a catheter is placed so the patient can urinate, which is generally removed 5-7 days later. Patients are typically discharged within 1-2 days after surgery. Recovery tends to be faster than with open prostate procedures, and most patients can resume their normal routines in 2-3 weeks.
Stages of robotic prostate surgery:
- The patient is placed under general anesthesia.
- Four to five small incisions are made in the abdomen.
- A robotic camera and surgical instruments are inserted through the incisions.
- The cancerous tissue of the prostate is removed.
- The bladder and urinary duct are reconnected to each other.
- A catheter is inserted.
- The patient is discharged from surgery.
Recovery Process of Robotic Prostate Surgery
The recovery process of robotic prostate surgery can vary depending on several factors, but can generally be faster compared to traditional open surgery. The hospital stay may be short for the first few days after surgery. During this time, the patient can usually be monitored with a urinary catheter and sometimes a bladder catheter. The time and amount of pain management may also vary depending on other factors.
The recovery process can vary from patient to patient, but usually patients can return to their normal daily activities within the first few weeks after surgery. The full recovery process may vary depending on personal factors, the details of the surgery and whether complications are present.
Results of Robotic Prostate Surgery
Outcomes following robotic prostate surgery may differ due to numerous factors. These include the patient's overall health, the stage of the prostate cancer, the surgeon's experience, the presence of complications, and other existing health conditions. Despite these variables, robotic prostate surgery is generally considered effective and delivers favorable results for the majority of patients.
Some of the successful outcomes of this surgery include:
- Reduction or complete disappearance of symptoms associated with prostate cancer.
- Lower surgical risks, including less blood loss and reduced risk of infection.
- Faster recovery and less postoperative pain.
- Fewer complications and minimized tissue damage.
- Shorter hospital stays and quicker overall recovery.
Frequently Asked Questions
Questions about robotic prostate surgery focus on its overall success and potential complications, the recovery period, and how the procedure affects postoperative well-being, urinary control, and sexual health.
Is Robotic Prostate Surgery Painful?
Because robotic prostate surgery is generally minimally invasive, patients may experience less pain during and after the procedure. Still, it is normal to have mild pain or discomfort post-surgery, which is typically controlled with medication.
How soon can I return to normal activities after surgery?
Recovery times after surgery can differ for each person. Still, those who undergo robotic prostate surgery often recover more quickly. Most individuals return to daily routines within the first several weeks. Full recovery, however, depends on personal circumstances as well as surgical details. Following your doctor’s advice and avoiding strenuous activity is always recommended.
Is There a Risk of Urinary Incontinence or Erectile Dysfunction?
Urinary incontinence and erectile dysfunction are common risks following prostate surgery. Robotic prostate surgery, however, may lower these risks when compared with standard surgical methods. For some, issues like incontinence or erectile dysfunction can be temporary or last longer, but such complications are often manageable with ongoing care. Your physician can provide specific guidance and recommend the most appropriate treatment options.
* Liv Hospital Editorial Board has contributed to the publication of this content .
* Contents of this page is for informational purposes only. Please consult your doctor for diagnosis and treatment. The content of this page does not include information on medicinal health care at Liv Hospital .