daVinci Robotic Radical Prostatectomy for Prostate Cancer
The robotic prostatectomy removes the prostate for treatment of prostate cancer. The cancers we can remove are those felt to be contained within the prostate or those that have minimal extension beyond the prostate either at the level of the capsule or to the seminal vesicle.
During the robotic prostatectomy the prostate is removed from below the bladder and above the urethra. Once removed the bladder and the urethra are sewn together to reestablish the urinary tract for voiding. During the procedure the connective tissue containing the neurovascular tissue surrounding the prostate is “spared” if possible.
In this video Dr Brandt describes the robotic prostatectomy.
The daVinci method for laparoscopic surgery has become the preferred method for many operations. The robotic prostatectomy was one of the first operations to use the technology.
Robotic surgery enhances vision, dexterity and minimizes blood loss, hospitalization time, postoperative recovery and length of incision.
The goal is to remove the prostate cancer. The benefit is to be cancer free.
While bleeding, infection and anesthestic risks exist for the prostatectomy, most men are concerned with the risk of incontinence and impotence after surgery for prostate removal. Both leakage and ED occur at a higher than ideal rate. Severe incontinence persists after one year for 3-5% of men. Erectile dysfunction to a mild, moderate or sever degree is much more common. Younger men with better erections quality going in to surgery where the neurovascular planes can be spared have a better chance of erection. recovery.
Most men considering prostatectomy are also considering radiation as an option for their prostate cancer.
Most men considering prostate removal should do at the next time they have availability on their schedule. Some men with more aggressive disease will need to get their procedure more urgently. Other men with slow growing cancers can wait 6 months or more in some cases to have surgery.
You will see your primary physician for a preoperative evaluation for surgery. You may also need to see other specialists for confirm your fitness for anesthesia. You will be asked to stop blood thinning medication. You will do a bowel preparation the day prior to the operation. You should arrange for someone to help you with cares at home for after you are discharged from the hospital.
You will stay in the hospital overnight. You will go home with a catheter for one week. Most men begin light activity within 2-3 weeks and normal, heavier activty in 6-8 weeks. Incontinence and impotence issues take longer to recover.
I have a dedicated webpage on this site for the post-prostatectomy recovery. Click Here for tburology.com/SIMS