Robotic Prostate Surgery
Radical prostatectomy is a surgical treatment for prostate cancer. It is aimed at eliminating the entire prostate gland. The procedure is presently conducted through laparoscopic or robotic techniques.
Open prostate surgery involves removing the prostate gland through a large incision in the lower abdomen. On the other hand, laparoscopic prostate surgery involves incisions of key-hole size for inserting a laparoscope, a lighted viewing instrument, into the pelvic region. It also facilitates examination and prostate removal sans sizeable abdominal incisions.
Both robotic and laparoscopic prostate surgeries are minimally invasive techniques. These are performed to help surgeons easily operate through tiny ports as compared to large incisions. Also, this procedure results in shorter recovery times. Now patients can get operated on with fewer complications and fewer hospital stays.
The Benefits
These advanced procedures are performed through small keyhole incisions. None of these incisions cut the muscle of the patient. Robotic prostatectomy offers unmatched visualization of the area. This means surgeons can expect precise and perfect removal of the prostate. Also, the patients experience less blood loss. Other significant benefits include:
- – Shorter recovery time
- – Earlier removal of catheter (in just 7 days)
- – Less number of days in hospital (only 1-2 days average)
- – Faster healing
- – Reduced postoperative pain
- – No pain medications are needed
- – Quicker return to normal day-to-day activity (in 1-2 weeks)
- – Faster joining at work (within 2-3 weeks) – Tiny incisions and less scarring
Why Robotic Prostate Surgery?
The procedure is used for treating patients with prostate cancer. The best robotic surgeons for prostate recommend these procedures to patients who are candidates for open radical prostatectomy.
The Procedure
This surgery demands around 4-5 small, button-hole incisions. An experienced surgeon will use a very powerful endoscope (high precision) through these incisions. A tiny camera and other requisite specialized surgical instruments are used to completely remove the prostate.
How does a robotic-assisted surgery actually work?
There are three essential components of the computer-enhanced robotic surgical system:
- A 3-D view of the surgical field, which includes magnification, depth of field, and high resolution.
- Advanced instruments are designed explicitly to mimic the movement of human hands, fingers, and wrists. This facilitates more accuracy and extensive motion range.
- Surgeons can easily manipulate instruments with the help of master controls. This translates surgeons’ natural wrist and hand movements into conforming, accurate, and scaled movements. Steady robotic and robotic wrists help make surgeons manipulate tissue accurately. They can work on the prostate from various angles as needed.
Time Taken
Robotic prostate surgery will take approximately 2-4 hours to perform.
Sexual Side Effects after Robotic Prostate Surgery
Since the surgery is very advanced and effective in sparing the nerve bundle responsible for erections, sexual side effects are minimal. The degree of sexual function post-radical prostatectomy can be determined by several factors such as age, how sexually active he was before the procedure etc. Temporary erectile issues can be faced by patients after a radical prostatectomy.
After Robotic Prostate Surgery
- The total operative time of a standard robotic prostate surgery is usually 2-4 hours.
- The patient requires a stay in the hospital for 1-2 days.
- The healthcare team will see the patient daily during their hospital stay. The patient will get detailed instructions for after-surgery care. These instructions are given before the discharge of the patient.
- The catheter (urine catheter) will come out on the fifth day. The patient must undergo a special x-ray to check the bladder (cystogram) before removing the catheter.
- Driving is not allowed for 7 days after prostate surgery.
- Patients do not require following any restrictions related to physical activities after surgery. They can indulge in whatever they can easily bear.
- Doctors may allow patients to have aspirin again once they start having regular meals.
- Medications to improve blood supply to the penis may be given. – After a month of prostrate surgery, patients will be asked to complete their first PSA check. Another test will be scheduled after 3-6 months.