Robotic Prostatectomy

Robotic prostatectomy does not perform for all patients who have prostate problems. First, some prostate problems of low severity can be solved by other methods. Some patients may not notice that they have prostate cancer and may cause this disease to progress; palliative methods are used in such cases. Finally, not all hospitals may have the appropriate equipment and physicians for robotic prostatectomy, so the more traditional open prostatectomy or laparoscopic prostatectomy may be referred.

2-4 hours

It is very important that you inform your health care team about your health problems. You will also be asked to provide a complete list of medications you are taking and not to use blood thinners such as aspirin. You cannot drink alcohol 48 hours before the operation. You will also be asked not to eat or drink anything from a few hours before the operation, and you will also need to go to mechanical bowel preparation.

Robotic prostatectomy is performed with a few small incisions in the abdomen, just like laparoscopic prostatectomy. The doctor operates this operation with a computer and does not touch the operation area it causes to decrease the risk of infection. In the final stage of robotic-assisted prostatectomy, if the whole of the patient's prostate is removed, the doctor attaches bladder to the urethra.

The biggest advantage of robotic prostatectomy is a shorter recovery time than open prostatectomy. Most of the patients who choose the best clinics can leave the hospital only a few hours after the operation, and the others will stay for a day in hospital but still less than other kinds of prostatectomy — step by step to daily activities. There will be a urinary catheter for a few days, but it will be removed later. You should avoid strenuous activities to avoid any complications. Your return to your normal sexual life takes place step by step. After robotic prostatectomy, it may be difficult to be erect for 1 week.

Robotic prostatectomy procedure has some risks, such as: 
• Formation of blood clots 
• Infections 
• Damage to surrounding organs 
However, it is much more plausible with small cuts and a low bleeding rate.

Robotic prostatectomy treatment has no side effects. However, in some cases, erectile dysfunction may cause serious distress in the patient. In such cases, you should consult your doctor.

The use of prostatectomy for the treatment of prostate cancer has been successful at a survival rate of 80% over a 10-year rate. The success of robotic prostatectomy in the context of the comfort of sexual life is the same as in other types, and 80% of the patients have no problem in this regard postoperatively.

What is Robotic Prostatectomy? 
Robotic prostatectomy (or robotic-assisted prostatectomy) is the latest generation of prostatectomy surgery. It utilizes advanced device commanded by a doctor through a computer, which precisely removes the prostate or its part through small incisions. 

What is the Advantage of Robotic Prostatectomy over Open Prostatectomy or Laparoscopic Prostatectomy? 
Robotic prostatectomy is more precise and guarantees less bleeding and complications as well as shorter prostatectomy recovery time. 

Why Isn’t the Robotic Prostatectomy more Common in Hospitals? 
It is a relatively new technology, requiring expensive equipment and a vastly experienced specialist to operate it. For this reason, it may take years for it to be more common across the world.

1-3 weeks

1-3 weeks

This content is written and reviewed by our medical content team in August, 2019.