Robotic Prostatectomy

If you and your doctor decide on surgery to treat your prostate cancer, you may be a candidate for a minimally invasive surgical procedure called robot-assisted laparoscopic radical prostatectomy.  Radical prostatectomy is the surgical removal of the prostate to treat prostate cancer.  The robot is a state-of-the-art surgical system. It includes fine instruments that a trained urologist uses to surgically remove your prostate gland through several small incisions.  However, a steep surgeon learning curve has been described for the procedure, estimating that more than 150 procedures are required for good outcomes.  For comparison, a recent survey reported that almost 85% of urologists perform less than 30 traditional radical prostatectomies a year. It is estimated that 50 percent of radical prostatectomies performed in 2008 will be performed with the robotic approach.

For most patients, potential advantages with robot prostatectomy over open radical prostatectomy include:

• Decreased blood loss and decreased likelihood of blood transfusion.
• Improved visualization of the anatomy due to 3-D vision and increased magnification.
• Small incisions (less than ½ inch). Precise, fine surgical maneuvers guided by the surgeon.
• Less pain after surgery, decreasing the need for pain medications.
• Faster recovery. Most patients are well enough to leave the hospital less than 24 hours after surgery and resume routine activities 1-2 weeks after surgery.
• Removal of the urethral catheter 5-7 days after surgery.
• Maintenance of continence and potency.