How is Robotic Radical Prostatectomy Performed?
During robotic radical prostatectomy:
- Anesthesia: You will be given general anesthesia to ensure you are unconscious and pain-free during the procedure.
- Incisions: 5-7 small incisions (8-12mm) are made in the abdomen to allow access for the surgical instruments and camera.
- Robotic System Setup: The surgeon sits at a console next to the patient and controls the surgical instruments attached to robotic arms. The surgical team assists in positioning the robotic arms and camera inside the body.
- Surgical Procedure: The surgeon controls the robotic arms to remove the prostate gland and surrounding tissue while viewing a high-definition, 3D image of the surgical site provided by the camera. The entire prostate is removed along with the seminal vesicles, and often several pelvic lymph nodes.
- Closure: Once the prostate is removed, the surgeon closes the incisions with sutures and surgical glue.
Highlights of Robotic Prostatectomy and Recovery
- Duration of surgery: on average ~ 3 hours
- General Anesthesia combined with local numbing
- 5-7 small incisions distributed across your abdomen
- Local anesthesia blocks to the incisions to minimize narcotic use
- Patients are usually walking the evening of surgery
- 1 night stay in the hospital, sometimes same-day surgery depending on patient factors
- Bladder catheter for ~6-7 days to allow for healing
- <50% of patients requiring narcotic pain medicine at home
- Typically patients take 2 weeks off of work
- 4-6 weeks of no heavy lifting/exertion (>15lbs of force)
- Walking, stairs, light activity all encouraged immediately after surgery
Where is Robotic Prostate Surgery Done?
All robotic surgeries are done at Northern Light Mercy Hospital which is a member hospital of the Dana Farber Cancer Care Collaborative.
