Robotic Prostatectomy
Robotic prostatectomy is a minimally invasive surgical procedure aimed at treating prostate cancer by removing the prostate gland. Surgeons utilise slender, specialised instruments alongside a laparoscope, a small surgical camera, to perform this procedure.
At Apollo Hospitals in Jubilee Hills, Hyderabad, we boast an experienced team specialising in robotic prostatectomy, ensuring proficient and skilled surgical care.
Who Is Eligible for Robotic Prostatectomy?
The decision to undergo surgical treatment for prostate cancer involves careful consideration of various factors. At Apollo, our urologic surgeons engage in comprehensive discussions regarding treatment options to assist you in determining the most suitable approach. Robotic prostatectomy is usually recommended for individuals with localised prostate cancer, where the cancer remains confined to the prostate gland without spreading to other areas of the body.
This recommendation is often based on favourable tumour characteristics, including size, location, grade, and prostate-specific antigen (PSA) levels. However, patients with significant abdominal adhesions or obesity may not be suitable candidates for this procedure.
What Happens During Robotic Prostatectomy?
During a robotic prostatectomy, the urologist makes one small incision (single-port prostatectomy) or several tiny incisions (multi-port prostatectomy), each no larger than about 3/4 of an inch, using a scalpel. Through these small incisions, they insert a laparoscope and robotic surgical equipment.
Next, the urologist carefully removes the prostate gland and seminal vesicles from the surrounding tissues. They then reconnect the urethra to the bladder using small sutures. Additionally, they may extract lymph nodes and examine them for signs of cancer.
After completing the procedure, doctors close the incisions using stitches and/or staples, typically opting for sutures in robotic surgery. They may also place a surgical drain at one of the incision sites for drainage purposes.
Benefits of Robotic Prostatectomy
The surgical procedure usually involves the removal of the prostate, seminal vesicles, and ends of the vas deferens. For intermediate and high-risk patients, removal of the pelvic lymph nodes is also part of the procedure. Compared to conventional “open incision” procedures, patients undergoing robotic-assisted surgery generally experience significantly reduced pain and blood loss. They also tend to have quicker recovery times.
While a traditional, open radical prostatectomy requires a two-day hospitalisation and a recovery period lasting about two months, robotic-assisted surgery can lead to recovery in as little as 2-3 weeks. Depending on factors such as age and health, most patients can also expect the potential return of potency, with or without the use of oral medications.