The prostate can be removed for prostate cancer (robotic radical prostatectomy) or for urinary symptoms (robotic simple prostatectomy).

Robotic Radical Prostatectomy

Prostate cancer, the most common cancer among men aside from skin cancers, varies from non-aggressive to highly aggressive forms, including metastatic diseases that spread beyond the prostate.

One effective treatment option for intermediate and high-risk prostate cancer is robotic radical prostatectomy. This procedure uses a robotic system to enhance magnification and precision. Through just a few small incisions, surgeons control robotic instruments to remove the entire prostate and surrounding lymph nodes for thorough pathological examination. Following the removal, the bladder is meticulously reconnected to the urethra.

Post-operative results are carefully evaluated during follow-up visits, where the prognosis is typically very promising. In cases of highly aggressive disease, more intensive follow-up and additional treatments, such as hormone therapy and radiation, may be necessary.

Recovery

Recovery is typically 1 night in the hospital with a urinary catheter at home for 5-7 days. It is normal to feel some crampy pain for up to 1 week with full recovery in 4-6 weeks. Removal of the prostate can improve some urinary voiding symptoms although it is associated with temporary incontinence. Kegels are important to help with recovery of continence. Incontinence can be expected to be resolved within the year for at least 90% of patients. Erectile dysfunction is another side effect of the surgery. Medications may be needed to help achieve adequate function.

Robotic Simple Prostatectomy

Robotic simple prostatectomy is a surgical procedure performed to alleviate urinary symptoms caused by an enlarged prostate gland. Unlike robotic radical prostatectomy, which is primarily used to treat prostate cancer, robotic simple prostatectomy focuses on addressing benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), also known as enlarged prostate. Instead of removing the whole prostate, only the prostatic adenoma is removed, limiting side effects.

Recovery

Recovery remains similar to radical prostatectomy. Hospital stay is usually one night and the urinary catheter stays for approximately one week. Discomfort or crampy pain can remain for up to one week following surgery, with full recovery expected within 4-6 weeks. Side effects such as urinary incontinence are much less as is erectile dysfunction although there may be temporary issues. Urinary voiding symptom improvement should be seen immediately following removal of catheter.

Risks

Risks of robotic surgery include those with any surgery: bleeding, infection, and damage to surrounding structures. The above is only for medical information and does not constitute medical advice. Please contact your doctor if you have any questions.