Prostatectomy: Frequently Asked Questions
What is a prostatectomy?
A surgical process involving the complete or partial removal of the prostate gland.
Source: www.prostatecancer.info
A prostatectomy is surgery that removes all or part of the prostate. Surgery to remove the entire prostate is called radical prostatectomy . It’s done in one of three ways: In retropubic prostatectomy, the surgeon removes the prostate and nearby lymph nodes through an incision in the abdomen. In perineal prostatectomy, the surgeon removes the prostate through an incision between the scrotum and the anus. The doctor may also remove nearby lymph nodes through a separate incision in the abdomen. ...
Source: www.healthline.com
Why a Robotic Radical Prostatectomy?
Traditional radical prostatectomies require either a large incision with unpleasant side effects (in open surgery), or feature limited vision and dexterity (in conventional laparoscopic prostate surgery). At Florida Hospital, our mission is to provide the best opportunity for full recovery from prostate cancer. Experience shows that a robotic radical prostatectomy successfully addresses these shortcomings and offers patients improved benefits , including minimized risk of incontinence and impotence .
Source: www.globalroboticsinstitute.com
What is a radical prostatectomy?
radical prostatectomy is the complete removal of the prostate and seminal vesicles. The radical prostatectomy may be performed using a retropubic (midline incision) or perineally (incision between the anus and scrotum). In the modem era, the overwhelming majority of surgeons prefer the retropubic route. Radical prostatectomy may also be performed laparoscopically.
Source: www.drlepor.com
Does a prostatectomy cause sterility?
Yes. Sterility is the inability to father a child. It results from the removal of the prostate. The prostate gland helps create most of the fluid released during sexual intercourse and climax. Therefore, men who have a prostatectomy no longer produce semen, so they have dry orgasms . This means that they cannot impregnate a woman.
Source: www.healthline.com
What is a laparoscopic radical prostatectomy?
Laparoscopic radical prostatectomy is a minimally invasive surgical treatment for prostate cancer. It involves a few key hole incisions in order to remove the whole prostate.
Source: www.roboticoncology.com
What is radical retropubic prostatectomy?
Radical retropubic prostatectomy is the surgical removal of prostate, seminal vesicles and vas deferens through a lower abdominal incision. The incision measures 8 to 10 inches in length. As far as the cancer cure rate, it is essentially identical to laparoscopic radical prostatectomy.
Source: www.roboticoncology.com
What are the side effects of a prostatectomy?
Infertility, incontinence, impotence, and pain. Read the main article on the side effects of a prostatectomy.
Source: www.prostatecancer.info
What are the disadvantages of radical prostatectomy?
Impotence and/or incontinence are possible side effects. The degree of sexual function is determined by the man's age, how sexually active he was before the procedure and how much the surgical procedure affects the nerves. Newer procedures are currently being investigated in some major medical centers that may spare the nerves during the procedure, thus preserving sexual potency. Total urinary control, continence, may be regained within four weeks after surgery, although there is a chance of incontinence depending on age.
Source: www.bladderdiseases.net
What is a robotic prostatectomy?
A robotic prostatectomy is a surgical procedure, aided by a robotic system, to completely remove the prostate gland when cancer is present. The da Vinci robotic system is the most famous and widely used system today to assist the surgeon in performing a robotic prostatectomy.
Source: www.robotic-prostatectomy.com
Why choose the da Vinci® prostatectomy (dVP)?
Recent studies of several hundred patients show that the da Vinci®robotic-assisted anatomic radical prostatectomy or da Vinci® prostatectomy (dVP) is as effective as standard prostatectomy in treating prostate cancer. The dVP is generally associated with less postoperative pain, fewer complications, shorter hospital stays and a faster recovery. In the hands of surgeons at the Urology Center of Florida, robotic technology is enabling the next generation of prostate cancer surgery. ...
Source: www.ucof.com
Is the operation (Radical Prostatectomy) the best course?
Radical prostatectomy is the usual surgical option for early prostate cancer. It involves having a general anaestetic and staying in hospital for approximately 6 days. You will be infertile afterwards and may have temporary incontinence and impotence, which is often treatable. The operation may be followed up with radiotherapy or hormone therapy to deal with any remaining cancer cells.
Source: www.prostatecancersupport.org
Does insurance cover a robotic prostatectomy?
Blue Cross Blue Shield of Alabama does cover a robotic prostatectomy. Other insurance carriers cover it as well, but verification is needed prior to the procedure.
Source: www.prostatecancerrobotic.com
What are the disadvantages to robotic radical prostatectomy?
While the da Vinci technology allows for the precise translation of the surgeon's movements while eliminating any tremor present in all surgeons’ hands it does not provide tactile feedback. As surgeons however, we rely on tactile sensation only when we do not have an accurate or clear view of the operative field. The camera system utilized with the da Vinci system is a clear 3 dimensional field with ten times the magnification of even the surgeon with 20-20 vision. ...
What are the advantages to robotic radical prostatectomy?
•Reduced or minimal post-operative pain •Reduced blood loss thus reduced transfusion rates •Shorter hospital stay (many patients are discharged home one day after the procedure) •Faster recovery period thus a sooner return to work •Quicker catheter removal •Reduced scarring •Greater surgical precision, which, in turn, potentially means more accurate removal of cancer and reduced risk of impotence and incontinence
What are the downsides to robotic prostatectomy?
Very little. The risk of injury to the rectum or ureters is higher compared with open surgery (1.2% instead of 0.7%). Certain safety policies aimed at reducing these risks have, therefore, been instituted for patients undergoing robotic prostatectomy at Morristown Memorial Hospital ( click on this to see safety policies at MMH ). There is a small chance of a urinary leak at the junction between the bladder and the urethra. In robotic surgery, access to the pelvis is made through the abdominal cavity. ...
Source: roboticurologicsurgery.com
Are there any disadvantages to robotic prostatectomy?
Early in a surgeon’s experience, it takes time to become accustomed to relying on visual cues rather than feel or tactile sensation that is used in open surgery. Again, surgeon experience is the most important factor. Furthermore, the da Vinci robot is a tool that helps the surgeon perform the same steps that are required in open surgery. 4.
Source: www.brighamandwomens.org
Early in a surgeon’s experience, it takes time to become accustomed to relying on visual cues rather than feel or tactile sensation that is used in open surgery. Again, surgeon experience is the most important factor. Furthermore, the da Vinci robot is a tool that helps the surgeon perform the same steps that are required in open surgery.
Source: www.faulknerhospital.org
What are some of the advantages of laparoscopic radical prostatectomy?
Shortened hospital stay (read patient testimonials ) Significantly less bleeding Early removal of catheter Minimal requirement for pain medications after the surgery 10-15 times visual magnification Resume to normal activity within one to two weeks after operation Improved cosmetic results
Source: www.roboticoncology.com
What is nerve-sparing radical prostatectomy?
Radical prostatectomy is usually performed in the treatment of prostate cancer. There is a danger that during the procedure the nerve supply to the penis may be damaged, either reversibly or irreversibly, leading to ED. To limit the degree of damage, the standard procedure has been modified to maintain as much of the nerve supply as possible. Hence the term, "nerve-sparing radical prostatectomy". I am 6 months post-radical prostatectomy. I get no erections and nothing
Source: usesrv.com
How is laparoscopic radical prostatectomy (LRP) different from open radical prostatectomy?
In contrast to open radical prostatectomy, the surgery does not require an abdominal incision, and is thus a much less invasive procedure. Instead, the procedure relies on tiny entry sites or “ports,” most of which are no longer than five millimeters. surgeons then insert slender instruments through these small ports, including a computerized scope (the laparoscope), allowing them to view a powerfully magnified image in real time video. ...
Source: www.brynmawrurology.com
Does the robotic prostatectomy surgery require general anesthesia?
Yes, general anesthesia is required. Robotic prostatectomy offers many advantages compared to conventional surgery, but it is nevertheless a major operation.
Source: www.jamesline.com
Yes. Although the da Vinci Prostatectomy offers many advantages compared to conventional surgery, it is still major surgery, requiring general anesthesia and a hospital stay.
Source: www.metroroboticsurgery.com
How long will I remain hospitalized after a prostatectomy ?
The hospital stay for prostatectomy averages about five days and depends mostly on the nature of the surgery and the health status of the patient. In addition, a high level of patient support from others, including family, relatives, and friends, can promote the healing process and shorten the hospital stay.
Source: www.cancer-free-for-life.com
How long does a robotic radical prostatectomy typically take?
The actual procedure normally takes 1 ½ to 2 hours for experienced robotic surgeons. Depending on the anatomy, presence of adhesions (scar tissue) and other factors, the operation could take up to 1 hour longer.
Source: www.stjosephsatlanta.org
What is robotic prostatectomy and when is it used for prostate cancer?
Robotic prostatectomy is the newest and most advanced surgical option for qualified patients. In this minimally invasive procedure, surgeons use the latest robotic-assisted technology to remove cancerous tissue and at the same time spare nerves surrounding the prostate that control bladder and potency. If your doctor recommends surgery to treat your prostate cancer, you may be a candidate for robotic prostatectomy.
Source: www.jamesline.com
How long does it take to perform robotic prostatectomy?
In Dr. Kaynan's hands, open surgery takes about 2 hours, and robotic surgery takes about 3 hours. All of the benefits to robotic surgery reviewed here were based upon examination of prior patients with significantly longer operative times than what is now currently the norm. Further, the extra time is immaterial in the sense that there is no significant increase in complications.
Source: roboticurologicsurgery.com
Does the Da Vinci Prostatectomy robot perform the operation?
Absolutely not: The robot is completely under my control. The robot allows the surgeon to operate in small spaces in the abdomen.
Source: www.roboticoncology.com
How long does the Da Vinci Robotic Prostatectomy take?
Typically it takes about 2.5 to 3 hours depending on the anatomy of the prostate and the body habitus.
Source: www.roboticoncology.com
How long does it take to recover from a prostatectomy?
In most cases, you will be in the hospital between 2-5 days after your surgery and in rare cases longer. Read more .
Source: www.prostatecancer.info
