Robotic Prostatectomy Surgery

About robotic prostatectomy surgery

Prostate cancer can be challenging to remove. The prostate gland is located very close to nerves and muscles that are important for men’s sexual and urinary functions.

Traditional (open) surgery uses large incisions to access the prostate and remove affected tissues. In robotic prostatectomy surgery, doctors use high-tech surgical robots to magnify their vision and guide their movements.

Robotic prostatectomy enables our surgeons to remove the prostate while protecting nearby tissues. Robotic surgery offers many potential benefits, including faster recovery and fewer sexual and urinary side effects.

Why choose us for robotic prostatectomy?

Highlights of our program include:

• Expertise: Our fellowship-trained surgeons have extensive experience treating difficult cases of prostate cancer. Our surgeons regularly perform intricate procedures successfully and safely.
• Innovative techniques: We use sophisticated methods such as nerve-sparing surgery to remove cancer while protecting nearby tissues. Along with specific pelvic exercises before surgery, these techniques help maximize your sexual and urinary function.
• Coordinated cancer services: Your treatment may include other therapies, such as radiation therapy or hormone therapy. Our team of cancer doctors includes medical oncologists and radiation oncologists who provide expert guidance. You can receive leading cancer treatments in one location at Mays Cancer Center. Read more about how we treat prostate cancer.

Robotic prostatectomy: What to expect

Here’s what happens during robotic prostatectomy surgery:

• A doctor administers medication to ensure you’re asleep and comfortable during surgery.
• The surgeon sits near you at a computer console, guiding the surgical robot’s movements during surgery.
• A 3D camera offers magnified detail of affected tissues, helping us remove the prostate gland and sometimes nearby lymph nodes with extreme precision. Sophisticated nerve-sparing techniques help protect nearby nerves and muscles responsible for sexual and urinary function.
• The surgeon reconnects the bladder to the urethra. During surgery, we will place a catheter (tube that runs through the penis to the bladder). This tube is attached to a bag, which collects urine while your body heals, generally for one to two weeks.

Prostate cancer surgery: How to talk to your doctor

You may have questions about how prostate cancer surgery could affect your health or quality of life. We answer your questions and support you through treatment.

A surgeon will discuss the risks and benefits of all treatment options with you, helping you make decisions that are right for you.

We follow research-based protocols such as recommending specific pelvic exercises before surgery. This guidance helps you experience a successful recovery with fewer side effects, such as urinary incontinence or erectile dysfunction.

You might want to ask your doctor about:

• Additional testing, if any, you may need to inform an upcoming surgery
• What to expect and how long you can expect to stay in the hospital
• Your recovery, including pelvic exercises you can do before surgery to promote your body’s healing process
• Support services, including resources to help you manage any changes to your sexual or urinary function