Radical prostatectomy – Da Vinci

Radical prostatectomy is a surgical method that includes the complete removal of a cancer-affected prostate, seminal vesicles, and, in some cases, lymph nodes potentially affected by cancer. It is one of the most commonly used treatments for prostate cancer and is considered to be the gold standard in the treatment of this disease.

The assessment of a candidate is carried out by examining the patient and their medical records so that the urologist can make an informed decision on the suitability of the procedure. 

The patient will undergo a general examination before radical prostatectomy is recommended. This enables the physician to assess the patient’s overall health and their medical history. The decision to perform a radical prostatectomy will depend on the patient’s symptoms and treatment goals.

On the day of the procedure, our medical staff will carefully prepare the patient for the procedure. We will take care of all the details so that the patient can focus on relaxation and mental preparation. The patient must refrain from food for several hours before the procedure – our medical staff will provide detailed instructions regarding the commencement of the fasting period. 

With utmost precision and complications at the lowest possible level, the procedure is performed by a urologist surgeon using a Da Vinci robot. During a radical prostatectomy, the patient is under general anesthesia. Smaller incisions are made on the abdominal skin, five in total: two incisions are 5 mm in length, two are 10 mm in length, and one larger incision of approximately 30 mm in length is made at the end of the procedure and used for prostate removal. The incisions are located in the lower abdomen to minimize the risk of complications. Through the incisions, the surgeon inserts surgical instruments of 5-10 mm in diameter for a precise performance of the procedure.

After the procedure, the patient stays in the recovery room until the effect of anesthesia completely subsides. The patient will receive IV medications and analgesics, and their condition will be regularly monitored.

Our staff will help the patient get up from bed and take the first steps. It is important to breathe and exercise regularly to accelerate the recovery.

On the second day after the procedure, the patient will be able to get up from bed and move without assistance. Movement is important because it improves circulation and promotes faster recovery, but it is also important to rest regularly during the day.

If the postoperative wound is dry, the surgical drain will be removed. The urinary catheter will stay in place for a while.

Patients usually recover and may be discharged between days 4 and 6.

In some cases, patients are discharged with the catheter in place, and our experience shows that this usually does not present a problem. If the catheter needs to be removed after hospital treatment, the patient can schedule an appointment at Priora IMC. Alternatively, the catheter can be removed at another facility if the patient lives far from Priora IMC. Our physicians will provide detailed instructions regarding wound care and catheter use.

Robotic-assisted laparoscopy procedures can be performed safely today, with acceptable outcomes in terms of disease control and functional recovery of the patient; however, although rare, complications related to infection, incontinence and erectile dysfunction are still possible. It is necessary to bear in mind that an experienced facility and surgeon must be chosen for radical prostatectomy.