What is robotic prostatectomy?

Robotic prostatectomy is a minimally invasive surgical procedure used to remove the prostate gland with the assistance of robotic technology. The prostate gland, located below the bladder and in front of the rectum, is an essential part of the male reproductive system. It surrounds the urethra, which serves as the passage for urine and semen out of the body. Robotic prostatectomy is performed mainly for the treatment of prostate cancer or benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), commonly known as an enlarged prostate.

There are several advantages of robotic prostatectomy.

  • Unmatched precision: This procedure uses the da Vinci Surgical System, a robotic system that translates the surgeon’s hand movements into precise actions taken by miniaturized instruments inside your body. This approach helps spare nerves and other structures, which can improve postoperative outcomes.
  • Minimally invasive: Unlike traditional open surgery, robotic prostatectomy involves small incisions where surgical instruments and a camera are inserted. Smaller incisions and instrument movements typically result in less blood loss.
  • Easier recovery: Patients generally experience less postoperative pain compared to open surgery, making recovery time shorter and allowing them to go home sooner. In addition, patients often return to normal activities more quickly.

While a prostatectomy can be traditional or robotic, and both are performed at Penn Medicine, some of our surgeons focus exclusively on doing robotic-assisted prostatectomies, making Penn Medicine one of the highest-volume robotic prostatectomy centers in the United States. Higher surgical volumes are often associated with better outcomes and quality of care due to increased familiarity and efficiency.

Who is a candidate for robotic prostatectomy?

If you have a prostate-related condition that needs surgical intervention, such as localized prostate cancer or BPH, your Penn Medicine provider may recommend robotic prostate surgery.

Patients being considered for robotic prostatectomy surgery will receive a thorough evaluation from a multidisciplinary team of Penn Medicine experts, including surgeons, oncologists, and urologists. This team collaborates to determine the best treatment plan tailored to your needs.

What to expect during a robotic prostatectomy at Penn Medicine

Prior to your robotic prostate removal surgery, your doctor will give you details about the procedure and provide an opportunity for you to ask questions. Your care team will go over your medications, review your health history, and provide guidance on surgical preparation. Additionally, you may need to undergo preoperative tests and evaluations, such as imaging or heart tests, to evaluate your overall health for the surgery.

Here’s what you can expect on the day of your robotic prostatectomy procedure:

  • You’ll receive sedation anesthesia, ensuring you’re comfortably asleep and pain-free throughout the surgery.
  • The surgeon will make several small incisions in your abdomen to insert the robotic da Vinci Surgical System instruments and camera.
  • The surgeon controls the robotic arms from a computer console, which translates their hand movements into precise motions of the instruments in your body. The instruments remove your prostate gland and surrounding tissue if necessary.
  • Your urethra will be connected to your bladder, and a catheter will be inserted for urine drainage while you heal. Your surgeon will then secure the incision with stitches or staples.
  • Typically, the procedure lasts for two to four hours.
  • Once the surgery is completed, you’ll be carefully monitored as you regain consciousness from anesthesia, and pain management will be provided to assist your recovery.
  • Expect to spend one to two days in the hospital. The urinary catheter will be left in position for about a week to heal your surgical site. Your provider will discuss what you can anticipate upon discharge.

After returning home, it’s important to attend all scheduled follow-up appointments with your surgical team. These visits are vital for your healthcare providers to oversee your recovery progress and address any further care or ongoing monitoring needs.

Robotic prostatectomy recovery

The recuperation process after robotic prostate removal varies from person to person. Generally, most patients can resume their usual activities, including sexual intercourse, within four to six weeks. You may notice sexual function may be slightly different post-surgery—you can still experience orgasm, but your ejaculate may contain minimal to no semen.

Temporary incontinence is a common side effect following robotic prostatectomy. You might experience a sudden urge to urinate or have difficulty controlling urine leakage. Typically, this period lasts from six to 12 weeks.

Practice patience as your body heals and take the time needed for recovery. If you have any concerns or questions during this process, reach out to your Penn Medicine provider for assistance and support.

Advantages of robotic prostatectomy at Penn Medicine

Our urologists are national leaders in robotic prostate removal. When you partner with us, you can expect:

  • An experienced prostate cancer team: Our urologists have used robotic surgery to treat prostate cancer for decades. We perform more of these operations weekly than any health system on the East Coast. Our surgeons’ deep experience leads to great outcomes for our patients.
  • Accurate and fast diagnosis: We believe in performing prostate removal only when necessary for your well-being. That’s why we provide state-of-the-art diagnostic techniques that help distinguish between aggressive and non-aggressive prostate cancers to help prevent over-treatment.
  • Survivorship care: Your care doesn’t end after your prostate surgery. If you have additional needs, we have doctors who specialize in follow-up care for prostate cancer survivors. They treat and manage urinary leakage and sexual health concerns after prostate surgery.
  • A national leader in cancer care: Our cancer program participates in clinical trials, which give you access to the latest treatments available.
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