What is robotically assisted prostate cancer surgery?
Robotically assisted prostate cancer surgery, also referred to as a robotic-assisted radical prostatectomy or a robotic prostatectomy, is a minimally invasive surgical technique where a surgeon removes the prostate using finely controlled robotic instruments. Radical prostatectomy is the most common procedure performed at The Wesley Hospital using the da Vinci surgical robot, with our team performing about 600 prostatectomies each year.
The revolutionary improvements in medical technology have had a great impact on prostate cancer treatment and particularly on the prostatectomy operation. The Wesley has a strong focus on robotic surgery, and we use the latest technological advancements to improve treatments available to our patients. Advantages of having a robotically assisted prostatectomy include:
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Minimally invasive
Reduced pain and less blood loss.
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Faster recovery
Shorter hospital stay and quicker return to normal activity.
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Reduced risk
Lower risk of complications and less risk of urethral stricture.
The surgeon makes several small incisions in your lower abdomen to remove the prostate. He or she sits at a console, using instruments attached to a mechanical device (robot). The surgeon controls the robotic arms using natural hand and wrist movements. Robotic prostatectomy is designed to allow greater dexterity and precision than is normally achievable in open and laparoscopic prostatectomy surgery.
Typically, it takes two to four hours depending on the size of the prostate, the patient’s anatomy and constitution, and the extent of surgery.
Your hospital stay will usually be one or two nights.
Six small (1cm) keyhole incisions are used to accommodate the surgical instruments during the surgery, with a slightly longer (4cm) incision made for the removal of the prostate at the end of the operation.
The robot is a master-slave system and is completely under the control of the surgeon.
Men who are diagnosed with a localised prostate cancer are candidates for this procedure. The indications for this surgery are very similar to open surgery. Your surgeon will discuss this with you.
- Shorter hospital stay.
- Quicker return to normal activity.
- Reduced pain.
- Less blood loss.
- Lower risk of complications.
- Lower risk of anastomotic stricture.
The cost of robotic surgery can vary depending on the surgeon. Your urologist’s rooms can provide you an accurate estimate of fees.
This depends on your private medical insurance policy. Please consult your private medical insurance company for clarification of what is covered by your policy.
Meet our specialists
Note: The information here is for general reference only. To understand the benefits and risks specific to your condition and overall situation, please discuss any procedure with your treating doctor.
Your next step
To access robotically assisted prostate cancer surgery services at The Wesley Hospital, you will need a referral from your GP. From there, you can make an appointment with one of our specialists.