A prostatectomy is the surgical removal of all (radical) or part (simple) of a man’s prostate gland, typically performed in the treatment of prostate cancer. Traditionally doctors have performed prostatectomies through open surgery (in which the prostate is accessed through a large incision).

Today, less-invasive procedures are available. The use of a laparoscope (a tiny camera attached to the tip of a catheter) allows doctors to perform this procedure through tiny incisions made in the abdomen, rather than large cuts. The da Vinci robotic surgical system, takes it even further – allowing your doctor to control the camera and tiny surgical tools with robotic arms.

How is da Vinci Prostatectomy Performed?

The da Vinci prostatectomy is performed in the hospital under general anesthesia.Using the da Vinci system, your doctor controls the specially designed robotic arms from a nearby console. The system precisely mimics your surgeon’s movements while eliminating small hand-shaking. During the prostatectomy, your surgeon uses the robotic arms to:

• Make several tiny incisions in the lower belly, and then thread the laparoscope into the prostate. The laparoscope’s tiny camera offers a clear, 3D, true color view of the prostate.
• Once the prostate is located, your doctor uses the robots to either partially or completely remove the prostate gland through one of the small incisions.
• After the prostate is removed, your doctor closes the incisions with sutures.

Since the procedure is minimally-invasive, your doctor may discharge you from the hospital in as little as 24 hours after your surgery.

Benefits of da Vinci Prostatectomy

The da Vinci system offers several benefits, including:

• 3-dimensional high magnification camera with true color and better control of blood loss, allowing your doctor to see more clearly while working
• More precise control of surgical tools, with small hand shaking filtered out
• Ability to make cleaner, more refined cuts
• Smaller incisions, faster recovery time and shorter hospital stay