If you’ve been diagnosed with prostate cancer, you probably have a lot of questions about treatment. If your doctor has recommended surgery, you may be wondering how it works, how long recovery takes and what life will be like afterward.
A robotic prostatectomy is one way to remove the prostate and treat prostate cancer. Here’s what you should know about the procedure, its benefits and what to expect during recovery.
What Is a Robotic Prostatectomy?
During a robotic prostatectomy, your surgeon uses robotic tools to remove your prostate gland. It’s most often used when prostate cancer hasn’t spread far beyond the prostate.
Your surgeon also removes the seminal vesicles, which are glands that make part of your semen. Sometimes, nearby lymph nodes are removed, too.
Despite the name, a robot doesn’t perform the surgery on its own. Your surgeon controls every movement.
How Does Robotic Prostate Surgery Work?
Instead of making one large cut, your surgeon makes several small cuts in your abdomen. A tiny camera and surgical tools go through these openings.
The robotic system gives your surgeon a detailed, 3D view of the area and allows for small, careful movements.
You’ll be asleep during the procedure and won’t feel anything.
Here’s what happens:
- Your surgeon carefully separates the prostate from nearby tissues.
- The prostate and seminal vesicles are removed.
- Your bladder is reconnected to your urethra, the tube that carries urine out of your body.
- A catheter is placed to drain urine while the connection heals.
The removed tissue is sent to a lab to check for cancer.
Can Robotic Prostatectomy Preserve Erectile Function?
The nerves that control erections run right alongside your prostate. Depending on where your cancer is and how far it has grown, your surgeon may be able to preserve these nerves.
Even with nerve-sparing surgery, you may have trouble getting erections afterward. Recovery can take months or longer, and some men don’t regain their previous erectile function.
What Are the Benefits of Robotic Prostatectomy?
Compared with traditional open surgery, robotic prostatectomy may offer several benefits:
- Smaller cuts and less scarring
- Less blood loss
- Less pain around the incisions
- A shorter hospital stay
- A faster return to everyday activities
Robotic surgery isn’t the best choice for everyone. Your surgeon will consider your cancer, overall health, and treatment goals.
How Long Does Robotic Prostatectomy Recovery Take?
Most men go home the day after surgery, although some leave the same day.
You’ll usually have a catheter for about one to two weeks while your bladder heals. Your care team will show you how to manage it at home.
Your care team will encourage you to walk soon after surgery to improve circulation and lower your risk of blood clots.
You can gradually return to everyday activities, but you’ll need to avoid heavy lifting and strenuous exercise for several weeks. Your surgeon will tell you when it’s safe to do more.
You’ll also have follow-up appointments to review your results and check your PSA levels.
Will You Have Bladder Control Problems?
It’s common to leak urine after your catheter comes out. You might notice leakage when you cough, laugh, or get up from a chair.
Bladder control usually improves over the following weeks and months. Some men have longer-lasting problems.
Your surgeon may recommend pelvic floor exercises to help strengthen the muscles that control urination.
What Happens to Your Sex Life After Surgery?
Your doctor can discuss treatments that may help with erection problems after surgery.
You can still have an orgasm, but you won’t release semen.
That means you won’t be able to father a child through intercourse. If having children is important to you, talk with your doctor about fertility options before surgery.
When Should You Call Your Surgeon?
Call your surgical team if you have a fever over 101°F, severe pain, ongoing vomiting or little to no urine draining into your catheter bag. Call if your catheter comes out, too.
Chest pain or sudden shortness of breath could signal an emergency. Call 911.
Learn More About Robotic Prostatectomy
Deciding on prostate cancer surgery is a big step. Knowing what to expect can make it easier to prepare for treatment and recovery.
If you’re in Eugene or Springfield, Oregon Urology Institute can help you understand your choices. Call 541.334.3350 to schedule an appointment.