LAPAROSCOPIC AND ROBOTIC PROSTATECTOMY

WHAT IS LAPAROSCOPIC SURGERY?
Laparoscopic surgery is a minimally invasive surgery, a modern surgical technique in which the surgeon uses narrow tubes (trocars) through which gains access to the patient's abdomen. The use of a laparoscope, a telescopic rod connected to a camera, and allows the provision of light and image onto a screen.

WHAT IS THE ROBOT ASSISTED SURGERY?
Robotic-assisted surgery is the use of robots in performing surgery. The doctor operates the robot which performs the surgery. There are many advantages in robotic-assisted surgery as described below.

WHICH ROBOT IS USUALLY USED IN PROSTATE;?
The da Vinci robot is generally used for removal of the prostate, in the case of prostate cancer. It is perhaps the most famous robotic surgical device in the world, as it was the first robotic system established. It belongs to the telesurgical devices, which means that a man directs the robot moves. The technology allows the surgeon to go closer to the surgical site by the human eye will allow.

WHAT IS THE ROBOTIC PROSTATECTOMY?
Robotic prostatectomy is a surgical procedure using a robotic system, which completely removes the prostate gland in the case of cancer.

WHAT ARE THE BENEFITS OF ROBOTIC METHOD IN COMPARE WITH THE TRADITIONAL METHOD?
There are many benefits to a robotic surgery:

• Because of the small incisions in the abdomen, there is less tissue damage and scarring is rarely formed.
• The robotic assisted surgical procedures typically result in less post-operative pain and discomfort for the patient.
• Shorter recovery time for the patient: shorter postoperative recovery time in the hospital, and quicker return to normal activity level. Generally, patients will spend one night in the hospital .
• Improved accuracy : The robot reduces fatigue that doctors face during major surgery lasting several hours. Even the stability in human hands can not be compared with those of a surgical robot, especially after a long period of time.

AM I A CANDIDATE FOR ASSISTED ROBOTIC PROSTATECTOMY?
Most men diagnosed with localized prostate cancer are candidates for robotic surgery. Your urologist can advise you appropriately.

WHAT ARE THE RISKS FROM PROSTATECTOMY?
The prostatectomy has significant risks, since it is a surgical procedure. Patients are at risk of infection. Other potential risks is excessive bleeding, thrombosis, impotence, incontinence, hernia at the incision, and infertility. These risks are reduced admittedly using the robot.

WILL A CATHETER BE INTRODUCED AFTER RADICAL PROSTATECTOMY?
Yes. Just as with any type of prostatectomy, at the robotic prostatectomy, a catheter is left in the urethra and connected to a drainage bag. The catheters are usually removed five to seven days after surgery.

WILL I HAVE INCONTINENCE AFTER PROSTATECTOMY?
The Prostatectomy can cause temporary urinary incontinence but usually the bladder control improves quickly. Normal continence or physiological control of urination is expected within six months.

WILL I HAVE ERECTIONS AFTER PROSTATECTOMY?
This will depend on your age, sexual function before the operation, coexisting diseases, drugs, the presence of emotional and psychological pressure, and most importantly the extent of your cancer will determine whether the nerves of erection to be kept by the surgeon .
The restoration of erectile function is variable, it can be restored in 6-12 months after prostatectomy, but there were cases return operation within 4 weeks spontaneously or with the aid of some drugs.
84% of those who underwent prostatectomy reported 1-2 years later that their erectile function has returned to normal, but about 13% had erections which was weaker than it was before surgery.