Q. How is Robot assisted radical Prostatectomy different from open radical prostatectomy?

A. In contrast to open radical prostatectomy, the robot assisted procedure does not require a midline abdominal incision. This procedure uses tiny entry sites (ports) most of which are no longer than 10 millimeters. Then the robot is docked, allowing the surgeon to view a powerfully magnified image in real time video. The surgeons utilize advanced technology of endowrist to remove the cancerous prostate gland.

Q. Does Roswell Park Cancer Institute offers robot assisted radical prostatectomy?

A. Yes, Roswell Park Cancer Institute has an established robotic surgery service. The da Vinci® surgical system is being used by our surgeons since August 2004. Roswell Park faculty have already performed over 600 robotic assisted surgeries. The team have performed more than 500 robot assisted radical prostatectomies and over 100 robot assisted cystectomies (removal of the bladder).

Q. What are the benefits of robot assisted radical prostatectomy?

A. Different advantages are seen after the procedure:

• Unparalleled surgical accuracy
• Easy manipulation in a narrow space (Human Pelvis) of instruments to perform a gentle operation
• Significantly less pain
• Minimal blood loss
• Less hospitalization
• Early Foley Catheter removal
• Quicker recovery time

Q. Who constitutes the Roswell Park Robotic urology team?

A. The team comprises of three urologic oncologic surgeons with robotic surgery and laparoscopic surgery fellowship training. The nursing staff is constituted of a team of dedicated minimally invasive laparoscopic and robotic nurses. 

Q. Which patient is an ideal candidate for robot-assisted Radical Prostatectomy procedure?

A. Any patient with the diagnosis of localized prostate cancer and good general health can be evaluated for the procedure. The ideal procedure is to complete our consultation form or schedule a appointment.

Q. What are the risks of robot assisted radical Prostatectomy procedure?

A. Robot assisted radical Prostatectomy is a major cancer operation performed using full general anesthesia like any other major operation. The risks include infection, bleeding, injury to bowel, vessels, rectal injury, risk of erectile dysfunction and urinary incontinence. The risks associated with any major operation like cardiac event, deep venous thrombosis, stroke, and death are a possibility.

Q. How long will my hospital stay take?

A. An average patient goes home next day of the operation or can stay an extra day depending upon the recovery. All of our robotic prostatectomy patients have gone home next day after surgery.

Q. When does the Foley catheter come out?

A. We regularly remove the catheter in seven to ten days at the first postoperative clinic visit.

To learn more about the da Vinci® surgical system, you can visit their website at www.davincisurgery.com or download this PDF brochure from their site (this link requires adobe acrobat):