RADICAL PROSTATECTOMY
Removal of prostate due to a tumor – a robot-assisted radical prostatectomy (RARP)
Robot-assisted radical prostatectomies are one of the most advanced methods of prostate cancer treatment. This minimally invasive, robot-assisted surgery removes the cancer-affected prostate but does not damage the adjacent nerves and arteries important for the correct function of the bladder and for the sexual function. In the following areas surgery using the Da Vinci system offers patients many potential advantages compared to traditional open surgeries:
Better visual overview of an operation
Studies show that in comparison with open surgery, experienced physicians using a robotic system on more advanced prostate tumors have a higher percentage of success in the removal of whole tumors (without a so-called positive margin).
Faster restoration of normal erectile function
Studies show that patients not suffering from erectile dysfunction before the surgery can restore their normal erectile function sooner than patients who underwent radical prostatectomy via traditional open surgery.
A better chance for full urinary continence
Studies show that the majority of patients have full continence restored after six months of regular exercise of the pelvic floor, in comparison to patients after open radical prostatectomy.
Typical hospital stay procedure
Patients are usually admitted to the Urology Clinic one day before surgery. Before the surgery they are administered a glycerine suppository for bowel movement. Food, drink and cigarettes are prohibited from midnight before the surgery. Patients lock their belongings in a personal locker on the day of the surgery. Diazepam („premedication“) is usually administered before patients leave the ward during the preparation for anesthesia. Patients are transported to the operating theatre by a nurse and handed over to an anesthesiologist. They have a brief check / interview which is followed by the administration of anesthesia. After the surgery, they are transported to the sleep-in room for about 2 hours where they can fully wake up and be regularly checked. Patients are then taken back to their beds in the Urology Clinic. A urinary catheter is inserted in the urethra during the surgery and usually removed on the 5th day after the surgery. A drain is inserted into the abdominal cavity for 1-3 days. There are usually 5 small scars on the abdomen after the surgery. Patients are discharged from hospital on the 6th day, free from any „tubes“.