Robotic Prostatectomy: How the Operation for Prostate Cancer Works

Surgery for prostate cancer has two main objectives: complete removal of the tumour and, as far as possible, preservation of the patient's urinary and sexual function. In this regard, robotic technology gives the surgeon a very fine degree of control in an anatomical area that is difficult to access.

Robotic prostatectomy is the procedure by which the prostate and seminal vesicles are completely removed with robotic assistance through small incisions. The robotic system provides the surgeon with a magnified three-dimensional image and highly mobile instruments, enabling precise dissection in the vicinity of the urinary sphincter and the nerve structures involved in erection.

The decision to proceed with this operation is made based on the stage of the disease and the individual profile of each patient.

Recovery after surgery

The restoration of urinary continence and erectile function varies considerably from one patient to another. Factors that influence recovery include the patient's age, pre-operative urinary and sexual function, and the extent to which the nerve structures in the area can be preserved during the procedure.

Robotic surgery facilitates a minimally invasive approach; however, the final outcome – both oncological and functional – depends on the correct indication for the procedure, the experience of the medical team, and careful post-operative monitoring of the patient.