To help you prepare for a robotic prostatectomy, we’ve outlined the typical patient experience from initial consultation through surgery and follow-up care. If you have specific questions or concerns, feel free to ask your physician and other members of the UCSD Robotic Surgery Program.
Before surgery
Before your surgery is scheduled, you’ll have a detailed consultation with your physician to determine whether you’re a candidate for robotic prostatectomy and evaluate the extent of your disease. This consultation will include a physical exam, blood tests, a thorough review of your family and medical history, and transrectal ultrasound imaging.
You are a good candidate for this surgery if:
- You have clinically localized prostate cancer
- You have a life expectancy of more than 10 years
- You are in good health and are fit enough to undergo anesthesia
You are not a good candidate for this surgery if:
- You are very obese, i.e., your Body Mass Index (BMI) is 40 or higher
- You have severe pulmonary disease
- You have had extensive lower abdominal surgery
When your surgery is scheduled, you'll also be scheduled for a preoperative appointment to consult with your anesthesiologist, as well as having an EKG (electrocardiogram), a chest x-ray, and possible additional lab tests. You will also receive any pre-surgical dietary or preparation instructions at this appointment. Expect to spend one to two hours for this pre-op exam.
The day of surgery
The day of your surgery, you’ll meet with your doctors, nurses and anesthesiologist before your procedure. The surgery itself will take approximately 2-1/2 to 3-1/2 hours. During the procedure, the entire prostate gland and seminal vesicles are removed. After this, the bladder is reattached to the urethra. A catheter is inserted into the bladder to allow drainage of urine while healing takes place.
When the procedure is complete, you’ll spend about an hour and a half in the recovery room, then be transferred to the regular post-op ward. You’ll be able to drink fluids shortly after that and in the evening, you’ll be able to walk with assistance.
The day after surgery
The day after your surgery, your intravenous lines will be removed and you’ll be shown how to manage your urinary catheter, which remains in place for about a week. You’ll also receive instructions for post-operative medications, including pain medication, and learn how to care for your incisions. Normally, you can return to a regular diet by breakfast or lunch time. The majority of patients are able to go home in the afternoon.
One week after surgery
Your catheter will be removed within six to eight days after surgery during an office visit. During this visit, your physician will review the results of your surgical pathology report. You’ll also discuss urinary function recovery and sexual function rehabilitation.
Six weeks after surgery
Approximately six weeks after your procedure, you'll receive your first post-surgery PSA test. Your PSA should drop to undetectable levels after surgery. Generally, your PSA levels may be checked at three or six-month intervals for the first three years, depending upon the risk of cancer recurrence.
More Information
Learn About Robotic Prostate Surgery in this Fox6 News Interview with Robotic Surgery Pioneer Dr. Christopher Kane.
Read a sample consultation between a UCSD surgeon and a patient considernig robotic surgery
Watch a 52-minute presentation on the Advantage of Robotic Surgery
Mark Talamini MD, discusses the advantages of these new technologies and how they are best applied.