In prostate cancer, the current trend is to carry out more and more surgical procedures and these, as far as possible, to be carried out by robotic surgery, to improve the results in terms of urinary continence and sexual function.
This approach achieves: Optimization of tumor tissue removal. Better vision and control to preserve the neurovascular bundle (responsible for regulating the erection). Being able to be more selective and precise in dissecting the sphincter area (the sphincter is the muscle in charge of urinary continence). Other advantages are, for example, that if the surgery requires a lymphadenectomy (removal of the lymph nodes adjacent to the prostate), it is easier to perform. The probability of requiring a blood transfusion or experiencing a complication such as infection of the surgical wound is also lower.
Finally, it should also be noted that a shorter hospital stay and recovery will be necessary and the return to normal activities will be earlier.
Brief description of the procedure:
Between 4 and 5 holes are made in the lower abdomen through which the robotic instruments are inserted.When finished, the excised tissue is removed through one of the holes that is enlarged. The patient leaves the operating room with a urinary catheter and in some cases with abdominal drainage. The operation is performed under general anesthesia, lasts between 2 and 4 hours, requires an admission of around 48 hours and normally the recovery lasts between 1 and 2 weeks. The patient is discharged with a urinary catheter and this is removed after 7-10 days.
