Am I a good candidate for robotic surgery?
For the most part all patients that are candidates for standard open radical prostatectomy are good candidates for robotic radical prostatectomy. The only exception to this rule is for patients that have undergone extensive intra-abdominal surgery.
Do I need to pre-donate blood?
No, the risk of needing a blood transfusion is less than 1%
Does it hurt to have the foley catheter removed?
No
Does robotic surgery cost more than open surgery?
No
How long does the procedure take?
As long as it takes to do a good job. Typically this takes about 2 ½ to 3 hours.
How long will I need to stay in the hospital?
Overnight, the vast majority of patients are discharged in the morning following robotic radical prostatectomy.
How long will I need to wear the catheter?
Six to eight days.
How soon can I return to work after robotic surgery?
Typically 2 weeks for office work and 4 weeks for work requiring stenous activity.
Is robotic surgery covered by insurance?
Yes.
What are the disadvantages of robotic surgery?
The main limitation of robotic surgery is a lack of tactile sensation. However, in most cases this does not affect the outcome of surgery since it is nearly impossible to feel the difference between cancerous and benign tissue.
Why is robotic surgery better than the conventional open approach?
Typically robotic surgery is associated with less risk of bleeding and a faster recovery. The magnification and surgical precision provided by the DaVinci surgical system help surgeons to more reliably remove all of the cancerous tissue without damaging the vital surrounding structures that are responsible for erections and urinary control.
Will Dr. Ornstein perform the entire procedure?
If requested, Dr. Ornstein will perform the entire procedure from the robotic consult with an experienced resident or fellow serving as the table side assistant.
Will I be able to have a satisfying sex life after robotic prostatectomy?
Robotic radical prostatectomy does not effect sensation or the ability to have an orgasm, but may limit the ability to have an erection. If a nerve-sparing procedure can be performed, approximately 70 – 75% of potent men under the age of 65 recover the ability to have sexual intercourse following robotic radical prostatectomy.
Will I need additional treatments for my prostate cancer?
That depends on the individual patient’s characteristics, particularly the PSA value and the Gleason grade. If the cancer has been detected early enough most men undergoing robotic radical prostatectomy do not need additional treatment.
Will I need to wear diapers after robotic prostatectomy?
Most men will need to wear some kind of incontinence pad for a few weeks or months following robotic prostatectomy. About 50% of men are continent within 3 months, and 95% are continent within 1 year from the time of surgery.
