Robot-assisted radical prostatectomy is a minimally invasive surgical approach. The robot does not operate independently: every movement of the system is controlled by the surgeon.
When may prostate surgery be needed?
Surgery is mainly considered for localised or appropriately selected locally advanced prostate cancer when curative treatment is indicated based on the cancer and the patient's overall health.
What is removed during surgery?
The prostate and seminal vesicles are removed. Pelvic lymph-node dissection may also be required depending on the cancer's risk features. The bladder is then reconnected to the urethra.
What does nerve-sparing mean?
The neurovascular bundles running next to the prostate play a role in erectile function. If tumour location and extent allow it safely, one-sided or two-sided nerve sparing may be attempted.
What is the Histolog Scanner, and why do we use it during prostate surgery?
When the prostate is removed, it is important to take out the entire tumour while sparing, wherever possible, the nerves responsible for erections (and partly for urinary continence). The Histolog Scanner is a device that uses rapid confocal microscopy to produce high-resolution images of the surface of freshly removed tissue, so the doctors in the operating room can make quick decisions while the operation is still under way. For the examination, we dip the removed prostate in a special dye, rinse it with saline, and then place it on the scanner’s surface from several sides to capture cellular-level images of its surface. If tumour cells are seen at the edge of the tissue, we can remove additional tissue during the same operation. This means we first remove the prostate with the greatest possible nerve sparing, and take out extra tissue only if the surgical margins show it is truly necessary. The examination is performed outside your body, on tissue that has already been removed, so it involves no additional procedure or risk for you. Please note that this rapid examination does not replace the detailed tissue (histological) examination after surgery, which still provides the final result.
What happens to urinary continence?
Temporary urinary leakage is common after surgery. Recovery varies between patients and depends on age, pre-operative function and the surgical anatomy, among other factors.
What about erectile function?
Erectile function can worsen after surgery. Recovery is strongly influenced by pre-operative erections, age, comorbidities and how much nerve sparing can be performed safely.
What is recovery like?
The hospital stay is usually 2–3 days after surgery, and the catheter is worn for 7–14 days. This also depends on individual factors and the protocol of the given institution. Return to everyday activities is generally gradual, and full recovery takes 4–6 weeks. Personalised post-operative instructions will be provided by your treating team.
What risks can occur?
As with any major operation, complications can include bleeding, infection, thrombosis, injury to nearby organs, problems at the bladder-urethra join and other complications. Individual risks should be discussed before surgery.
Frequently asked questions
Does the robot perform the operation on its own?
No. The robotic system translates the surgeon's movements to the instruments and makes no independent decisions.
Is recovery always faster after robotic surgery?
Minimally invasive surgery allows favourable early recovery in many cases, but the pace varies between patients.
Can every prostate cancer be operated on robotically?
No. The surgical approach is selected according to the cancer and the patient's individual characteristics.
This information is general and does not replace an individual medical examination or personalised surgical recommendation.