Robotic Prostatectomy

What is a prostatectomy?

A prostatectomy is an operation to remove the prostate gland. It is one of the main treatments for prostate cancer.

What does "robotic" mean?

"Robotic" does not mean a robot does the operation. The surgeon is in charge the whole time. The surgeon sits at a console next to the operating table and controls fine instruments through small cuts in the abdomen. The instruments are attached to robotic arms that copy the surgeon's hand movements very precisely.

The system used at Urology NSW is the da Vinci robot. The surgeon sees a magnified, three-dimensional view inside the body and the instruments can move in ways that would not be possible with the human hand alone.

How is it different from open or keyhole surgery?

The aim is the same in all three: to remove the prostate, with as much sparing of nearby nerves and structures as possible.

• Open surgery uses one larger cut.
• Keyhole (laparoscopic) surgery uses several small cuts and long instruments.
• Robotic surgery also uses several small cuts, but the instruments are guided through robotic arms.

Dr Kooner can offer all three. The choice depends on the cancer and the person.

Dr Kooner's experience

Dr Kooner performed the first robot-assisted radical prostatectomy in NSW and has now done over 3,000 robotic procedures. He has trained other surgeons in this technique. He continues to review his own results and presents at international meetings.

What does the operation day look like?

You will usually come into hospital on the day of surgery. The operation is done under a general anaesthetic, so you are asleep the whole time.

After surgery, most people stay in hospital for a short time to recover. A urinary catheter (a thin tube to drain the bladder) is needed for a short period after the operation.

Specific catheter time and length of stay depend on each person's situation and will be discussed at your appointment.