Steps involved in the procedure:
Preparation and pre-operative assessments
Before the procedure, patients undergo a thorough evaluation, including medical history, imaging tests, and blood work. A urologist assesses the prostate and overall health to ensure suitability for robotic surgery. Pre-operative instructions regarding medications, diet, and fasting are provided to prepare the patient for surgery.
Anesthesia details
The patient is placed under general anesthesia during the surgery, ensuring they remain unconscious and pain-free. An anesthesiologist monitors the patient’s vital signs throughout the procedure to maintain safety and comfort. The anesthesia is carefully adjusted to suit the patient’s medical needs for the duration of the operation.
Robotic Surgical Technique:
- Small Incisions: Several small incisions (0.5-1 cm) are made in the abdomen, minimizing tissue damage and promoting faster recovery. These small incisions reduce scarring compared to traditional open surgery while providing access to robotic arms and cameras.
- Insertion of Robotic Arms: Robotic arms are inserted through incisions and offer 360-degree rotation for precise access to difficult areas. Controlled remotely by the surgeon, they ensure accuracy and enhance precision during the surgery.
- Laparoscope (Camera and Visual Assistance): A laparoscope with a camera is inserted to provide high-definition, magnified images of the prostate. This enhanced visualization helps guide the surgeon in performing the procedure with greater accuracy and precision.
- Prostate Removal: The surgeon uses robotic arms to remove the prostate gland, minimizing damage to nearby tissues. The robotic system’s dexterity improves precision, reducing complications and enhancing the preservation of erectile and urinary functions.
- Minimal Damage to Surrounding Tissue: Robotic systems allow for precise tissue dissection, minimizing trauma to surrounding structures. This advanced maneuverability reduces the risk of damaging organs and nerves, ensuring a more accurate procedure than traditional methods.
- Enhanced Surgeon Control and Flexibility: The surgeon controls the robotic arms using a console, which offers real-time feedback. The precision of the system enhances accuracy during prostate removal, improving overall outcomes for the patient.
Completion and closure
After the prostate is successfully removed, the surgical area is carefully examined to ensure all cancerous tissues are addressed. The small incisions are closed with sutures or staples, and a catheter is placed temporarily for drainage. The procedure concludes with post-operative monitoring and care to ensure proper recovery and prevent complications.