Robotics: FAQs

Because of the precision of the technique and the magnification of the daVinci laparoscopic camera, the completeness of cancer removal is reported in the literature to be as good as open surgery and in some reported series higher than open surgery.

The procedure typically takes two to two and one half hours, although times can be increased depending on each patient's anatomy.

The daVinci is FDA approved for radical prostatectomies and is being used routinely in over 300 locations worldwide. Each daVinci system is rigorously maintained, tested, and upgraded as necessary by Intuitive Surgical.

Open radical prostatectomy is a highly sophisticated and finely developed operation. When it comes to surgery, whether you perform it through an open incision or via the daVinci robotic technique, the same things matter: operative time, blood loss, negative margin rates, post-surgical pain, time to recovery of urinary control, time to recovery of erections, time until recovery to full physical activity. All of this information has been published and is available on daVinci robotic surgery and it shows equal, and in some cases, better outcomes when compared to open surgery. The beauty of daVinci robotic surgery is these outcomes are accomplished while minimizing bleeding and pain. Why suffer if you don't have to?

In the unlikely event of malfunction, the daVinci system will be withdrawn and the surgery can proceed without it. The instruments and supplies necessary to perform the surgery without the daVinci are kept on hand so that conversion, if necessary, can occur seamlessly. To date, this has not occurred at our facility.

One of the many benefits of the daVinci robotic approach is minimal loss of blood. Our transfusion rate is around 1% therefore it is not necessary to give blood prior to the procedure.

Yes, all patients undergoing radical prostatectomy will not be able to father children after the procedure. However, the nerves that give the ability to have erections can be spared allowing many patients to continue to have erections and climax after the surgery.

One of the advantages of the daVinci robotic approach is decreased pain which results in easier recuperation. Thus, most individuals undergoing this operation will be able to resume light activities within 23 hours of surgery and can resume full unrestricted activity in 2 weeks. However, each individual heals at his own rate.

No. Even when the nerves are preserved, it takes time for them to heal and function. While many patients are able to return to sexual activity, the recovery varies based on the patient's age, whether one or both nerves were spared, and what their pre-surgical level of erectile function is.

Many patients are able to return to light work in less than one week. However, many patients take time off for one or two weeks after the daVinci robotic prostate surgery, particularly if your job involves lifting and bending. Long-term disability is not necessary after this procedure since complications are rare and recovery is typically rapid. Any further time off will be recommended if medically necessary.

Many daVinci robotic prostatectomy patients have been able to go home the day after surgery. Sometimes a second or third night's stay is necessary depending on the return of bowel function.