What Is Robotic Prostate Surgery?

Robotic prostate surgery is a modern surgical method used in the treatment of prostate cancer or some advanced prostate diseases, in which the surgeon performs the operation with the help of a robotic system. The most widely used system is the da Vinci robotic surgery system. This method offers a more precise, controlled and minimally invasive approach than open and conventional laparoscopic surgery.

In this surgical method, the robot does not perform the operation “on its own”; all control belongs to the surgeon. The surgeon performs the operation by directing the robot arms from the console.

In Which Diseases Is Robotic Prostate Surgery Used?

Its most common area of use is prostate cancer:

Prostate cancer (radical prostatectomy)
Selected cases of benign prostatic hyperplasia
Complex prostate patients who have had previous surgery

What Is the Purpose of Robotic Surgery?

The main goals are as follows:

To completely clear the cancer
To preserve urinary control
To preserve sexual functions as much as possible
To reduce bleeding and complications

How Is Robotic Prostate Surgery Performed?

The surgery is performed under general anesthesia and consists of the following stages:

Small Incisions Are Made

A few small holes are made in the abdominal area.

The Robot Arms Are Placed

The surgical instruments are connected to the robotic arms.

The Surgeon Controls From the Console

The surgeon manages the operation with:

3D high-resolution imaging
A magnified field
Precise movement control

The Prostate Is Removed

The cancerous or diseased prostate tissue is removed.

The Urinary Tract Is Reconnected

The bladder and the urinary canal are joined again.

Advantages of Robotic Surgery

Less Bleeding

Small incisions
More precise vascular control

Faster Recovery

Shorter hospital stay
Fast return to daily life

Less Pain

A more comfortable process than open surgery

More Precise Surgery

It is easier to apply nerve-sparing techniques
The chance of preserving urinary control and sexual functions can increase

Clearer Imaging

More precise work with three-dimensional magnified imaging

Disadvantages of Robotic Surgery

High cost
Not being available in every center
Dependence on the surgeon’s experience
A longer operation time in some cases

The Postoperative Period

Usually a 1 to 3 day hospital stay
Catheter use for 7 to 14 days
Return to daily life within 4 to 6 weeks
The recovery process varies from person to person

Its Effect on Urinary and Sexual Functions

Urinary Control

Leakage may occur in the first weeks
It usually improves over time

Sexual Function

It can be preserved with nerve-sparing techniques
The recovery process can take a few months

Is Robotic Prostate Surgery Safe?

Yes. When performed in experienced centers:

It is a safe method
The complication rate is low
The oncological success is high

Who Is It Suitable For?

Early and intermediate-stage prostate cancer
Patients with a general health status suitable for surgery
People with a suitable life expectancy

Summary

Robotic prostate surgery is a modern, precise and minimally invasive surgical method in the treatment of prostate diseases, especially prostate cancer. Because of less bleeding, faster recovery and the potential to preserve functions, it is increasingly preferred today. With correct patient selection and an experienced surgeon, the rate of achieving successful results is high.