Robotic Prostate Surgery

The da Vinci robot has revolutionized the way that surgery has and will be performed globally. Thousands of patients have benefitted from the use of this technology.

• Provides improved visualization with enhanced high-definition (1080p) imaging with10x magnification and 3D vision
• Motion scaling with tremor filtration that eliminates tiny, uncontrollable movements in the surgeon’s hands
• An ergonomic way of performing the procedure, as the surgeon sits at a surgical console and utilizes the enhanced visualization and surgical tools

Miniature incisions and a laparoscopic approach that allow the potential for:

• Quicker return to normal activity
• Shorter hospitalization (most patients go home the next day)
• Reduced risk of incontinence and impotence
• Less blood loss and transfusion
• Reduced pain (most patients do not require pain medication after discharge)

While it is not possible that all patients have the same results, we strive on a daily basis to continually improve our outcomes and help each and every patient achieve cancer cure with minimal side effects. It is also important to note that, as with all medical and surgical treatments, there are side effects associated with the treatment of prostate cancer. Cancer recurrence, incontinence and impotence are the things that we strive to avoid but can occur in some patients. Other complications can also occur: though rare, some patients can require blood transfusions, or have issues with bowel function or injury. Additionally, we screen our patients extensively to avoid cardiac or pulmonary problems. Complications are not common and seem to lessen with increasing surgical experience, but all patients should be aware of the possibilities.

The mission of the GRI is to ensure that our hand-selected team is comprised of the world’s best and brightest medical staff. With that in mind, we have built a team of over 50 professionals who strive to serve our patients and support the surgical team’s pursuit of excellence. We have assembled a comprehensive team to deliver the best option to each patient that comes to our Institute. We take a multi-modality and multi-disciplinary approach to patient care, collaborating with experts in radiation oncology, medical oncology and internal medicine to provide the optimal comprehensive approach to urologic cancer to our patients. Surgery is not the best option for all patients; therefore, we evaluate each patient individually and assess the potential prostate treatment options of active surveillance, radiation therapy, androgen deprivation and other surgical modalities.

The state-of-the art facilities at AdventHealth are unparalleled. From the resort inspired facility at Celebration Health to the hub of Central Florida's healthcare at AdventHealth Orlando, patients travel from all over the globe to receive their treatment at our hospital. Fine dining, hotels and entertainment abound in Orlando, and patients and families often extend their stay in Orlando to take advantage of these amenities.

After robotic prostate surgery, recovery time is much shorter compared to that of traditional open prostatectomy or laparoscopic prostatectomy. The overall recovery time from prostate surgery varies from one man to the next; however, here are some typical recovery times of patients who have elected to have robotic-assisted prostatectomy:

• Nearly all patients go home within 24-hours of surgery compared to a typical three day stay for traditional open prostatectomy
• Most patients are able to have their catheter removed within 4-6 days after surgery
• The majority of our patients are back to normal daily activities within 1-2 weeks. Men with jobs that require heavy lifting will need to be on light duties for 4-6 weeks
• Nearly all patients regain full bladder control within 3 months and 30% regain full control in the first week.
• Factors affecting an individual's outcomes:
  • Experience of surgeon performing the surgery
  • Patients pre-operative function
  • For sexual function recovery, the presence or absence of a sexual partner
  • Aggressiveness of cancer
  • For sexual function recovery, the type of nerve sparing performed
  • Adherence to post-operative penile rehabilitation

Walking and Kegel exercises are recommended to help speed up the recovery process. This regular but gentle form of exercise will strengthen the pelvic floor and also help improve continence, weight control and cardiovascular health.

Our experience at AdventHealth is that post-operative prostate surgery recovery time has been condensed. Taking time to allow your body to heal and following the guidelines above will help ensure your prostate cancer recovery meets your, and our, expectations.

Knowing What to Expect Provides Peace of Mind

Knowing what to expect before and after robotic prostatectomy surgery will help you best prepare for this procedure. The first thing you should expect is good outcomes. Our surgeons have demonstrated superior results for cancer control, urinary continence and the ability to have sex after prostate surgery.

Visit both our before prostate surgery and after prostate surgery pages for specific advice on pre and post-operative care.

General Guidelines

Keep in mind that recuperation and recovery after prostate removal surgery is different for every patient; however, here are some general guidelines.

• Nearly all of our patients leave the hospital within 24-hours after their surgery.
• Most patients are able to have their catheter removed within 4-6 days after surgery.
• More than 30% of our patients have full bladder control within one week following surgery. Nearly all patients regain full bladder control within 3 months.
• After prostate surgery, the majority of our patients are back to normal daily activities within 1-2 weeks. Men with jobs that require heavy lifting, will need to be on light duties for 4-6 weeks.
• Potency outcomes depend upon patient characteristics and your preoperative performance.

Factors affecting an individual's outcomes:

• Experience of surgeon performing the surgery
• Patients preoperative function
• For sexual function recovery, the presence or absence of a sexual partner
• Aggressiveness of cancer
• For sexual function recovery, the type of nerve sparing performed
• Adherence to postoperative penile rehabilitation

Your choice of a robotic prostatectomy normally leads to fewer complications, reduced post-operative pain, and quicker return to a normal lifestyle. If you have any additional questions on what you can expect, contact us today.

Before Prostate Surgery - Proper Preparation is Essential

Once you have elected to have robotic prostate surgery, our team will be with you every step of the way. We will guide you through the pre-operative process in order to make your experience as easy and stress-free as possible.

At AdventHealth, our team will work with you to optimize your general health in order to achieve the best possible outcomes. Our medical team is comprised of many world-class specialists, and we are committed to addressing all of your health needs, including:

• General fitness
• Cardiovascular health
• Smoking Cessation

Our research has shown that by optimizing your overall health, your prostate cancer survival rates are greatly enhanced. We have a world-class fitness facility in the Fitness Centre at AdventHealth Celebration Health that is dedicated to helping you achieve your optimal health before prostate surgery.

Prostate Cancer Treatment Begins with Your Primary Physician

In most cases once you've been diagnosed with prostate cancer, your primary care physician and/or urologist will assist you with the necessary tests required before prostate surgery. This should be done approximately four weeks before surgery. If you have any questions regarding pre-operative tests please email us or call at Call866-923-2863.

Robotic Prostatectomy - Revolutionizing Prostate Cancer Surgery

Your choice of robotic prostatectomy has greatly increased your chances of successful prostate surgery. This minimally invasive and precise cancer treatment has both short-term and long-term benefits. At AdventHealth, we are committed to providing our patients with the latest advancements in medical technology.

Day of Surgery Medications

You may take all your normal medications with a sip of water, except oral diabetic medication, ACE inhibitors (ie.. Altace, lisinopril, enalapril, ramipril, Zestril) and diuretics such as hydrochlorothiazide (HZT). Call our office if you have any questions about your medications. Due to COVID-19 restrictions we encourage you to contact our hospital concierge for the latest visitor guidelines by calling Call1-407-303-4000.

On the day of your surgery, you may use valet parking or park in one of the lots in front of the building. Your procedure will take place at AdventHealth Celebration, located at 400 Celebration Place, Celebration, Florida 34747. You will need to report to the hospital main entrance. Our concierge will meet you in the front lobby of the hospital to escort you to the surgery area and walk you through the process.

After your surgery is completed, Dr. Patel will call your family and give them an update on your status.

During Your Hospital Stay

Once your surgery is over, you will be taken to the recovery room, where your post-operative care will start. You will be there for at least one to two hours. The skilled nurses will monitor your vital signs to ensure you wake up properly and are stable after surgery. Once you have woken up and have met the recovery room’s criteria for discharge, you will be transported to your private room, where you will spend the remainder of your hospital stay. Your family and friends will then be told to which room you are going and where to wait. Due to COVID-19 restrictions we encourage you to contact our hospital concierge for the latest visitor guidelines by calling Call1-407-303-4000.

The nurses that take care of you have been specially trained in robotic prostatectomy surgery and understand the special attention you need and what needs to be done to optimize your care.

What to Expect After Prostate Surgery

The surgeons at AdventHealth are known for providing excellence in patient outcomes, so you can expect good results from your surgery. After surgery you should plan on:

• Spending one night in hospital. Most patients go home within 24-hours
• Being back to normal activities within 1-2 weeks
• An early return of urinary control and sexual function based on preoperative function
• A short period of catheterization
• A low complication rate

After Prostate Surgery - Taking Care of Yourself is Essential

After prostate surgery, it is essential to take proper care and precautions to aid in your recovery. This page provides general information about recovery times and follow-up visits.

After Prostate Surgery - What's Next?

• Most of our patients start walking within 4 hours of surgery with help from our nursing staff. After you arrive home, try walking every hour for at least 10 minutes. Within a week, you should increase the amount you are walking. By 6 weeks you should be walking 3 or more miles a day (based on individual limitations) to help strengthen the pelvic floor.
• At first, walking outside is best. Don’t return to the treadmill until several weeks. Biking, motorcycling, horseback riding, yard/field equipment is not recommended for six weeks.
• It is recommended to abstain from sexual activity for four weeks after prostatectomy. (See sex after prostate surgery for more information)
• Your first follow-up visit will be within four to seven days after robotic prostate surgery. This appointment is to check your recovery, remove your catheter, and discuss the final prostate cancer pathology.
• After prostate surgery, the majority of our patients are back to work within 1-2 weeks. Men with jobs that require heavy lifting need to be on light duties for four to six weeks.