Robot-assisted Laparoscopic Radical Prostatectomy

Minimally invasive treatment of prostate cancer

The Robot-assisted Laparoscopic Radical Prostatectomy (RALRP) requires several small incisions through which trocars are inserted. Trocars, hollow cylinders through which instruments and cameras can be placed inside the abdomen, attach to the Robot and sophisticated robotic instruments are inserted and removed by the surgical assistant. The instruments are controlled by a surgeon who sits at a console and sees the 3-dimensional magnified images from the telescope positioned in the patient’s abdomen. The enhanced 3-dimensional, binocular vision and the dexterity of the robotic instruments speed the procedure and the patient’s recovery without compromising the primary goal that must always be to cure the Prostate Cancer.

The advantages of RALRP to the patient include less pain, less blood loss, shorter hospital stays, faster postoperative recovery, earlier urinary catheter removal, and quicker return to normal activity. For men whose prostate biopsy or preoperative PSA suggest an aggressive tumor, lymph node excision can be performed at the time of surgery to better stage disease and determine prognosis. In addition, nerve sparing and earlier return to urine continence are attributed to robotic prostatectomy.

In general, early stage prostate cancer will be cured by radical prostatectomy. In all individuals, post treatment PSA is monitored. If evidence of persistent or recurrent prostate cancer is identified, radiation therapy may be added to surgery in the comprehensive treatment plan. However, in cases of radiation therapy failure, surgery is not an option for salvage (see cryotherapy).

The University of Cincinnati Urology Division is one of the leading urology programs, not just in Cincinnati, but in the U.S. UC Urology provides quality health care using the most advanced technology and state-of-the-art diagnostic treatments. Many of our urologists are recognized in multiple national and local "Best Doctors" and "Top Doctors" listings. We provide minimally invasive surgical treatments which include laparoscopic, robot-assisted laparoscopic and endourologic procedures as well as comprehensive care for all urologic conditions.