daVinci Robotic Simple Prostatectomy

A SIMPLE prostatectomy treats BPH (Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia or Enlarged Prostate). The BPH causes obstruction from the bladder. Removal of the BPH tissue (this does not remove the entire prostate) relieves the obstruction.

CLICK HERE to learn about BPH/Enlarged Prostate

 
The simple prostatectomy does not remove the entire prostate, only the BPH tissue. You will have general anesthesia. The surgeon will place the robotic trocars in the abdomen and one of the trocar sites will be extended to remove the enlarged tissue. The surgeon will expose the enlarged prostate tissue through the bladder, remove the enlarged central tissue, reestablish the urethra to place a catheter, and repair the bladder. You will wake up with a catheter in place. You will stay in the hospital overnight.

The simple prostatectomy relieves the obstruction from the enlarged prostate. Men will urinate with a stronger stream and have improvement in the ability to empty the bladder.

  • Bleeding: Bleeding is common during the procedure given the vascularity of the enlarged prostate tissue. Transfusions are very uncommon.
  • Infection: The risk for infection is moderate given the catheter.
  • Failure to relieve the obstruction: Most men will urinate much better after this operation.
  • Anesthetic Risk: Variable depending on patient age and other health problems.
  • Incontinence: Very uncommon with this procedure.
  • Sexual Function: Most commonly absence of ejaculate fluid. Erectile dysfunction is a small risk depending on preoperative status.
 
Alternatives for a simple prostatectomy are the HoLEP procedure and Prostatic Artery Embolization.
 
This answer depends on the level of obstruction. Men with urinary retention (wearing a catheter) will want to do the procedure as soon as possible. Men with progressive urinary symptoms needing treatment can defer to an elective, convenient time.

You will see your primary physician for a preoperative evaluation for surgery. You may also need to see other specialists for confirm your fitness for anesthesia. You will be asked to stop blood thinning medication. You will do a bowel preparation the day prior to the operation. You should arrange for someone to help you with cares at home for after you are discharged from the hospital.

You will stay in the hospital overnight. You will go home with a catheter for one week. Most men begin light activity within 2-3 weeks and normal, heavier activty in 6-8 weeks. Men should be able to urinate right away after catheter removal with good urinary control. Transient incontinence is uncommon and will usually resolve within a couple of weeks.