FAQ
Most Common Questions
01. Is special training required to robotic surgery?
Yes. Dr .K. Ramesh, was trained and certified as robotic surgeon at Roswell Park Cancer Institute, Buffalo, United states. The learning curve for robotic surgery is reduced for person who has done both open and laparoscopic surgery in past.Dr K. Ramesh has operated a number of laparoscopic urology procedures in Apollo hospitals, Chennai in the past with good results and without any complications. He has been commended for his performance by Dr .P C. Reddy, chairman, Apollo Hospital group.
02. Am I a good candidate for robotic surgery?
No, the risk of needing a blood transfusion is less than 1%
03. Do I need blood transfusion?
For the most part all patients that are candidates for standard open radical prostatectomy are good candidates for robotic radical prostatectomy. The only exception to this rule is for patients that have undergone extensive intra-abdominal surgery and patients with increased intracranial pressure.
04. Does it hurt to have the foley catheter removed?
No.
05. Does robotic surgery cost more than open surgery?
Yes. But we do have special pacakges for various robotic procedcures. This state of art technology is available here in Apollo Hospitals, Chennai at 1/5th of the cost incurred for the same procedure abroad.
06. How long does the procedure take?
As long as it takes to do a good job. Typically this takes about 2 and half hour to 3 hours.
07. How long will I need to stay in the hospital?
2 to 3 days
08. How long will I need to wear the catheter?
About 7 days.
09. How soon can I return to work after robotic surgery?
Usually after 2 weeks for office work and 4 weeks for work requiring strenuous activity.
10. Is robotic surgery covered by insurance?
Partly
11. What are the disadvantages of robotic surgery?
The main limitation of robotic surgery is a lack of tactile sensation. However, in most cases this does not affect the outcome of surgery since it is nearly impossible to feel the difference between cancerous and benign tissue.
12. Why is robotic surgery better than the conventional open approach?
Typically robotic surgery is associated with less risk of bleeding and a faster recovery. The magnification and surgical precision provided by the DaVinci surgical system help surgeons to more reliably remove all of the cancerous tissue without damaging the vital surrounding structures that are responsible for erections and urinary control.
13. Will I be able to have a satisfying sex life after robotic prostatectomy?
Robotic radical prostatectomy does not effect sensation or the ability to have an orgasm, but may limit the ability to have an erection. If a nerve-sparing procedure can be performed, approximately 75% of potent men under the age of 65 recover the ability to have sexual intercourse following robotic radical prostatectomy.
14. Will I need additional treatments for my prostate cancer?
That depends on the final histopathology report.
15. Will I need to wear diapers after robotic prostatectomy?
Most men will need to wear some kind of incontinence pad for a few weeks or months following robotic prostatectomy. About 50% of men are continent within 3 months, and 95% are continent within 1 year from the time of surgery.
16. What are the downsides to robotic prostatectomy? Does the robot ever malfunction? Is a malfunction dangerous?
Chances are extremely low. It is not dangerous to the patient as surgery can be completed laparoscopic ally or open.
17. Can I have robotic prostatectomy after TURP?
Yes
18. When can I have robotic prostatectomy after my prostate biopsy?
Chances are extremely low. It is not dangerous to the patient as surgery can be completed laparoscopic ally or open.