A simple prostatectomy is a procedure performed for BPH which involves removing the adenoma, or enlarged obstructing prostate tissue all at the same time. It is for men with extremely large prostate glands and differs from a radical prostatectomy, which is performed for cancer. Traditionally a simple prostatectomy is performed in an open fashion through a lower abdominal incision. This procedure can also be done minimally invasively using the DaVinci robot. One of the benefits of the robotic approach is that small veins which tend to bleed during the open operation are compressed, reducing blood loss and the need for transfusion.
What are the benefits of robotic simple prostatectomy?
- Extremely large prostates can be approached in a minimally invasive fashion eliminating the need for an open incision.
- Other benefits may include decreased pain, hospital stay, blood loss and catheterization time.