Robotic Prostatectomy: A Modern Approach to Prostate Cancer Surgery

Robotic-assisted radical prostatectomy has become the gold standard surgical treatment for localized prostate cancer in the United States. Using the da Vinci surgical system, urologists can remove the prostate through small keyhole incisions with greater precision than open or traditional laparoscopic surgery. Dr. Christopher Vendryes, MD performs robotic prostatectomy for patients across South Florida.

How Robotic Surgery Works

The surgeon operates the da Vinci robot from a console, controlling four robotic arms equipped with miniaturized instruments and a high-definition 3D camera. The system filters tremor and translates the surgeon's hand movements into ultra-precise micro-movements inside the body.

Advantages Over Open Surgery

Compared to traditional open prostatectomy, robotic surgery offers smaller incisions, dramatically less blood loss, shorter hospital stays (usually one night), faster return to normal activities, and improved preservation of urinary continence and erectile function thanks to enhanced visualization of the neurovascular bundles.

Nerve-Sparing Technique

Whenever oncologically safe, Dr. Vendryes preserves the neurovascular bundles that run along the prostate and control erectile function. Magnified 3D vision allows the precise dissection needed to maximize functional recovery without compromising cancer control.

The Procedure

Surgery takes approximately 2 to 4 hours under general anesthesia. The prostate, seminal vesicles, and surrounding tissue are removed and sent for pathology. The bladder is then reconnected to the urethra over a temporary catheter.

Recovery Timeline

Most patients go home the next day with a urinary catheter in place for 7–10 days. Light activity resumes within 1–2 weeks, full activity within 4–6 weeks. Urinary continence usually returns within 3 to 12 months; erectile recovery is more variable and often supported with medications or devices.

Cancer Outcomes

Long-term cancer control rates with robotic prostatectomy are equivalent to open surgery — both depend primarily on cancer stage and grade rather than surgical approach. Surgeon experience is the single biggest factor in functional and oncologic outcomes.