Robotic Radical Prostatectomy (RARP)

RARP involves removing the prostate and seminal vesicles by separating them from surrounding structures, including the bladder, urethra (waterpipe), and pelvic floor. After the prostate is removed, the bladder is rejoined to the urethra using absorbable stitches.

If possible, we try to preserve the nerves to the penis which allow you to get an erection (nerve sparing).

RARP is performed using the da Vinci robotic surgical system, through six to seven keyhole incisions in the abdomen, with one larger (5-10cm) incision to remove the prostate.

The procedure is performed under a general anaesthetic (completely asleep).

Robotic surgery is peformed using the the daVinci robotic surgical platform. It allows complex operations to be performed with miniaturised instruments through keyhole incisions in your abdomen.

The robotic surgical instruments are under the control of your surgeon at all times.

The advantages of robotic surgery include faster recovery, smaller incisions and scars, less blood loss, and a shorter post operative hospital stay.

Our Urologists were instrumental in establishing Queensland’s first robotic surgery unit at Greenslopes Private Hospital.

RARP usually requires a one to three night stay in hospital.

A catheter is inserted at the end of the procedure. It is usually removed seven days after the procedure. You will be given detailed instructions on how to manage the catheter at home.

You will have mild pain in your abdomen for several weeks after the operation. You will be given pain relief medication in hospital and at home to manage this.

You can usually return to most activities two to four weeks after a RARP, but you need to avoid heavy lifting and straining for six to eight weeks.

It is common to have have temporary leaking of urine (urinary incontinence) after RARP. This will improve for the majority of men in the months after the procedure.

It is also common to have trouble achieving erections (erectile dysfunction) after the operation, even if a nerve-sparing procedure is performed. This may be temporary or permanent. Treatment is available for post-prostatectomy erectile dysfunction, including oral medications, injections into the penis, a vacuum erection device, or an implant into the penis.

The prostate is sent for further testing after the operation. The results tell us how likely it is that the operation has cured the cancer.

The majority of men with prostate cancer that is confined to the prostate (localised) wont require any further treatment after surgery.

We monitor for signs of prostate cancer recurrence after the operation with a PSA blood test. If there is evidence of cancer recurrence, further treatment such as radiation therapy or hormone therapy may be required.