Prostate removal surgery at MedStar Health
Prostatectomy is a surgical procedure to remove the entire prostate gland for men with localized prostate cancer. Robotic prostatectomy has transformed the way we can safely and effectively perform prostate removal surgery using minimally invasive robotic technology. In addition, our MedStar Health urologic oncologists are pioneers of various bladder neck and nerve-sparing techniques that further expedite the healing process and help men get back to their lives faster with fewer long-term side effects. In fact, we’re one of the first and only to offer pelvic fascia-sparing robotic prostatectomy in the region, enabling our patients to experience better urinary outcomes after surgery.
As part of a multidisciplinary cancer team, we offer a comprehensive range of prostate cancer treatments tailored to your unique cancer stage, health, preferences, and other factors. Your urologic oncologist will discuss all of your treatment options, explaining all of the pros and cons so you can feel confident deciding which treatment will be best for you.
Why choose us
MedStar Health urologic oncologists perform more robotic prostatectomies than anyone else in the Washington, D.C., metropolitan area, making us one of the most experienced teams in the mid-Atlantic region. Because we’re continually refining surgical techniques that spare nerves and impact on bladder continence and erectile function, our patients benefit from faster recoveries than most other centers. As a result, we’re designated as “high performing” by U.S. News and World Report in prostate cancer surgery.
What is a robotic prostatectomy?
Robotic prostatectomy is a minimally invasive surgery during which a surgeon uses robotic-assistance to treat prostate cancer by removing the prostate. A minimally invasive approach, robotic prostatectomy involves tiny incisions rather than one long incision used in open surgery. It offers all of the benefits of laparoscopic minimally invasive surgery with the added benefit of precision as a result of state-of-the-art technology controlled by your surgeon at a computerized console, including:
- A high-definition, 3D camera offers your surgeon a magnified view of the surgical site and surrounding nerves.
- Specialized instruments mounted on robotic arms that your surgeon can maneuver with greater range of motion and accuracy than the human hand or laparoscopic instruments.
Robotic prostatectomy is the standard surgical procedure offered for eligible men with localized prostate cancer, as it’s associated with better outcomes, fewer risks of complications, less pain, and faster recoveries.
Learn more about the da VinciⓇ Surgical Robot
Benefits of robotic surgery for prostate removal
Compared to open prostatectomy, robotic surgery for prostate cancer offers numerous benefits including:
- Shorter hospital stays, with most patients discharged on the same day or within 23 hours
- Less pain and scarring
- Less blood loss
- Fewer risks of complications
- Faster recoveries
Through our innovative nerve-sparing techniques, many of our patients also benefit from faster return of bladder control and erectile function. In addition, we also use novel reconstructive techniques that allow the urethral vessel to heal faster, decreasing the amount of time our patients will need to have a catheter after surgery.
Other types of robotic prostatectomy
Pelvic fascia-sparing robotic prostatectomy
We are pioneers of a game-changing robotic procedure that allows us to surgically treat prostate cancer with less impact on urinary function following surgery. Pelvic fascia-sparing robotic prostatectomy is an innovative surgical approach that significantly reduces the risk of urinary incontinence, or urine leakage after surgery. As a result, the procedure substantially improves our patients' quality of life without compromising cancer outcomes.
Compared to a standard robotic prostatectomy, men undergoing pelvic-fascia sparing robotic prostatectomy:
- Had higher rates of continence (98% vs. 81%)
- Achieved continence earlier (49 vs. 64 days)
- Demonstrated 80% lower risk of suffering from incontinence one year following surgery
- Had significantly better overall quality of life one year following surgery
Recovery after prostate removal
Most men are discharged from the hospital less than 23 hours after surgery. Depending on the time of your procedure, it may be possible to go home on the same day. You will be discharged when your pain is controlled, you’re tolerating a liquid diet, and you’re walking without difficulty.
Your doctor will provide specific instructions for your recovery. After you return home, you can generally expect to:
- Continue walking, which decreases the risk of blood clots and other complications
- Have a catheter in place for urine drainage from the bladder. Your care team will teach you how to care for this and advise on when and how it should be removed, depending on the type of catheter your doctor uses.
- Avoid driving until the catheter is removed.
- Stay hydrated and gradually return to your regular diet.
Return of bladder and sexual function may take some time, and your urologic oncologist will help you understand what to expect in the year after surgery. Most men can return to work and hobbies within one to six weeks, depending on the activity level involved.
Research and clinical trials for prostate cancer surgery
Our urologic oncologists are leaders in robotic prostatectomy, publishing in major peer-reviewed publications and teaching others in the field. In addition, our specialists have received numerous grants from the National Institutes of Health (NIH), National Cancer Institute (NCI), and other organizations, including the highest level R01 grant to study robotic prostatectomy outcomes. Through this study, we’re evaluating the effect of new surgical techniques on cancer control and quality of life for our patients after surgery. Through our collaboration with the Georgetown Lombardi Comprehensive Cancer Center, our patients also have access to industry-sponsored clinical trials that may not be available elsewhere.
Our locations
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MedStar Health: Urology at MedStar Georgetown University Hospital
3800 Reservoir Road, NW Pasquerilla Healthcare Center 3rd Floor Washington, DC 20007
MedStar Health: Urology at Lafayette Centre
1133 21st St., NW Building 2 Floor 6 Washington, D.C., 20036
MedStar Health: Urology at MedStar Washington Hospital Center
106 Irving St., NW Physicians Office Building (POB) Ste. 315 Washington, D.C., 20010
MedStar Health: Urology at Chevy Chase
5530 Wisconsin Ave. Ste. 950 Chevy Chase, MD 20815
MedStar Montgomery Medical Center
18101 Prince Philip Dr. Olney, MD 20832
MedStar Health: Medical Center at Leisure World Boulevard
3305 North Leisure World Blvd. Silver Spring, MD 20906
MedStar Health: Medical Center at Mitchellville
12158 Central Ave. Mitchellville, MD 20721
Patient stories
Frequently asked questions
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Am I a candidate for robotic prostatectomy?
Robotic surgery is most commonly a treatment option for men with the earliest stages of prostate cancer. However, robotic prostatectomy may also be part of a multi-modality treatment plan for men with locally advanced stage three prostate cancer, if they meet certain criteria. Your urologic oncologist and other cancer specialists will discuss all of your best treatment options, including whether or not robotic prostatectomy would be beneficial for you.
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Is pelvic fascia-sparing robotic prostatectomy as effective as a standard prostatectomy?
Yes, our data shows that pelvic-fascia-sparing prostatectomy is just as effective at curing prostate cancer as standard prostatectomy while also improving quality of life by reducing long-term side effects, such as urinary incontinence or impact on erectile function.
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When can I safely travel after surgery?
After any kind of surgery, there is a low risk of deep vein thrombosis (DVT), which is a blood clot that can form most commonly in the leg. Because air travel involves long periods of sitting, people who have surgery should wait approximately two weeks before safely flying on an airplane.
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When can I start being active after surgery?
It’s important to begin walking shortly after surgery, and walking will continue to play an important role in your recovery. Most men can generally resume more moderate activity, such as pickleball, golf, or tennis, around four weeks after surgery.
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Is robotic prostatectomy covered by insurance?
Yes, most major health plans cover minimally invasive surgery, including robotic surgery. Please contact your insurance provider to confirm your coverage.