Robotic radical prostatectomy Melbourne

A Radical Robotic Prostatectomy is one of the treatment options for Prostate Cancer. This surgery involves removing the prostate gland and seminal vesicles. In some instances, a lymph node dissection is also required.

Our Education video is available for you to view prior to having your procedure. (CLICK HERE TO VIEW)

The video demonstrates a typical patient journey from admission to recovery through theatre. The video also discusses the objectives of surgery and most importantly your pre surgery and post-surgery care requirements.

You will meet with our Urology Nurse prior to surgery who will be able to answer any questions you may have and will provide you with hospital paperwork and any pre-op tests that may be required.

If time permits at your initial appointment with the surgeon, you will be given information on pelvic floor exercises and advised to see a Continence Physio at your earliest convenience. You are required to start your pelvic floor exercises immediately and continue until the day before surgery.

Before surgery

  • Ensure your hospital paperwork has been submitted at least 7 days before surgery.
  • Ensure your bowels are regular and that you have your bowels opened on the morning of surgery.
  • Ensure you have all your tests completed 4-7 days before surgery. These include bloods, ECG and urine test.
  • Arrange to see a Continence Physiotherapist – details will be provided by the Practice Nurse.
  • Fasting time: If your surgery is scheduled in the morning, you are required to fast (nothing to eat or drink) from midnight. If your surgery is scheduled in the afternoon, you are required to fast (nothing to eat or drink) from 8am. These are approximate times. Sometimes the hospital staff may vary fasting time if surgery is delayed.
  • You will be admitted on day of surgery. Time will be determined by hospital staff. You will receive a call the day before your surgery is scheduled and a time will be given to you.
  • Once admitted, you will be issued with anti-embolic stockings (compression stockings). You are required to wear these throughout your admission and at home up until the day you return to have your catheter removed.
  • If you are a Diabetic, please speak to the Practice Nurse at your earliest convenience.
  • If you are on any blood thinning medications, then please alert the nurse at your earliest convenience.
  • Please inform staff if you have any allergies.

Following discharge

  • It is normal to feel tired following surgery. It is important you get plenty of rest, eat a well-balanced diet and do gentle exercises such a walking. Avoid stairs if possible for the first few weeks.
  • You are advised to avoid heavy lifting for 4 weeks (2 kilos is too heavy) and any strenuous exercise or activities for 4 weeks. Strenuous exercise includes bike riding, running, horse ring and golf.
  • Ensure your bowels are regular. A high fibre diet with adequate fluids is essential. Avoid constipation as this may cause discomfort whilst the catheter is in. Sometimes mild laxatives are required. Speak to the Practice Nurse for further advice.
  • Take regular pain relief if required. Avoid codeine as this may cause constipation.
  • Your wound dressings can remain intact. Waterproof dressings will be re applied before you leave hospital. These may remain intact until you come back to have your trial of void (catheter removed) either in the rooms or in hospital.
  • Pelvic floor exercises should not recommence until after the catheter is removed. Performing your pelvic floor exercises with a catheter in place will only create more pain and discomfort for you.
  • You will have a catheter in place for 7-10 days. You will be provided with verbal and written instructions on how to care for your catheter, how to empty your leg bag, how to attach the overnight bag each night and disconnect each morning and how to ensure correct anchoring to avoid unnecessary discomfort and pain. It is important to contact the rooms during office hours or your surgeon’s after hours pager number if your catheter has fallen out or if your catheter is blocked. If difficulties contacting the surgeon after hours, please call the ward you were discharged from. Do not present to any emergency department or allow a non-urology doctor to manipulate or change your catheter.
  • You will return to either the rooms in Heidelberg or the hospital to have your catheter removed (Trial of void). The exact date for this will be given to you by the nursing staff on the day you are discharged.
  • You will return to the rooms approximately 4 – 6 weeks following removal of your catheter for your first appointment. Please call the rooms if this appointment has not been made for you.
  • Return to work is dependent on the type of work you do. Generally being off work for 4-6 weeks is recommended. If you wish to return earlier you will need to discuss this with your surgeon.
  • No driving is allowed for 2 weeks.
  • It is important you contact the Practice Nurse if your urine flow slows down, it is taking you longer to empty your bladder and you’re going to the toilet more frequently.

You must contact the rooms if you experience any of the following:

  • Redness, swelling and presence of purulent discharge from the wound
  • Fever, chills, sweats
  • Swelling and redness in your legs
  • Shortness of breath/back pain
  • Cloudy, offensive urine
North Eastern Urology