Robotic prostatectomy surgery.

Despite the minimally invasive nature of the robotic prostatectomy procedure, there are still many cultural, environmental, and social issues that must be addressed. The following case study emphasizes that patient education is key to successful outcomes following robotic prostatectomy.

Care of the patient undergoing robotic-assisted prostatectomy.

Prostate cancer has many treatment options. In addition to open retropubic and perineal approaches to radical prostatectomy, laparoscopic robotic prostatectomy is available as a newer surgical option. Potential advantages of robotic surgery include reduced pain and trauma, less blood loss, reduced infection risk, shorter hospital stay, faster recovery, and less scarring (Intuitive Surgical, 2005).

Robotic-assisted laparoscopic cystectomy with ileal conduit for urinary diversion.

This case demonstrates the need for flexibility when approaching major abdominal surgery through a robotic approach. While the case was initiated with robotic technology, it ultimately had to be converted to an open procedure for reasons of patient safety and to ensure a good surgical outcome.

Care of the patient undergoing radical cystectomy with a robotic approach.

Radical cystectomy or cystoprostatectomy with urinary diversion is the gold standard for the treatment of muscle-invasive bladder cancer. Cystectomy can be through an open or robotic-assisted laparoscopic approach. Advances in laparoscopy, robotic surgery, and urological oncology have made it possible for select surgeons to perform nerve-sparing robotic-assisted laparoscopic radical cystoprostatectomy.