Prostate Cancer
The Operation
The faculty of The Smith Institute for Urology has extensive experience with both the "open" and robotic approaches to radical prostatectomy. Typically, the length of the operation is two to three. The open operative is performed through a single incision, approximately 8-10 cm in length, starting just below the umbilicus and extending down to the pubic bone. The daVinci robotic prostatectomy is performed through 5 or 6 small incisions, one of which is hidden in the umbilicus. With either the open or robotic surgery, a small drain is used for 24-48 hours, and removed prior to leaving the hospital. In addition, a "Foley" catheter. drains the bladder and exits the penis. Patients are discharged from the hospital with this catheter, and it is removed in their surgeon's office 5-7 days after surgery.
