At Premier Medical Group Urology Division we continue to provide our patients with the latest technology, such as the da Vinci robotic surgical system.

The da Vinci Surgical System is a sophisticated robotic platform designed to expand the surgeon's capabilities. Patients benefit from the potential for significantly less pain, a shorter hospital stay, and faster return to normal daily activities - as well as the potential for better clinical outcomes. It is important to know that surgery with da Vinci does not place a robot at the controls; your surgeon is controlling every aspect of the surgery. At the same time, state of the art robotic and computer technologies scale, filter, and flawlessly interpret your surgeons hand movements into the precise micro-movements of the da Vinci instruments.

Why Robotic Surgery?
The da Vinci Surgical System is today's number one choice for both men and their doctors for the treatment of prostate cancer. This minimally invasive surgery has many benefits including better outcomes.

The benefits of robotic surgery include:

• Better and earlier return of continence and sexual function
• Less pain and less bleeding
• Excellent results in removing cancer completely
• Very tiny incisions with less scarring
• Supreme precision and shorter recovery time

What to Expect

• Pre-op: You will meet with an anesthesiologist to discuss which type of anesthesia will be used. You will also have a complete physical exam. The night before surgery you will need to use bowel prep.
• Surgery day: Typically the surgery lasts 2-4 hours. Your stomach will be filled with carbon dioxide gas to create space for the surgeon to operate. Six small incisions will be made, ¹/₂ to ¹/₄ inch in length. Ports will be inserted to keep these incisions open. The surgeon will use the da Vinci Surgical System and laparoscopic instruments to perform your surgery.
• Post op: When you wake up you will have a urinary catheter which will remain for approximately 7 days. Generally, one night in the hospital is all that is necessary, and the staff will get you up and walking as soon as you are no longer groggy. Your doctor will also prescribe pain medicine to keep you more comfortable
• Recovery: You should rest for one week post-op, although walking is recommended. Do not lift anything heavy or strain in any way for at least 4 weeks after surgery. Before the catheter can be removed, a bladder function test will be performed. Typical side effects include some incontinence and erectile dysfunction.
• Future follow-up: It is recommended that a prostate cancer patient have a PSA test every 6 months for the first 5 years and yearly after that. See your doctor regularly and be aware of any changes in your body.