Things you should know about Laparoscopic Prostate Surgery?

The term “laparoscopy” refers to looking inside using a telescope or camera. The procedure performed with the help of these cameras is referred to as keyhole, laparoscopic porthole, or minimally invasive surgical procedure. 

Traditional surgery required a lengthy incision (Cut) across the middle of the abdomen and a long recovery time. Laparoscopic surgery can eliminate the need for this massive cut. This means that you could experience minor discomfort and scarring following surgery, faster recovery, and a lower chance of developing an infection. 

Laparoscopy for removal of the prostate is a routine procedure. Patients who undergo this procedure are less likely to lose blood as well as less need to take pain medications and shorter hospital stays. Faster return to normal activities, quicker removal of urinary catheters (Tubes that are inserted through the penis to remove urinary fluid from the bladder and faster recovery)

The robotic-assisted radical prostatectomy procedure is an increasingly well-known surgery that is performed through tiny abdominal incisions using robotic arms that convert the surgeon’s hand movements into finer and more precise actions.

Laparoscopy seems to treat prostate cancer as efficiently as surgeries performed with an extensive cut. 

What are the Advantages of Laparoscopy?

Similar to other procedures that are minimally invasive laparoscopic prostate surgery has many advantages over traditional surgery:

• Laparoscopy can cut down the length of your hospital stay by one or two days. A majority of patients are discharged within a day of surgery.  (The duration of the stay will depend on how fast you heal and the extent of your procedure.)
• There is less bleeding in the course of the procedure
• It is less likely that you will require prescription painkillers once you have left the hospital. Patients usually require only Tylenol. 
• When you attend your follow-up appointment one week following surgery, the catheter or tube which drains the bladder will be removed if there aren’t symptoms of any other health issues. Sometimes, the catheter stays in place for a further week, just like the standard procedure.
• Around 90% of patients can be back at work or resume full-time activity in just 2 or 3 weeks. 

Do I Quality for this Surgery?

You could be eligible if prostate cancer hasn’t spread beyond the prostate and isn’t highly intractable. It’s possible not to be qualified if you’ve previously had laparoscopic or open pelvic surgery, regardless of the reason. 

What are the Side Effects?

Medical research suggests that signs of impotence and incontinence are similar to those experienced by patients who undergo minimally invasive and traditional surgical procedures. Men typically recover to normal urinary functions within three months. 

This is because this method is nerve-sparing, the man’s ability postoperatively to get an erection must be comparable to the conventional surgery. However, recent studies have demonstrated no distinction between laparoscopic and open surgery, also known as Open Radial Prostatectomy (ORP). 

How Do I Prepare for a Surgery?

The surgeon will consult with you to address any questions you might have. The doctor will ask you questions about your medical history, and your doctor will provide you with a thorough physical exam. If your intestine requires cleaning, you’ll be prescribed the use of a laxative drug in the evening before the procedure. 

Every patient is asked to provide an unbiased blood sample. Based on your health condition and age, it is possible to have an EKG and a chest Eray or lung function test or other tests to determine your body’s capacity to deal with the pressure of surgery. 

Then you’ll meet with an anesthesiologist to discuss the kind of anesthesia you’ll receive during your procedure. Also, you will learn about the control of pain following the procedure, which could include the use of a PCA (Patient-Controlled Analgesia) pump.

What happens after the surgery?

It is possible to adhere to a liquid diet initially before gradually eating solid foods. However, if you return to your home, you’ll be following an easy diet, which usually is no raw fruits and vegetables. A dietitian will be able to provide specific guidelines. 

Nausea and vomiting are typical because the intestines are temporarily blocked during anesthesia and surgery. In addition, the doctor can prescribe medication to alleviate these symptoms that will get better in a few days after the surgery.

You’ll be advised to take a step out of bed and walk as often as you can, beginning the day following surgery. You must gradually increase your exercise level in the first six weeks after surgery. You must not lift or push more than 30 pounds. Also, you should avoid abdominal exercises, such as sit-ups.