Roboterassistiert Da Vinci Konsole Schlaufen

Open or robotic-assisted surgery?

The Martini-Klinik uses both surgical techniques.

Complete removal of the prostate in open surgery
The conventional technique is known as radical retropubic prostatectomy. In this method, the prostate is removed via a small incision in the lower abdomen. This operation is performed using microsurgical technology, including special loupes for magnification.

Minimally invasive, robotic-assisted surgery
This method is applied at the Martini-Klinik using the da Vinci® surgical system. The operating surgeon performs the procedure with the help of a robotic surgical system, which is fitted with microsurgical instruments and a camera system that provides a three-dimensional image. Four of the five operating theatres at the Martini-Klinik are now equipped with a robotic-assisted surgical system.

This makes it possible to tailor the surgical method to each patient’s specific clinical picture. Most patients are equally suitable candidates for both methods.

Accompanies you through this topic

Prof. Dr. Alexander Haese
Faculty member

Surgery duration

The graph shows how surgery times have gone down in the eight years since the introduction of the robotic-assisted surgery method in 2008. The two curves have now almost converged.

Time to catheter removal

The second graph shows how the length of time from surgery to catheter removal changed over the first eight years of use of the robotic-assisted surgical method. This is because the application of the sutures when reconnecting the bladder and the urethra can be visually monitored in robotic-assisted radical prostatectomy (RARP). This means we can be certain of the quality of the sutures, which in turn enables us to remove the catheter.

Facts about continence and potency following open and robotic-assisted prostatectomy

Summary

At the Martini-Klinik, we rely on both surgical methods. As a rule, surgeons with the best possible training and experience are more likely to achieve successful outcomes in terms of preserving continence and potency. But which surgical method is right for you? In an initial consultation with you, your surgeon will examine whether there are medical criteria in favour of either method (such as the tumour stage, your physical constitution, any comorbidities, your age, etc.). As ever, we will ensure you have all the information you need to make your own decision.

You can choose elective services that are not medically necessary, such as the use of a robotic-assisted surgical system, regardless of your insurance status. We charge for such services separately; this co-payment will not be reimbursed by your health insurance provider.

More information

Conventional open prostatectomy
Robotic-assisted prostatectomy (da Vinci® surgical system)

What surgical methods are available for prostate cancer?

For treating prostate cancer via a radical prostatectomy, a distinction is drawn between two surgical techniques: open surgery and minimally invasive, robotic-assisted surgery.

Open surgery

The conventional method, open radical retropubic prostatectomy (RRP) is a surgical method that, through decades of use, has become the standard choice for the surgical treatment of clinically localised prostate carcinoma. This surgical method has been further developed, refined and improved over the years.

Minimally invasive, robotic-assisted surgery

The da Vinci® surgical system is a robotic-assisted system. It assists doctors in laparoscopic surgeries. Instead of making large incisions in the abdomen, small incisions are sufficient to insert the necessary instruments as well as a camera to provide an optimal, magnified view inside the patient.