Laparoscopic prostatectomy?

That is not robotic.

robotic surgery gives the surgeon a clear and precise view and better dexterity, it typically results in less pain, fewer complications and quicker recovery time for the patient.

Did you ask why they are not doing it robotic?

No, I haven't heard from anyone. I may not see the surgeon until the day of surgery.
I have a feeling that robotic surgery is only done a private hospitals. Not sure.
I just hope that recovery isn't much different.

All I have to go on is:
"Peter has Gleason 4 + 3 prostate cancer. PSA 4.5 and bladder outflow obstruction. Hence he is not ideal candidate for radiation. We have placed him on the waitlist for a laparoscopic radical prostatectomy."

You need to consider getting a second opinion. Robotic surgery is done almost everywhere.

Do you happen to live in Canada, that’s why the private hospital comment? Canada does not have as many options as we have in the United States, I’ve never heard of the lack of robotic surgery being one of them.

New Zealand.
Most healthcare is free, unless you choose to go privately.
I guess that's why I'm not getting a robot. Hope recovery is similar.

Are you entitled to ask if your surgery will be nerve sparing?

Is there any way you can afford a private hospital?

Good luck on your journey.

Bob

I'm going to ask about nerve-sparing, because it doesn't seem worth it if there's a chance that the nerve bundles may also contain cancer.
It's already booked in for the 24th, so I just have to wait.

Dr Patrick Walsh's book reports that laproscopic surgery in the hands of an experienced surgeon is the desired procedure, whether robotic or not.
Some drs are more proficient or experienced in one or the other, or both. And robotic can not always be utilized on some patients.
I would suggest clarifying, but either is appropriate.
Best wishes.

I also recommend getting clarifications. Laparoscopic only means that the surgery issues cameras. I encourage you to ask if the surgery will be robotic and the experience of the surgeon (how many prostatectomies the surgeon has performed. These are standard questions in all countries.

The medical team should also discuss their plan on nerve sparing surgery.

Did you already know about the bladder outflow obstruction? And did they explain how they will treat this as part of the procedure?

Ideally, you have additional information prior to the surgery so that your medical team believes the PC is contained within the prostate. Certainly a Gleason 4+3 and PSA 4.5 give you a higher likelihood of PC containment within the prostate, but it is typical to have other information (Decipher test, scan, etc) to help your medical team discuss treatment options.

Lastly, with a good experienced surgeon performing a robotic surgery, your recovery time is typically quicker. Also, starting your kegel exercises before surgery is typically recommended to aid in the recovery of post op continence.

Best wishes for a quick recovery and this being the last treatment that you ever need for PC.

Just getting ready to check out of the hospital from robotics removal of prostate. A little sore but went better than I expected. Caught early didn’t need to remove lymph nodes since 3plus 3. Had cancer and lesion in prostate with family history. Nerve sparing was done. Next pathology report on prostate. Sore by incisions hoping to recover quickly. Walking don’t feel that bad catheter in for ten days. Not bad either. Been doing kegerator exercises for months hope leakage has quick recovery also

I had a laparoscopic robot assisted prostatectomy at Mayo in Rochester 18 months ago, on 3/21/2023. Surgery was 3 weeks after I talked with the surgeon. I was Gleason 3+4, with a small area of 3+5.