Single port vs. Multi-port DaVinci Robot for RARP

I just had the multi-port done. And a drainage port high on the left side. I believe I was put in a decline position, to facilitate, drainage and to help in getting the intestines out of the way. No swelling or discoloration, minor discomfort for a few days, Very Happy, with my post-op so far.

Experienced the single port surgery in June. Very happy as there is no pain whatsoever post surgery. Took a shower a day after surgery. No swelling, some reddish in my catheter one day after surgery but clear thereafter. Removed the cath on day-6 and regained continence immediately. Post op has been great beyond expectation.

I suppose the surgeon who has access to single port would also have access (and many experience) to multi port, not vice versa. I believe the less incision should lead to less blood loss and faster recovery.

Godspeed to us all

Thanks and congrats on your good result. Where did you have your surgery?

Thanks, sending lots of well wishes.

At the Mayo Rochester. I believe they have 2 single-port and several multi-port DaVinci.

Had multiport at Jax Mayo two weeks ago. Also had 13 lymph nodes removed. Catheter removed on eighth day postoperative. All incisions are healed. Swelling is gone. Only took Tylenol for minor pain for two days. All lymph nodes, vesicles, vans, and margins were pathologically negative. Beginning to regain bladder control. Doing exercises to strengthen floor. Praying for continued healing. 74 years old.

I had the multi-port at Buffett Cancer Center in Omaha in late May and have been pleased. I had no drainage tubes. Catheter removed one week post-op. Still dealing with the leakage but working on it. They were able to spare the nerves which is a plus. Post surgical pathology showed I was Stage 3 as a tumor not found during the biopsy was larger and had broken through. The biopsy results were 4+3 and 4+4. My PSA went from 7 to just under 10 in about five months. Good news is my lymph nodes and vesicles were all negative. First post surgical PSA was less than .05 so now I'm on a 3 month schedule for blood tests.

Great news! I'm scheduled there for next month. I assume it's multi-port but not sure. What Dr. performed your surgery? Thanks

Just because something is new doesn't mean it's better. A surgeon with 50+ multi-port cases/ year for more than 5 years is probably a very good bet. Sometimes equipment manufacturers are bringing out new stuff to make a buck, and some doctors like to play around with new toys. Best not to be an early adopter.

I had multi-port RALP 3+ months ago with no pain after leaving the recovery room, no narcotics @ home, walking the afternoon of surgery. I don't know anything about single port, but have trouble (as a retired surgeon who did laparoscopies for 40 years) envisioning why it would be "better" than multi-port.

Thanks, this is very helpful. My husband has interviewed an impressive surgeon who has done 4500 RALP procedures but his center uses multi-port. One friend said this could be a minus, but didn't seem like a dealbreaker to us.