Robotic Prostatectomy in Bangkok

Robotic Prostatectomy in Bangkok

Da Vinci robotic-assisted radical prostatectomy for prostate cancer treatment — delivering precision oncologic control with optimized preservation of continence and erectile function. Bangkok Hospital Headquarters’ Center of Excellence for Robotic Urological Surgery.

Medically reviewed by Dr. Soarawee Weerasopone, MD — Board-Certified Urologist · Robotic Surgery Fellowship, Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, Taiwan

What Is Robotic Radical Prostatectomy?

Robotic-assisted laparoscopic radical prostatectomy (RALP) is the surgical removal of the entire prostate gland and surrounding tissues using the Da Vinci Surgical System. It is the most common surgical approach to prostate cancer worldwide and offers superior visualization, precision, and tissue handling compared to open or conventional laparoscopic surgery. For background on how this technology developed and where it is heading, see the rise of robotic urological surgery.

Advantages Over Open Surgery

• Smaller incisions — 5–6 keyhole ports instead of one large abdominal incision
• Reduced blood loss — typically less than 200 mL versus 500–1000 mL in open surgery
• Shorter hospital stay — typically 2–3 days versus 5–7 days
• Faster recovery — return to normal activity in 4–6 weeks
• Better nerve-sparing precision — improved preservation of erectile function
• Improved continence outcomes — with proper technique, urinary control returns earlier
• Magnified 3D visualization — 10x magnification of surgical field

Pre-Operative Workup

• Prostate Biopsy — confirms cancer diagnosis with Gleason score grading
• Multiparametric MRI — maps tumor location, extracapsular extension, lymph node status
• PSMA PET-CT — modern staging modality for higher-risk cancers
• Bone scan — when indicated for higher-grade disease
• Pre-operative continence and erectile function assessment — baseline for postoperative comparison
• Anesthesia review and cardiac clearance when indicated

Most patients reach this point after an elevated PSA result. What a high PSA actually means explains how false positives are excluded and how the decision to biopsy is made.

The Procedure

• Anesthesia: General anesthesia
• Operative time: 2–4 hours
• Surgical approach: 5–6 small abdominal incisions for robotic ports
• Nerve-sparing: Selectively preserves the cavernous nerves responsible for erections, when oncologically appropriate
• Lymph node dissection: Performed when indicated based on risk classification
• Hospital stay: 2–3 nights
• Catheter duration: 7–10 days
• Return to non-strenuous activity: 4–6 weeks
• Penile rehabilitation: Initiated early to optimize erectile recovery

자주 묻는 질문 (FAQ)

Q1: Is robotic prostatectomy better than open surgery?

경험이 풍부한 외과의가 시행할 경우 로봇 및 개복 수술 간의 암 치료율은 동등합니다. 그러나 로봇 전립선 절제술은 출혈량이 현저히 적고, 절개 부위가 작으며, 입원 기간이 짧고, 회복이 빠르며, 신경 보존술의 정확도가 향상됩니다. 현재 대부분의 국제 의뢰 센터에서 선호되는 방법입니다.

Q2: Will I have urinary incontinence after surgery?

카테터 제거 직후 일시적인 요실금이 흔히 발생합니다. 대부분의 환자(85–95%)는 적절한 골반저 재활 치료를 통해 3–12개월 이내에 요실금 증상이 호전됩니다. 현대적인 수술 기법을 적용할 경우, 영구적이고 심각한 요실금은 드물게 발생합니다(5% 미만).

Q3: Will I have erectile dysfunction after surgery?

발기 기능의 회복은 수술 기법(신경 보존), 연령, 수술 전 발기 기능이라는 세 가지 요인에 따라 달라집니다. 65세 미만의 남성 중 양측 신경 보존 수술을 받은 경우, 60–80%는 12–24개월 이내에 만족스러운 발기 기능을 회복합니다. PDE5 억제제, 진공 장치 또는 주사를 이용한 조기 음경 재활 치료는 치료 결과를 현저히 개선합니다.

Q4: What is the cancer cure rate?

장기 내 국한된 전립선암의 경우, 근치적 전립선 절제술 후 10년 암 특이 생존율은 95%를 초과합니다. 국소 진행성 전립선암의 경우, 추가 치료(방사선 치료, 호르몬 요법)가 필요할 수 있습니다. 수술 후 PSA 수치를 정기적으로 모니터링하면 재발을 조기에 발견하여 신속한 조치를 취할 수 있습니다.

Q5: How does Bangkok compare to USA/Europe for robotic prostatectomy?

Bangkok offers the same Da Vinci surgical platform used in leading US and European centers, at internationally accredited hospitals (JCI). Total cost — including surgery, hospital stay, and accommodation — is typically 50–70% less than the USA. Surgeons trained at top international centers (Baylor, Chang Gung, etc.) provide care meeting global standards.

Q6: How long do I need to stay in Bangkok for surgery?

International patients typically spend 10–14 days in Bangkok: 2–3 days pre-operative workup, 2–3 days hospital stay, and 5–7 days post-operative recovery before catheter removal and clearance to fly home. Detailed follow-up instructions are coordinated with local urologists in the patient’s home country.

Q7: Can I have children after prostatectomy?

Natural conception is not possible after radical prostatectomy as the prostate and seminal vesicles are removed. Men planning future fatherhood should arrange sperm cryopreservation before surgery. Assisted reproductive technologies allow successful pregnancy from previously banked sperm.

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Comprehensive prostate cancer care from biopsy through surgery and long-term follow-up.
International patient services available.