By Dr. Anup Ramani

Robotic Radical Prostatectomy is an advanced surgical procedure widely recognized for its precision and effectiveness in treating prostate cancer. However, one of the most critical decisions a patient must make is selecting the right surgeon to perform the procedure. The surgeon’s experience, expertise, and track record significantly impact the success of the surgery and the patient’s overall recovery. Whether you’re considering Robotic Radical Prostatectomy in Mumbai, India, or elsewhere, here are the key factors to consider when choosing the best surgeon for your treatment.

Understanding Robotic Radical Prostatectomy

Before diving into how to choose the right surgeon, it’s important to understand what Robotic Radical Prostatectomy entails. This minimal invasive surgical procedure involves the removal of the prostate gland using robotic-assisted technology. The robotic system allows the surgeon to perform the surgery with enhanced precision, minimal incisions, and reduced recovery time compared to traditional open surgery.

Patients across the globe, including those seeking Robotic Radical Prostatectomy in India, prefer this advanced procedure because it reduces the risk of complications, improves cancer control, and enhances overall post-surgical outcomes.

Key Considerations When Choosing a Surgeon for Robotic Radical Prostatectomy

1. Experience in Robotic Radical Prostatectomy

The first and foremost factor to consider is the surgeon’s experience with robotic-assisted surgeries. Not all surgeons who perform prostatectomies are skilled in using robotic systems. Look for a surgeon who has performed a significant number of Robotic Radical Prostatectomies, as experience often correlates with better outcomes.

Surgeons in leading medical hubs like Mumbai and India have access to cutting-edge technology and often specialize in this procedure. The more procedures a surgeon has performed, the more likely they are to handle any complexities or challenges that arise during surgery.

2. Specialization in Minimal Invasive Radical Prostatectomy

Robotic surgery is a type of Minimal Invasive Radical Prostatectomy. Surgeons who specialize in minimal invasive techniques are better equipped to deliver precise results with fewer complications. These surgeons are adept at using small incisions and robotic instruments to remove cancerous tissue while preserving important nerves and blood vessels.

If you’re considering Minimal Invasive Radical Prostatectomy in Mumbai or other parts of India, ensure that your surgeon has extensive experience in minimal invasive procedures. Surgeons trained in these techniques typically offer patients quicker recovery times, reduced pain, and lower risks of infection.

3. Surgeon’s Track Record and Success Rate

It’s essential to review the surgeon’s success rates for Robotic Radical Prostatectomy. High success rates in terms of cancer-free outcomes, minimal side effects, and low complication rates indicate the surgeon’s proficiency.

In Mumbai, where robotic surgery is increasingly popular, many top hospitals and surgeons maintain detailed records of their success rates. You can often find this information through hospital websites, reviews from previous patients, or during an initial consultation with the surgeon.

4. Training and Certification in Robotic Surgery

Robotic surgery requires specialized training. Surgeons performing Robotic Radical Prostatectomy in India or any other part of the world must be certified and trained in using robotic systems like the Da Vinci Surgical System. Certification ensures that the surgeon is proficient in handling the complex instruments and techniques involved in robotic surgery.

When evaluating surgeons, ask about their training background. Look for certifications from recognized medical bodies, as well as ongoing education that indicates the surgeon is keeping up with the latest advancements in robotic-assisted prostate surgery.

5. Access to Advanced Robotic Technology

While the surgeon’s skill is paramount, having access to the latest robotic technology also plays a crucial role in the success of the procedure. Surgeons who work in well-equipped hospitals with state-of-the-art robotic systems are better positioned to provide optimal care.

In cities like Mumbai, hospitals offering Robotic Radical Prostatectomy boast cutting-edge facilities. Whether you’re seeking Robotic Radical Prostatectomy in Mumbai or considering the procedure elsewhere, make sure the surgeon is affiliated with a hospital that offers the latest technology and equipment.

Robotic Radical Prostatectomy for Prostate Cancer

6. Patient Testimonials and Reviews

Word-of-mouth recommendations, patient testimonials, and online reviews can offer invaluable insights into the surgeon’s bedside manner, communication style, and overall quality of care. Look for reviews from patients who have undergone Robotic Radical Prostatectomy or Minimal Invasive Radical Prostatectomy in India.

Reading patient experiences helps you understand how the surgeon handles pre-operative consultations, the surgery itself, and post-operative care. Positive feedback about outcomes and the overall patient experience is a strong indicator of a reliable surgeon.

7. Surgeon’s Involvement in Follow-Up Care

Prostate cancer surgery doesn’t end with the removal of the prostate gland. Post-surgical care is critical to ensure full recovery and prevent any complications. When choosing a surgeon, make sure they are actively involved in the follow-up care process, offering guidance on recovery, diet, and physical activity.

Experienced surgeons performing Robotic Radical Prostatectomy in Mumbai or India often have comprehensive post-operative programs in place, ensuring that patients have access to the support they need during recovery.

8. Consultation and Communication Skills

A good surgeon is not just skilled in the operating room but also in how they communicate with their patients. During the consultation, pay attention to how well the surgeon explains the procedure, risks, and benefits. Do they answer your questions thoroughly and make you feel comfortable?

Choosing a surgeon for Robotic Radical Prostatectomy is a major decision, so it’s important to work with someone who communicates clearly, listens to your concerns, and helps you make informed decisions about your health.

Why Choose Mumbai for Robotic Radical Prostatectomy?

Mumbai, one of India’s leading cities for healthcare, is home to some of the best prostate cancer specialists in the country. The city is well-known for its advanced medical facilities, experienced surgeons, and an increasing number of international patients seeking Robotic Radical Prostatectomy in Mumbai due to the affordable costs and world-class care.

Similarly, Minimal Invasive Radical Prostatectomy in Mumbai is also becoming a popular choice, as hospitals in the city offer state-of-the-art robotic surgery systems and a high standard of post-surgical care.

Robotic Radical Prostatectomy in India: A Growing Trend

India, and particularly cities like Mumbai, is fast emerging as a hub for robotic surgery, including Robotic Radical Prostatectomy. Patients from around the world choose Robotic Radical Prostatectomy in India for its high-quality treatment options at a fraction of the cost compared to countries like the US or UK. India’s medical tourism sector offers comprehensive packages that include consultations, surgery, follow-up care, and accommodation, making it an attractive option for international patients.

Conclusion

Choosing the right surgeon for Robotic Radical Prostatectomy requires careful consideration of their experience, training, success rates, and patient testimonials. Whether you’re considering this procedure in Mumbai or other parts of India, focusing on these key factors will ensure that you receive the best possible care for your prostate cancer treatment. With the rise of Minimal Invasive Radical Prostatectomy in India, patients can now access advanced, life-saving treatment while benefiting from quicker recovery times and fewer complications.

FAQs - Robotic Radical Prostatectomy

Success rates for Robotic Radical Prostatectomy are generally high, with most patients experiencing cancer-free outcomes and minimal complications. However, it’s essential to choose an experienced surgeon.

The cost of Robotic Radical Prostatectomy in Mumbai varies, but it is generally more affordable than in Western countries.

Yes, Minimal Invasive Radical Prostatectomy offers benefits such as smaller incisions, less pain, and faster recovery times compared to traditional open surgery.

Most patients can resume normal activities within 2-3 weeks, although full recovery may take a few months.

Mumbai offers top-tier healthcare facilities, experienced surgeons, and cost-effective treatment, making it a preferred destination for Robotic Radical Prostatectomy.

PARTIAL PENECTOMY
  • Partial penectomy is done in cases where glans and distal penis is involved with carcinoma. 
  • Partial penectomy is a type of organ-preserving surgery. Preservation of sexual and micturational function depends on the surgical dissection and reconstruction of residual urethra.
Kidney Stone Removal
  • Patients who develop stones in the kidney or ureter, often experience severe pain.
  • This condition usually needs a procedure to remove the kidney stones.
  • This procedure is called ureteroscopy and is performed very commonly.
  • It does not require any cuts and hence it is painless.
  • The procedure is performed with an endoscope inserted through the penis under spinal anesthesia.
  • The scope is inserted through the penis into the kidney and stones are dissolved with a laser.
  • The procedure takes about 40-50 minutes. 
  • A catheter (urine pipe) is kept after the procedure to drain the bladder. A stent is kept in the kidney at the same time.
  • Patient is mobile and walking in the room the same evening.
  • Hospital stay is one night and patient is discharged the next day after removal of the catheter.
  • Patient has to come back after six weeks to remove the stent in the kidney.
  • Patients can resume office a week after surgery and heavy activities like running, weight lifting, a month after the procedure.
  • We offer fixed packages for this procedure which can be obtained by calling our helpline +91 9967666060.
  • Men with an enlarged prostate, which is a normal ageing changes, often experiencing difficulty passing urine. This condition usually needs a procedure to trim the prostate and relieve the blockage.
  • This procedure is called TURP and is performed very commonly.
  • It does not require any cuts and hence it is painless.
  • The procedure is performed with an endoscope inserted through the penis under spinal anaesthesia.
  • The overgrown prostate is dissolved with a laser bloodlessly.
  • The procedure takes about 40 minutes.
  • A catheter (urine pipe) is kept after the procedure to drain the bladder.
  • Patient is mobile and walking in the room the same evening.
  • Hospital stay is two nights and patient is discharged with the catheter, which is removed after 4 days.
  • Patients can resume office a week after surgery and heavy activities like running, weight lifting, a month after the procedure.
  • We offer fixed packages for this procedure which can be obtained by calling our helpline +91 9967666060.
ROBOTIC ADRENALECTOMY FOR ADRENAL GLAND TUMOUR
  • Robotic adrenalectomy is a sophisticated, complex surgery and it is very important that an experienced surgeon performs this surgery to avoid major complications.

  • Once the anesthesia is done, and patient positioned, three micro cuts (3mm each) are made in the patient’s abdomen.

  • The arms of the Da Vinci robot are connected to the cuts via ports (tubes).

  • Dr. Ramani then sits in the controlling console to perform the surgery.

  • On an average, a robotic adrenalectomy takes one hour.

  • The surgery is almost completely bloodless and there has never been any need to transfuse blood after surgery.

  • A urine catheter and bag to drain the bladder is inserted during surgery.

  • A tiny drain pipe may be inserted in the surgical side of the abdomen, connected to a bag.

  • Patient is kept nil-by-mouth the day of the surgery, with IV fluids. Sips of water are started the next day and solid food by day three.

  • The drain pipe, if kept, is removed in the room on day 2 after surgery.

  • The catheter is removed on day two after surgery.

  • Total hospital stay for robotic adrenalectomy is 4 nights (including night before surgery).

  • Post discharge, a doctor from the surgical team visits the patient at home/ hotel room once every day.

RETURN TO ACTIVITY
  • On the day of discharge, patient is totally self-sufficient. They are able to walk freely without any pain, dress themselves, shower, toilet and they do not need to hire any nurse or help at home. Almost all patients are back to work within 2 weeks of surgery.

  • Heavy activities like running, weight lifting can be resumed after a month

FOLLOW UP AFTER SURGERY
  • Follow up after an adrenalectomy is in the form of CT scans, once a year for 5 years.
    Local patients usually meet Dr. Ramani after two weeks to discuss report.

  • Outstation patients are counselled on a phone consultation.

ROBOTIC SURGERY FOR BLADDER CANCER
  • Dr. Ramani is one of the very few surgeons in India who has the expertise to perform a robotic surgery for bladder cancer, which includes removing the urinary bladder and reconstructing a new bladder robotically.
  • Robotic radical cystectomy is an extremely sophisticated, complex surgery and it is very important that an experienced surgeon performs this surgery to avoid major complications.
  • Once the anaesthesia is done, and patient positioned, six micro cuts (3mm each) are made in the patient’s abdomen.
  • The arms of the Da Vinci robot are connected to the cuts via ports (tubes).
  • Dr. Ramani then sits in the controlling console to perform the surgery.
  • On an average, a robotic radical cystectomy with an ileal conduit takes 3-4 hours.
  • The surgery is almost completely bloodless and there has never been any need to transfuse blood after surgery.
  • A urine catheter and bag to drain the new bladder is inserted during surgery.
  • Two tiny drain pipe in inserted in the surgical side of the abdomen, connected to a bag.
  • Patient is kept nil-by-mouth for 4 days after surgery with IV supplementation of patient’s daily requirements of calories, fats, carbohydrates, proteins and electrolytes.
  • The drain pipes are removed in the room on day 3-5 after surgery.
  • Total hospital stay for radical cystectomy is 8 nights (including night before surgery).
  • Post discharge, a doctor from the surgical team visits the patient at home/ hotel room once every day.
RETURN TO ACTIVITY
  • On the day of discharge, patient is totally self-sufficient. They are able to walk freely without any pain, dress themselves, shower, toilet and they do not need to hire any nurse or help at home.
  • Almost all patients are back to work within 6 weeks of surgery. Heavy activities like running, weight lifting can be resumed after two months.
FOLLOW UP AFTER SURGERY
  • Follow up after a radical a cystectomy is in the form of CT scans, once a year for 5 years.

  • Histopathology report: Local patients usually meet Dr. Ramani after two weeks to discuss report.

  • Outstation patients are counselled on a phone consult. Depending on the report, patient may or may not need chemotherapy after surgery.

  • If chemo is needed, patients may choose to get it done with a medical oncologist of their choice or avail the services of one of the four medical oncologists on our team.

ROBOTIC RADICAL/PARTIAL NEPHRECTOMY FOR KIDNEY CANCER
  • Robotic partial nephrectomy is a sophisticated, complex surgery and it is very important that an experienced surgeon performs this surgery to avoid major complications. Robotic radical (total) nephrectomy is
  • relatively easier but still requires significant experience to consistently deliver results.
  • Once the anaesthesia is done, and patient positioned, five micro cuts (3mm each) are made in the patient’s abdomen.
  • The arms of the Da Vinci robot are connected to the cuts via ports (tubes).
  • Dr. Ramani then sits in the controlling console to perform the surgery.
  • On an average, a robotic radical nephrectomy takes one hour and a robotic partial nephrectomy takes about an hour and half.
  • The surgery is almost completely bloodless and there has never been any need to transfuse blood after surgery.
  • A urine catheter and bag to drain the bladder is inserted during surgery.
  • A tiny drain pipe in inserted in the surgical side of the abdomen, connected to a bag.
  • Patient is kept nil-by-mouth the day of the surgery, with IV fluids. Sips of water are started the next day and solid food by day three.
  • The drain pipe is removed in the room on day 3 after surgery. The catheter is removed on day two after surgery.
  • Total hospital stay for radical/partial nephrectomy is 4 nights (including night before surgery).
  • Post discharge, a doctor from the surgical team visits the patient at home/ hotel room once every day.
RETURN TO ACTIVITY
  • On the day of discharge, patient is totally self- sufficient. 
  • They are able to walk freely without any pain, dress themselves, shower, toilet and they do not need to hire any nurse or help at home. 
  • Almost all patients are back to work within 2-3 weeks of surgery.
  • Heavy activities like running, weight lifting can be resumed after a month.
FOLLOW UP AFTER SURGERY
  • Follow up after a radical/partial Nephrectomy is in the form of CT scans, once a year for 5 years.
  • Local patients usually meet Dr. Ramani after two weeks to discuss report. 
  • Outstation patients are counselled on a phone consultation.