Frequently Asked Questions:

After Surgery

Q: How long can I expect to stay in the hospital after the da Vinci procedure?

A: The average patient stay is 2.5 days with 82% of patients leaving within 2 days.

Q: After the surgery, when will I be able to resume normal activities?

A: Some of the major advantages of this surgery are decreased bleeding and decreased pain which results in a faster and easier recuperation time. Thus, most individuals undergoing this operation will be able to resume normal activities within a few days of surgery.

Q: How long will it take to regain complete urinary control after the surgery?

A: Ninety percent of patients undergoing the da Vinci robotic prostatectomy will regain full urinary control two months after the surgery and ninety-six percent within six months.

Q: Will I be able to have normal sexual relations immediately after the surgery?

A: Sexual function generally returns over a period of time. Although all individuals are different, UVa Urology physicians work closely with patients to ensure the best possible outcomes after surgery, including sexual function. A recent year-long research study found that patients who underwent a robotic radical prostatectomy had significantly better erectile function outcomes than those who received conventional nerve-sparing surgery - without compromising cancer control. The results should help ease men's concern as to the future of their sex lives when faced with a radical prostatectomy, the surgical removal of the prostate and surrounding tissue.

Q: How long can I expect to be off work after the procedure?

A: You will be given two weeks of disability time after the surgery. Long-term disability is not necessary after this procedure since complications are rare. Additional disability will be determined on a case-by-case basis.