Robotic Surgery · NYC
Robotic Prostatectomy — Precision Prostatectomy
Robotic prostatectomy removes the entire prostate using the da Vinci surgical robot through six small keyhole incisions — the current standard for surgical treatment of prostate cancer. Dr. Tan's Precision Prostatectomy preserves a longer segment of the urethra to maximize post-operative continence while maintaining oncologic control.
Most patients are discharged the same day; some regain urinary control the moment the catheter is removed at day 5. The technique was featured as an NYU Langone Physician Focus case.
“With long urethral sparing, some patients are continent from the moment the catheter comes out at day five. Most patients go home the same day.”— Dr. Wei Phin Tan, MD, MHS, FACS
Advantages Over Open Surgery
- Less blood loss than open prostatectomy
- Same-day discharge for most patients
- 3D HD visualization for precise nerve-sparing dissection
- Smaller incisions and faster return to baseline activity
What to Expect
- Consultation & staging. MRI, PSA, and biopsy reviewed. Shared decision on surgery vs. focal therapy vs. surveillance.
- Pre-op planning. Nerve-sparing goals are discussed in detail, with anatomic considerations mapped out on imaging.
- Surgery. Robotic-assisted long urethral-sparing prostatectomy. Same-day discharge for most patients.
- Catheter removal at day 5. Some patients are continent immediately.
- Follow-up. PSA monitoring every 3–6 months; pelvic floor rehabilitation as needed.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a Precision Prostatectomy?
It's a robotic prostatectomy technique that uses long urethral sparing to maximize post-operative continence. Most patients are discharged the same day; catheter removal is typically on day 5.
How long is recovery?
Same-day discharge for most. Catheter out at day 5. Light activity within 1–2 weeks; fuller activity at 4–6 weeks depending on course.
Will I be continent?
Continence recovery is a central design goal of the long urethral-sparing approach. Some patients are continent immediately at catheter removal; the great majority recover continence in the weeks to months that follow.
Should I choose surgery or focal therapy?
The right answer depends on MRI, biopsy, cancer risk, and personal priorities. Because Dr. Tan performs the full spectrum — surgery, HIFU, cryoablation, and active surveillance — his recommendation isn't biased by what one specialist happens to offer.