CATHETER FREE PROSTATECTOMY BY DR. TEWARI

In the course of surgically removing the prostate the urethra must be sutured. To allow it to heal properly the flow of urine from the bladder is rechanneled while this healing process takes place.

Typically, this is accomplished by inserting a catheter, which is a thin, flexible tube, through the penis into the bladder; urine flows through this tube into a collection bag which is periodically emptied. This catheter stays in place for several days after the patient is discharged following surgery. The patient then returns to us for its removal in a five minute outpatient procedure.

While this process works well from the viewpoint of allowing the urethra to heal efficiently, patients may feel some degree of irritation from the catheter tube as it emerges from the tip of the penis. The discomfort is often increased as the patient moves about and can also interfere with sleep.

In 2007 Dr. Ash Tewari had developed a revolutionary technique that reroutes the urinary catheter so that the healing process is “catheter free”. This has made an enormous contribution toward patient comfort during the post surgery convalescence period.

In this technique, the urinary catheter is instead routed from the bladder through a tiny surgical opening above the pubic area, completely bypassing the penis. The site is completely sealed, the catheter is secured in place and is unaffected by motion. The patient feels little irritation from movement and is more comfortable both awake and asleep.

 
The procedure has been used on many patients* and has proven to be safe and effective. Patients universally praise the freedom from irritation and our published study (http://www.cornellroboticprostate.org/pdf/catheterless.pdf) suggests that the technique is also associated with an earlier return to continence.

We will be glad to discuss this and other advanced techniques we use during your evaluation visit.

*Over 85% of patients are suitable candidates for this procedure