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Updated: Dec 10, 2025
Retzius-Sparing Robot-Assisted Radical Prostatectomy
Published on: May 19, 2022
First robot-assisted radical prostatectomy in a client-owned Bernese mountain dog with prostatic adenocarcinoma
Alexander Schlake1, Paolo Dell'Oglio2,3, Nausikaa Devriendt1
1Small Animal Department, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Ghent University, Merelbeke, Belgium.
Objective:
To describe robot-assisted radical prostatectomy (RARP) and report the short-term outcome of a dog with prostatic cancer treated with RARP.
Study Design:
Case report ANIMALS: Client-owned 6-year-old male-neutered Bernese mountain dog.
Methods:
Robot-assisted radical prostatectomy was performed with a daVinci Si Surgical System through a transperitoneal approach. An interfascial nerve-sparing approach was used to preserve the neurovascular bundles and increase the likelihood of postoperative urinary continence. Urinary continence was assessed by placing white cloth bedding in the kennel during hospitalization and by owners' observation at home.
Results:
The console time was 120 minutes, and the estimated intraoperative blood loss was 30 mL. No intraoperative complications were observed. The urinary catheter was removed after 7 days, at which point the dog urinated normally. Peritoneal carcinomatosis was diagnosed 43 days after surgery, and the dog was euthanized.
Conclusion:
Robot-assisted radical prostatectomy was successfully completed in a dog with prostatic neoplasia and led to postoperative urinary continence.
Clinical Significance:
This single-case report provides evidence to justify further evaluation of RARP in dogs with prostatic neoplasms.
