Robotic Simple Prostatectomy for Enlarged Prostate (BPH) in Arlington & DFW
View a new era of minimally invasive prostate surgery. As an experienced robotic surgeon with over 23 years of robotic surgery experience, Dr. Richard Bevan-Thomas offers Robotic Simple Prostatectomy (RSP). This is the definitive solution for patients suffering from severe BPH with a very large prostate (typically 80 grams or more), offering precise removal of obstructing tissue with less bleeding, faster recovery, and the most durable long-term results.
What, Who, How and When
WHEN THE ROBOTIC SIMPLE PROSTATECTOMY IS RECOMMENDED FOR BPH
Not all prostate surgeries are the same. A robotic radical prostatectomy is for prostate cancer and removes the entire gland. A Robotic Simple Prostatectomy treats Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia (BPH) by removing only the inner obstructing tissue, leaving the outer capsule intact.
As men reach their 50s and beyond, urinary changes often appear—weak stream, night-time urination, or a bladder that never feels empty. Once the prostate enlarges past a certain point, medications and smaller procedures usually aren’t enough. For these men, a Robotic Simple Prostatectomy offers one of the most definitive and lasting solutions in Arlington, TX.
Did You Know? Nearly half of men in their 50s already experience BPH symptoms—you’re not alone.
Why Size Matters (The 80-Gram Threshold)
A healthy prostate weighs ≈40 g (about an apricot).
- Lemon or Orange (60–80 g): Symptoms begin disrupting daily life.
- Grapefruit (80–100 g +): Too large for medication or smaller procedures (like UroLift or Aquablation)
For prostates this large, Robotic Simple Prostatectomy clears the obstruction and restores normal bladder function.
DocRBT Pro Tip: If your prostate is the size of a grapefruit, robotic simple prostatectomy is the most durable way to relieve the blockage.
THE AVOCADO ANALOGY:
How The Robotic Simple Prostatectomy Works
Think of the prostate like an avocado:
- Skin = Prostate Capsule (left intact): This is the outer shell of the prostate, which is left intact (spared).
- Flesh = Enlarged Tissue Causing Blockage (removed): This obstructing tissue (adenoma) is precisely removed.
- Pit = Urethra and Bladder Connection (cleared): The connection is surgically cleared and opened for free urine flow.
Robotic instruments precisely scoop out the “flesh” while leaving the “skin.” Once the inner obstructing tissue is removed, urine flows freely again.
Did You Know?
Robotic Simple Prostatectomy removes 2–3 times more tissue than smaller procedures—making it the most durable, lasting solution for very large prostates.
Why THE Robotic Simple Prostatectomy Provides the Most Lasting Relief
Smaller procedures like TURP, GreenLight Laser, or UroLift® help men with smaller glands, but they remove less tissue and symptoms often return in a few years. Robotic Simple Prostatectomy removes much more obstructing tissue — delivering:
- A wider, more open urinary channel
- Stronger, faster relief of symptoms
- Minimal chance of recurrence (<5% risk of regrowth in 10 years) — making it the most durable BPH solution for larger prostates.
What About PAE? [Prostate Artery Embolization (PAE)
The Definitive Solution: PAE (Prostate Artery Embolization) is an excellent, minimally invasive option for many men. However, for patients suffering from the most complex anatomy—specifically very large prostates, the presence of a median lobe, or poor bladder function—Robotic Simple Prostatectomy (RASP) is the definitive, better choice to guarantee the most durable long-term results and symptom relief.
DocRBT Pro Tip: Durability is the advantage—by removing more tissue, you stay symptom-free longer.
Best for men who
- Have prostates ≥80–100 g (the large-volume BPH candidate).
- Struggle with severe symptoms despite medication and less invasive procedures.
- Require repeated catheterization due to severe blockage.
- Develop bladder stones or infections from incomplete emptying.
- Show bladder damage after years of obstruction.
WHY ROBOTICS MAKES THE DIFFERENCE (RASP Benefits)
Before robotics, this surgery required a large open incision and a long recovery. The da Vinci® system now offers:
- Less bleeding and lower transfusion risk
- Smaller incisions and quicker healing
- Most patients go home the same day
- Shorter surgery time (≈1 hour).
- High-definition 3D precision
In short, robotics turns a major operation into a safer, more precise procedure with faster recovery.
What to Expect Before, During & After Surgery
| Milestone | Typical Time |
|---|---|
| Hospital Stay | Same day or overnight |
| Catheter Removal | 4–7 days |
| Return to Work | 1–2 weeks (office) |
| Full Recovery | 4–6 weeks |
| Symptom Relief | Often immediate |
Same day or overnight
4–7 days
1–2 weeks (office)
4–6 weeks
Often immediate
Why Choose Dr. Bevan-Thomas in Arlington, TX
- Over 3,000 robotic surgeries since 2002
- Dual expertise in BPH and prostate cancer surgery
- Founding partner of Urology Partners of North Texas
- Known for precision, compassion, and clear communication
Take the Next Step
If you’re in your 50s or beyond and struggling with severe urinary symptoms, don’t wait until it becomes an emergency. Robotic Simple Prostatectomy is one of the most effective and lasting solutions for very large prostates in DFW.
- 866-367-8768
- 801 West I-20 Suite 1 • Arlington TX 76017
Frequently Asked Questions
What’s the difference between a robotic simple and robotic radical prostatectomy?
Simple = BPH (enlarged prostate, non-cancer). Only the inner obstructing tissue is removed. Radical = cancer surgery, removes the entire gland and seminal vesicles.
Is robotic simple prostatectomy the same as prostate cancer surgery?
No. Robotic simple prostatectomy treats BPH, not cancer. Prostate cancer requires a robotic radical prostatectomy.
Why not TURP, GreenLight, or UroLift?
Those procedures are for smaller prostates. Robotic simple prostatectomy is reserved for very large prostates, typically 80+ grams, where smaller procedures cannot remove enough tissue for lasting relief.
Will my erections be affected by the surgery?
The nerves for erections run outside the prostate capsule. Robotic simple prostatectomy preserves these nerves, so most men maintain erectile function. Retrograde ejaculation may occur but does not reduce pleasure.
How soon will I feel better after the procedure?
Most men notice a dramatic improvement in urine flow as soon as the catheter is removed, typically 4–7 days after surgery.