Italian medicine marks an unprecedented milestone on a global level. At the Tor Vergata Polyclinic in Rome, a highly complex combined operation was performed for the first time in the world: a robotic cystectomy with orthotopic neobladder reconstruction and simultaneous implantation of a three-component hydraulic penile prosthesis.
The patient, a 70-year-old man, came to the attention of doctors with a diagnosis of bladder cancer. Also strongly motivated by the desire to preserve his sexual life – supported by a 50-year-old partner – he faced an innovative therapeutic path that radically changed the paradigm of urological surgery.
An intervention never done before
The operation involved:
- the complete removal of the bladder and prostate;
- the reconstruction of a new bladder using an intestinal segment (neobladder);
- the contextual implantation of a penile prosthesis;
- Everything was performed in a single surgical time, thanks to the use of robotic surgery, which allows for extreme precision and optimal oncological results.
The protagonists of this revolutionary intervention were Professor Pierluigi Bove and Professor Gabriele Antonini, the latter recognized internationally as one of the leading experts in the implantation of penile prostheses, together with Professor Paul Perito.
Technical innovation and clinical vision
The prosthesis was implanted with an infrapubic technique, of which Professor Antonini is considered one of the leading experts in the world. This approach guarantees:
- excellent aesthetic results;
- high functionality;
- significant reduction in the risk of infections.
But the real innovative element is the simultaneity of the intervention.
Traditionally, patients undergoing pelvic oncology surgery face the problem of erectile dysfunction later – often after months or years. In this case, however, it was decided to intervene immediately, avoiding:
- penis shortening
- negative psychological impact
- need for a second operation
A paradigm shift in patient care
This approach represents a true cultural revolution even before a surgical one. It is no longer just a question of curing the tumor, but of preserving the patient’s quality of life in its entirety, including the sexual and relational sphere.
As underlined by specialists, the psychological burden of erectile dysfunction can be devastating, especially in patients who have already undergone a complex oncological journey. Intervening immediately means reducing the risk of depression, isolation and deterioration of the couple’s life.
Italian excellence in the world
This intervention confirms Professor Antonini’s role as an absolute point of reference in functional urology, not only in Italy but also at a European and international level. His experience guarantees very high standards in terms of safety, aesthetics and functional results.
At the same time, the success of the Tor Vergata team demonstrates how Italian surgery is today at the top in the world, capable of innovating and proposing integrated therapeutic solutions that combine oncological radicality and patient well-being.
Towards a new standard of care
The operation represents a “before and after” in the management of pelvic tumors. The future objective is to make this approach increasingly accessible, also through the inclusion of penile prostheses in the Essential Levels of Assistance (LEA).
Just as the right to immediate breast reconstruction after mastectomy is now consolidated for women, men too could soon benefit from immediate functional reconstruction.
A silent revolution, but destined to change the lives of thousands of patients.
