Robotic-assisted prostatectomy is now the most common way of removing the prostate for cancer at experienced UK centres. It offers real benefits, but only in skilled hands. When you look for a robotic prostate surgeon, it helps to understand how surgeons are trained in this technique and how you can find out about a specialist's robotic experience.
Why robotic surgery needs its own training
A robotic operation differs from open surgery in several ways. The surgeon sits at a console, viewing a magnified 3D image and controlling instruments that move with great precision. There is no direct sense of touch, so surgeons learn to judge tissue by sight. These skills take dedicated practice, even for experienced surgeons. The surgeon also works closely with a bedside assistant and the wider theatre team, who manage the instruments and the position of the robot. Good communication across the team is part of what makes robotic surgery safe and efficient.
Our robotic prostatectomy page explains how the operation works and why it is associated with less blood loss and a faster recovery for suitable patients.
The training pathway
A robotic prostate surgeon in the UK usually follows a structured path:
- Core urology training, leading to consultant status and inclusion on the specialist register.
- Fellowship training in urological cancer surgery, often at a high-volume centre.
- Simulation training, using virtual reality systems to build console skills safely before operating on patients.
- Mentored cases, where an experienced robotic surgeon supervises the early operations.
- Independent practice, with outcomes reviewed through audit.
Professional bodies such as the Royal College of Surgeons of England set standards for surgical training, and simulation is now widely recognised as an essential part of learning robotic skills.
A contribution to how surgeons learn
Professor Dasgupta has been closely involved in developing and testing training methods for robotic surgery, including simulation. His research has helped describe the learning curve for robotic prostatectomy, showing how results improve as surgeons gain experience. You can read more in his biography and on the achievements page.
Experience after training
Training is the foundation, but experience builds on it. Research shows that results for robotic prostatectomy continue to improve over many cases before levelling off. This affects operating time, blood loss, continence recovery and the precision of nerve-sparing. This is one reason why a surgeon's total number of robotic cases is worth asking about, alongside their current yearly caseload. Our article on why surgeon experience matters explains this learning curve in more detail.
Questions about robotic experience
When you meet a robotic prostate surgeon, useful questions include:
- How many robotic prostatectomies have you performed in total, and how many each year?
- Where did you train in robotic surgery?
- Which robotic system do you use, and how often?
- What are your continence and erectile function results?
A confident surgeon will answer these openly. Hospital results across England and Wales are also reported by the National Prostate Cancer Audit, which gives useful context.
Beyond the console
Technical skill is essential, but it is not the only thing that matters. The best robotic surgeons also work within a multidisciplinary team, discuss alternatives such as active surveillance and radiotherapy honestly, and explain the risks clearly. These alternatives are worth understanding before you commit to any treatment.
Where to start
Begin by checking a surgeon's registration, training and focus on prostate cancer, then ask specifically about their robotic experience. Combined with a clear conversation about your own diagnosis, this gives you a strong basis for choosing.
Professor Dasgupta has performed robotic surgery for over two decades. To discuss whether robotic surgery is right for you, please get in touch.