Facing prostate cancer surgery can feel daunting. Hearing from someone who has been through it often helps more than any leaflet. Real experiences show how expert care and modern technology can support recovery, and they offer a sense of what life after robotic prostate surgery can look like.
One patient's experience
"From the moment I met Professor Prokar Dasgupta, I felt confident. The robotic surgery went smoothly, and my recovery was faster than I expected. I'm back to my normal life and feel in control again."
For many men, that sense of confidence begins well before the operation. Clear explanations, time to ask questions and a plan for recovery all help to reduce anxiety. Every patient's experience is different, but stories like this reflect what careful preparation and support can achieve. Many men find it helpful to write down their questions before each appointment and to bring a partner or friend along.
Why recovery is often quicker
Robotic radical prostatectomy removes the prostate through several small incisions rather than one large cut. Compared with open surgery, this usually means less pain, less blood loss and a shorter hospital stay. Our robotic prostatectomy page explains how the operation is performed.
Most men are walking within a day and go home within one to two days. Our recovery timeline sets out the typical milestones, from catheter removal to returning to driving and travel.
The concerns men share
Before surgery, the most common worries are about bladder control and sexual function. These concerns are entirely understandable, and it is important to discuss them openly.
Bladder control
Some leakage is normal after the catheter is removed. With pelvic floor exercises and time, most men regain control over the following weeks and months. Starting the exercises before surgery can help, and a specialist physiotherapist can offer guidance if progress feels slow.
Sexual function
Recovery of erections is more gradual and depends on age, general health and whether nerve-sparing was possible. Our article on erectile function after surgery explains what to expect and the support available.
Careful nerve-sparing technique, personalised aftercare and close follow-up all help men regain quality of life, often sooner than they expected.
Returning to everyday life
Life after robotic prostatectomy is about more than medical recovery. It means returning to work, hobbies, exercise and time with family. Many men describe a gradual return of energy over the first six to eight weeks, followed by a growing sense of normality. Returning to work is often possible within a few weeks for desk-based roles, while more physical jobs may need longer.
Emotional recovery matters too. It is common to feel relief, tiredness or worry at different points, and talking to your partner, family or specialist nurse can help. Prostate Cancer UK offers support services and a specialist nurse helpline, and Cancer Research UK has information on living with and after treatment.
Care beyond the operating theatre
For Professor Dasgupta, patient care extends well beyond the operation itself. From planning before surgery to support afterwards, he and his team aim to provide clear communication and reassurance at every step. Follow-up appointments and PSA tests monitor your progress, and questions are welcome at any stage.
Professor Dasgupta has many years of experience in robotic surgery and has helped develop the technique in the UK. You can read more about his background and experience.
Hope and reassurance
For men facing prostate cancer, real stories offer insight, hope and reassurance. With expert robotic surgery and good support, many men return to the life they enjoyed before diagnosis.
If you would like to discuss your own treatment, please contact the clinic to arrange a consultation.