If robotic surgery has been mentioned as a treatment for your prostate cancer, you may have questions about what it actually involves. Robotic prostate cancer surgery, also known as robot-assisted radical prostatectomy, is one of the most advanced treatments available for localised prostate cancer. This guide explains the technology, the operation and what happens afterwards in plain English.
What the operation does
A radical prostatectomy removes the whole prostate gland, together with the seminal vesicles and sometimes nearby lymph nodes. The aim is to remove the cancer completely. Once the prostate has been removed, the bladder is reconnected to the urethra so that urine can pass normally. Our robotic prostatectomy page summarises the procedure.
How the robot works
The name can be misleading, because the robot does not operate on its own. The surgeon sits at a console a few metres from the patient and controls every movement. The system has three main parts:
- The surgeon's console, where the surgeon views a magnified, high-definition 3D image and uses hand and foot controls.
- The patient-side cart, with robotic arms that hold a camera and fine instruments.
- The vision system, which processes the image and shows it to the whole theatre team.
The instruments have wrist-like joints that can rotate further than a human hand, and the system filters out small tremors. Together, these features allow very precise work in the narrow space around the prostate.
Why the precision matters
The prostate lies close to the nerves that control erections and to the muscles that help with bladder control. Clear, magnified vision makes it easier to protect these structures where it is safe to do so. This is known as nerve-sparing surgery, and it is one of the main reasons surgeons value the robotic approach for this operation.
On the day of the operation
You will usually come into hospital on the day of surgery. The operation is carried out under general anaesthetic, so you will be asleep throughout. The surgeon makes several small incisions in the abdomen, through which the camera and instruments are passed. The operation typically takes a few hours, and your family can be told when you are in the recovery area.
At the end, the prostate is removed through one of the small incisions and sent to the laboratory for detailed examination. A catheter is placed to allow the join between the bladder and urethra to heal.
How it compares with open surgery
Because it uses small incisions rather than one large cut, robotic surgery usually means less pain, less blood loss and a shorter hospital stay than open surgery. Our comparison of robotic and open surgery sets out the differences.
Who it is suitable for
Robotic surgery suits many men whose cancer is confined to the prostate, but suitability depends on the stage of the cancer, general health and individual anatomy. Our article on whether you are a candidate explains the factors involved. Independent information on all treatment options is available from the NHS.
Recovery and follow-up
Many patients go home within one to two days and return to light activities within a few weeks. The catheter usually stays in for one to two weeks. Our recovery timeline gives a week-by-week guide.
After surgery, the laboratory report on the removed prostate is discussed with you. Regular PSA tests then check that the cancer has been controlled. Cancer Research UK has more information on follow-up after treatment.
A modern approach to treatment
Robotic prostate cancer surgery combines surgical expertise with advanced technology to treat localised cancer effectively while supporting a faster recovery.
To find out whether it could be right for you, please contact the clinic to arrange a consultation with Professor Dasgupta.