When it comes to the results of surgery, robotic prostatectomy surgeon experience is one of the most important factors. Experience is not simply a matter of years in practice. It reflects the number of operations performed, the range of cases treated and how consistently good results have been achieved over time. Understanding why it matters can help you make a more informed choice about who carries out your operation.
The learning curve in robotic surgery
Research consistently shows that results improve as surgeons gain experience with robotic prostatectomy. This pattern is known as a learning curve. A surgeon typically needs to perform a substantial number of procedures before their results settle at their best, affecting operating time, blood loss and the precision of nerve-sparing.
The learning curve applies to every surgeon, however skilled they are in other areas. For this reason, specific robotic prostatectomy surgeon experience matters more than general urological experience. Professor Prokar Dasgupta's research has contributed to understanding these learning curves, as described in his biography.
Effects on continence and erectile function
Greater robotic prostatectomy surgeon experience is linked to better recovery of continence and a higher chance of preserving erections, where nerve-sparing is safe. Less experienced surgeons may take longer to reach comparable results. In some cases, they may also need to be more cautious with nerve preservation to protect cancer control.
Over time, an experienced surgeon develops a refined sense of how much tissue can safely be preserved around the nerves without compromising cancer removal. Judging that balance well takes considerable practice. You can read more about the operation on our robotic prostatectomy page.
Cancer control and positive margins
Experience is also associated with lower rates of positive surgical margins, where cancer cells are found at the edge of the removed tissue. Fewer complications during surgery are another benefit. Clear margins matter for long-term cancer control because they reduce the likelihood of PSA rising again during follow-up.
For men with intermediate or high-risk disease, this is especially relevant. A positive margin can influence decisions about further treatment, such as radiotherapy or hormone therapy. Results from hospitals across England and Wales are tracked by the National Prostate Cancer Audit, which helps raise standards nationally.
How to ask about experience
You are entitled to ask about robotic prostatectomy surgeon experience openly during your consultation. Helpful questions include:
- How many robotic prostatectomies do you perform each year?
- How long have you specialised in prostate cancer surgery?
- What are your continence and erectile function results?
- How do your outcomes compare with national figures?
A confident surgeon will welcome these questions and answer them clearly. Our full guide to questions to ask your surgeon covers other areas worth discussing.
Why volume is not everything
Although experience is a strong indicator of quality, it should be considered alongside your individual circumstances. Some men have more complex anatomy, a larger prostate or more advanced disease. Matching the right level of experience to the complexity of the case matters as much as the raw numbers.
Communication also counts. The best surgeons explain your options clearly, discuss alternatives such as active surveillance or radiotherapy, and involve a multidisciplinary team in decisions. NICE guidance on prostate cancer recommends this team approach for every patient.
Bringing it together
Robotic prostatectomy surgeon experience is one of the clearest, most objective factors you can assess before surgery. Combined with an honest discussion of your own risk profile, it helps ensure your treatment is in capable hands. Understanding surgeon qualifications adds a further layer of reassurance.
Asking about experience early places you in a stronger position to make a confident decision about your care. To discuss your case with an experienced robotic surgeon, please contact the clinic to arrange a consultation.