Prostate & Urinary Procedures
Robotic Radical Prostatectomy
Advanced surgical precision for prostate cancer. Using state-of-the-art robotic technology, modern surgery helps to remove cancer effectively, with recovery of urinary control and protecting the delicate nerves that allow recovery of erections.
Key takeaways
- Advanced surgical precision for prostate cancer. Using state-of-the-art robotic technology, modern surgery helps to remove cancer effectively, with recovery of urinary control and protecting the delicate nerves that allow recovery of erections.
- Specialty: Prostate & Urinary Procedures
24
Often home next dayhrs
Keyhole
Tiny keyhole incisions
1
Usual hospital staynight
Treatment Overview
About Robotic Radical Prostatectomy
For prostate cancer: The most common approach is Robotic-Assisted Radical Prostatectomy (RARP). Using high-tech robotic arms (like the Da Vinci system), your specialist removes the entire prostate gland and seminal vesicles (sperm sacs) completely through a few tiny 'keyhole' incisions.This allows for incredible precision, helping to protect the delicate nerves and tissues surrounding the area.
Safety Information
Benefits, Risks & Side Effects
01
Benefits
Robotic Surgery provides a good chance of removing localised cancer. Because it is keyhole surgery, you will have much less pain, lose very little blood, and can usually return home within just 24 hours.
02
Risks
Surgery for prostate cancer is common and safe, but carries specific risks.
Because it is a more major operation, risks include a small chance of internal scarring or temporary swelling in the pelvic area. With any surgery, there is a risk of infection or blood clots (DVT), which is why we encourage you to move around as soon as possible after your operation.
03
Side Effects
The most common side effects are erectile dysfunction and urinary incontinence (urinary leakage).
Because the prostate is so close to the nerves that control these things, most men will experience some urinary leaking and difficulty with erections initially. The urinary continence improves over 1 to 10 months with the right support and exercises. Erectile function can be improved with medications in a large number of patients.
Risk of needing a blood transfusion due to bleeding is less than 1 in 50 (2%).
No semen shall be produced after surgery during orgasm.
Pain, infection or hernia in any of the port incisions requiring further treatment (less than in 20).
What We Treat
How Robotic Radical Prostatectomy Can Help You
This treatment is effective for a wide range of health needs. Select a condition below to learn more about how we can support your recovery and improve your daily well-being.
Patient Journey
What to Expect
A step-by-step guide through your Robotic Radical Prostatectomy journey—from preparation and what happens during the procedure to recovery and aftercare.
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Before Procedure
To ensure you are fully prepared for your hospital stay, please complete these pre-operative steps:
Attend Your Pre-Assessment Clinic: You will have routine blood tests, an ECG to check your heart, a urine test, and MRSA swabs a few weeks before your surgery.
Review Blood Thinners: Tell your urologist about all medications you take. You will be given specific instructions on when to pause any blood-thinning tablets (like aspirin, clopidogrel, or warfarin).
Follow Fasting 'Nil by Mouth' Instructions: You must not eat any food for six hours before your operation. You are usually allowed to drink plain water up to two hours before you arrive.
Pack an Overnight Bag: Since a TURP usually requires a hospital stay of 1 to 3 nights, bring comfortable clothing, toiletries, and reading material.
Prepare for Your Return: Arrange for a responsible adult to drive you home from the hospital (next day) and support you during your first night back.
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During Procedure
The procedure is performed while you are asleep under a general anaesthetic.
Robotic Surgery: Your surgeon sits at a high-tech console, guiding robotic arms to completely remove the prostate gland and seminal vesicles through 6 tiny keyhole incisions (cuts) in your tummy, whilst sparing the muscles and nerves that control urinary continence and trying to preserve your erection nerves. They then carefully reconnect your bladder to your water pipe. A temporary catheter (a small drainage tube) is placed in the bladder at the end of both procedures to help you heal.
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After Procedure
You’ll wake up in a recovery room with a catheter in place. Patients usually stay 1 night, Take it easy: Avoid heavy lifting (anything heavier than a kettle) for 4–6 weeks.
The catheter is usually removed after a week.
Pelvic Floor: Start your 'kegel' exercises as soon as your catheter is removed to help your bladder control recover.
Flush your system: Drink plenty of water (around 2-3 litres a day) to keep your urine clear. A follow-up appointment is usually booked for 6 weeks later to check your progress and discuss the pathology results..
Specialists
Specialists for Robotic Radical Prostatectomy
Leading experts for this treatment. View profiles to see clinical backgrounds and current availability.
Our Commitment
Care you can trust
Every treatment is delivered to the same standard: senior consultants, a personalised plan, and the safety of an accredited private hospital behind you.
Consultant-Led Excellence
Receive evidence-based treatments delivered by senior NHS consultants in a professional, specialist setting.
Personalised Care Plans
Your consultant will design a bespoke treatment plan tailored to your specific health goals and lifestyle.
Hospital-Grade Safety
We operate within leading private hospitals, adhering to strict CQC safety and technology standards.
A Heritage of Trust
Our partners bring decades of NHS and private experience, successfully managing thousands of patient cases.
Trusted Resources
Trusted Patient Resources
For your insurer
Patient Guidance
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about this treatment and what to expect.
3 questions
Not 'definitely,' but these are significant risks. Most men experience some leakage immediately after the catheter is removed, but with pelvic floor exercises, 80-90% achieve good control (0-1 pad) within a year. Erections are more variable; even with 'nerve-sparing' surgery, it can take up to 2 years for function to return, and many men require assistance like Viagra or Cialis.
Reviewed 2 Mar 2026
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A 'Simple' prostatectomy (often done robotically for very large BPH) only removes the inner part of the gland that blocks urine, leaving the outer shell. A 'Radical' prostatectomy is for cancer and removes the *entire* gland, the surrounding capsule, and the seminal vesicles. Radical surgery has a much higher impact on sexual and urinary function than simple surgery.
Reviewed 2 Mar 2026
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TURP is highly durable. For the majority of men, the symptom relief lasts 15 years or longer. In about 10% of cases, the prostate tissue may eventually grow back enough to cause symptoms again, requiring a second 're-do' procedure, but this is usually a decade or more down the line.
Reviewed 2 Mar 2026
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