Robotic Prostatectomy in the UK

Robot-assisted surgery to remove the prostate. A prostatectomy using the da Vinci© surgical robot is a minimally invasive procedure often used to treat prostate cancer.

 Prostate cancer male patient with nurse - is it only older men who get prostate cancer 1765299660.jpg

What is robotic prostatectomy?

Robotic prostatectomy uses the state-of-the-art da Vinci© Surgical System for a radical prostatectomy. The da Vinci robot is operated by the surgeon from a console.

A radical prostatectomy is a surgical operation to remove the prostate gland and some surrounding tissue.

Need to know

The da Vinci© Surgical System is a computerised robotic system controlled entirely by your surgeon from a nearby console.

Surgery is done through six small incisions in your abdomen. These small incisions allow access for a high-magnification 3D camera, along with specialised surgical instruments attached to the arms of the da Vinci© robot.

This camera gives your surgeon a highly detailed view for the procedure, while the robotic arms allow for precise and delicate manipulation of the instruments to remove your prostate.

  • The whole procedure usually takes two to three hours in theatre
  • The procedure is done under general anaesthetic

Your consultant will explain how to prepare for the procedure and answer any questions you may have. Like all procedures, there may be some risks and side effects involved.

Because you will be having general anaesthetic, they’ll let you know how long you should avoid eating and drinking beforehand. You should also arrange for someone to take you home after your operation and hospital stay.

Most people will be cared for in hospital for one or two nights following surgery, this will be confirmed by your consultant. As part of the procedure, a catheter will be put in place to drain urine from your bladder during the healing process. This will remain in place for several days following surgery, and you will be advised when the catheter can be removed.

A physiotherapist will talk you through pelvic floor exercises to help with bladder control as part of your recovery. Your consultant will advise the time period for when you can get back to your normal routine, including work or exercise.

Paying for medical treatment

You don’t need health insurance to have fast access to our top consultants, extensive range of treatments, diagnostic tests and surgical procedures at our world-class facilities.

Our Robotic Prostatectomy in the UK locations

The Christie Private Care

The Christie Private Care

Wilmslow Road M20 4BX Manchester
The Wellington Hospital

The Wellington Hospital

8A Wellington Place NW8 9LE London
London Bridge Hospital

London Bridge Hospital

27 Tooley Street SE1 2PR London
The Princess Grace Hospital

The Princess Grace Hospital

42-52 Nottingham Place W1U 5NY London
The Shard Outpatients

The Shard Outpatients

The Shard, 32 St Thomas Street SE1 9BS London
The Prostate Centre

The Prostate Centre

18 Devonshire Street W1G 7AQ London

Patient stories

This content is intended for general information only and does not replace the need for personal advice from a qualified health professional.