Robotic Prostatectomy
Robotic prostatectomy is the removal of the prostate gland using a robotic surgical system that the surgeon fully controls. Performed through a few small incisions with magnified 3D vision, it is the most common minimally invasive treatment for localized prostate cancer, aiming to remove the cancer while preserving urinary control and, where possible, sexual function.
Medically reviewed by the Florence Healthcare medical team · Last reviewed June 2026
Overview
In a robotic (robot-assisted laparoscopic) radical prostatectomy, the surgeon operates from a console, controlling instruments and a high-definition 3D camera inserted through several small abdominal incisions. The whole prostate gland, and usually the seminal vesicles, are removed, and the bladder is reconnected to the urethra. The magnified view and the instruments' fine range of motion help the surgeon work precisely around the delicate nerves and structures involved in continence and erection.
It is used mainly for prostate cancer that is confined to the gland. Where the cancer's location allows, a nerve-sparing technique is used to protect the bundles of nerves beside the prostate that influence erectile function. Whether nerves can be spared depends on the tumor, and the surgeon discusses this honestly beforehand. A thin catheter drains the bladder for a short period while the new connection heals.
International patients receive a coordinator, a clear plan and a transparent cost estimate before travel, including the expected stay and the period the catheter stays in. Our urologists can review your PSA results, biopsy and MRI remotely first so you understand whether surgery, radiotherapy or active surveillance is the better option for your case.
Who is a candidate?
- Men with prostate cancer that is confined to the prostate gland (localized disease)
- Patients for whom surgery is preferred over radiotherapy or active surveillance after counselling
- Those generally fit enough for surgery and a general anesthetic
- Men who may benefit from a nerve-sparing approach to protect continence and erectile function
- Patients seeking a second opinion comparing surgery, radiotherapy and surveillance
What happens
- 1
Staging and planning
PSA testing, a prostate biopsy and MRI confirm the cancer is localized and define its position. Your urologist discusses surgery, radiotherapy and active surveillance so you choose the right path.
- 2
Preparation
You are prepared for general anesthesia and given instructions on fasting and medication. The surgeon explains the keyhole approach, the catheter you will wake with and the expected recovery.
- 3
The operation
From the console, the surgeon controls robotic arms holding a 3D camera and fine instruments through small incisions, removing the prostate and reconnecting the bladder to the urethra, sparing nerves where the cancer allows.
- 4
Early recovery
Most patients are up and walking the next day and go home within one to two days with a urinary catheter, which is removed after a short period once the connection has healed.
- 5
Follow-up and recovery of function
PSA is monitored after surgery to confirm the cancer is controlled. Pelvic-floor exercises help urinary control return over weeks to months. International patients receive a follow-up plan and remote support.
Benefits
- Removes the whole prostate to treat cancer confined to the gland
- Small incisions, which can mean less blood loss, less pain and smaller scars than open surgery
- Magnified 3D vision and fine instrument control aid precise, nerve-sparing dissection
- Often a shorter hospital stay and quicker recovery than open prostatectomy
- PSA can be monitored afterwards as a clear marker of cancer control
Risks & considerations
- Temporary urinary leakage that usually improves over weeks to months with pelvic-floor exercises
- Erectile dysfunction, which depends on whether nerves can be spared and on age and prior function
- The general risks of surgery and anesthesia — bleeding, infection and clots
- A short period with a urinary catheter while the new connection heals
- Occasionally, the need for additional treatment such as radiotherapy depending on final pathology
Conditions this treats
Where it is performed
This procedure is delivered by our Urology Department.
Learn more before you decide
Provider-reviewed guides on the related conditions, symptoms and tests in our Health Library.
Robotic Prostatectomy — frequently asked questions
It treats prostate cancer that is confined to the prostate gland, removing the whole prostate while aiming to preserve urinary control and, where the cancer allows, erectile function.
There can be temporary urinary leakage that improves over weeks to months, and erectile function may be affected depending on whether nerves can be spared. Your surgeon discusses your individual outlook honestly before surgery.
Robotic prostatectomy is done through a few small incisions rather than one large one, using a system the surgeon fully controls. For suitable patients this can mean less blood loss, less pain and a quicker recovery, with comparable cancer control.
Yes. Send your PSA results, biopsy and MRI and our urologists provide an independent opinion comparing surgery, radiotherapy and active surveillance before you commit to travel.
Robotic prostatectomy usually means around one to two nights in hospital, plus a short period locally before the catheter is removed and you fly home — your coordinator confirms the plan. We provide a transparent, itemized estimate after reviewing your case rather than a fixed online price.
Related treatments
Considering robotic prostatectomy?
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