What should you know about prostate removal robotic surgery?

This operation is usually called robotic-assisted radical prostatectomy. The surgeon sits at a console and guides instruments inside the abdomen; the robot does not make treatment decisions independently. The prostate is removed, and the surgeon may also assess or remove nearby lymph nodes when this is part of the planned cancer treatment. The bladder is then connected to the urethra so urine can pass again.

The approach may allow access through several small incisions rather than one larger incision, but it remains major surgery. Possible effects include temporary urinary leakage, changes in erections, discomfort, tiredness, constipation, and a need for a urinary catheter during early healing. Nerve-sparing may be considered when the location and extent of the cancer allow it, although it cannot remove every risk of sexual or urinary changes.

The operation is one treatment option for selected prostate cancer. Your team may compare it with radiotherapy or brachytherapy, considering the cancer's features, your general health, urinary symptoms, bowel function, and preferences. Read more about [Prostate Cancer](/conditions/prostate-cancer/) and [Prostate Removal Surgery](/treatments/surgical-oncology/prostatectomy/).

Before surgery, give the team a complete list of medicines, supplements, allergies, previous operations, and urinary or sexual concerns. Ask which medicines to pause, what bowel preparation is needed, when to stop eating and drinking, and how long a catheter is expected to remain. Arrange help with transport, meals, and lifting while you recover.

After surgery, follow the catheter and wound instructions, drink according to your team's advice, walk regularly, and avoid strenuous activity until cleared. Keep follow-up appointments so the catheter can be managed safely and the pathology result, urinary control, sexual function, and next steps can be reviewed. Recovery is gradual; report concerns early rather than changing medicines or activity on your own.

Contact your surgical team promptly for fever, worsening redness or drainage around an incision, increasing pain, repeated vomiting, or urine that stops flowing through the catheter. Seek urgent help for heavy bleeding, severe breathlessness, chest pain, fainting, or a painful swollen leg. Use the discharge number provided by your hospital if you are unsure how quickly to be assessed.

Ask whether robotic prostate removal fits your cancer and health profile, whether lymph-node removal or nerve-sparing is planned, and what result would change the treatment plan. Clarify the expected catheter plan, warning signs, activity limits, pelvic-floor support, options for managing erection changes, and how your PSA and pathology results will be followed. You can also ask how your situation compares with [Radiotherapy](/treatments/radiation-oncology/radiotherapy/) or [Brachytherapy](/treatments/radiation-oncology/brachytherapy/).