Precision robotic surgery for prostate cancer
Robotic laparoscopic radical prostatectomy is a minimally invasive surgical treatment for prostate cancer. Using several small abdominal incisions and a precision surgical robot guided by your surgeon at a console, the prostate gland is carefully removed — with smaller incisions, less blood loss, and a faster return to recovery than traditional open surgery.
Surgical treatment for prostate cancer
Robotic laparoscopic radical prostatectomy is performed for the treatment of prostate cancer. The procedure removes the entire prostate gland through several small abdominal incisions, using a precision surgical robot guided by your urologic surgeon.
Compared to traditional open prostate cancer surgery, the robotic approach offers smaller incisions, less blood loss, shorter hospital stays, and typically faster recovery — while allowing the surgeon enhanced visualization and dexterity for precise tissue handling.
How robotic surgery works
The surgical robot doesn’t operate autonomously — every movement is precisely controlled by the surgeon from a console in the operating room.
Surgeon-controlled precision
The surgeon sits at a console away from the bedside and operates the robot’s instruments through small abdominal incisions. The technology enhances what a human surgeon can do — it doesn’t replace the surgeon’s judgment or experience.
Enhanced visualization
A small camera provides high-definition imaging deep inside the body, giving the surgeon a clear view of delicate structures.
Precise dexterity
Robotic instruments offer greater range of motion and finer control than traditional laparoscopic tools, enabling careful work in confined spaces.
Surgeon in control
The surgeon controls every robotic movement in real time from the console — the robot never moves on its own.
This is major cancer surgery
Although the robotic approach is minimally invasive compared to open surgery, radical prostatectomy is still a major operation. It’s performed under general anesthesia with a hospital stay of typically 1-2 days. You’ll need to follow standard pre-operative instructions including fasting, and arrange for support during your recovery at home.
Your surgeon will discuss all aspects of the procedure, anesthesia plan, expected recovery, and possible aftereffects with you in detail before surgery.
The essentials
Small incisions
Several small abdominal incisions instead of one large opening
General anesthesia
Performed in the hospital under general anesthesia
1–2 day stay
Typical hospital stay before discharge home
Catheter at home
Indwelling catheter for several days to a week
What to expect
From the operating room to discharge — here’s the typical course of the procedure.
Anesthesia
General anesthesia administered by the anesthesia team.
Small incisions
Several small incisions made on the abdomen for robot access.
Robotic removal
Surgeon guides the robot to carefully remove the prostate gland.
Urethra reconnected
Urethra stitched back to the bladder and catheter placed.
Recovery & discharge
Hospital recovery, then discharge home after 1-2 days.
You’ll go home with an indwelling catheter
After surgery, you’ll be discharged home with a catheter draining urine into a bag for several days to about one week. This gives the surgical site time to heal as the urethra reconnects to the bladder.
Your provider will give you detailed instructions on catheter care before you leave the hospital, and you’ll return to the office to have it removed once healing is sufficient. Most patients find it manageable with the support of the care team.
Normal aftereffects & warning signs
Some short-term aftereffects are expected. Others warrant a call.
What’s normal
When to reach out
Possible long-term effects
Like any prostate cancer treatment, robotic radical prostatectomy can have long-term effects that are important to understand before deciding on surgery. These can include changes in urinary control and sexual function.
The extent and duration of these effects varies significantly between patients, depending on factors like your anatomy, the location and stage of cancer, surgical technique, and your overall health. Many men regain function over time, often with supportive treatments, and our team works closely with patients during recovery to address these concerns.
Your surgeon will discuss your individual risks and expected outcomes in detail during consultation — including what supportive treatments may help with recovery of urinary and sexual function.
Discuss your treatment options
If you’ve been diagnosed with prostate cancer, schedule a consultation with our urology team. We’ll review your case in detail, discuss whether robotic radical prostatectomy is right for you, and walk you through every step of preparation, surgery, and recovery — with the time and care this decision deserves.