Robotic Surgery · Da Vinci · London
Robotic Radical
Prostatectomy
Over 500 Retzius-sparing robotic prostatectomies performed. Consistently in the top 25% of European robotic surgeons for continence and oncological outcomes.
What Is a Robotic Radical Prostatectomy?
Robotic radical prostatectomy is the surgical removal of the entire prostate gland using a robotic system (da Vinci). The surgeon controls robotic arms through a console, allowing millimetre-precision movements through small keyhole incisions — impossible with the human hand alone.
Mr Ameen performs the Retzius-sparing technique, approaching the prostate from behind rather than from the front. This preserves the natural support structures of the bladder and urethra, leading to significantly faster recovery of urinary continence.
The operation typically takes 2–3 hours. Most patients are walking the same evening and go home within 48 hours.
My goal with every prostatectomy is to remove the cancer completely whilst preserving as much function as possible — continence and, where oncologically safe, erectile function. Technique and experience matter enormously. That is why I track my outcomes and benchmark them nationally.
— Mr Torath Ameen, FRCS (Urol)Key Advantages of This Technique
Faster Continence Recovery
Preservation of the urethral support structures means most patients achieve social continence within 4–6 weeks rather than the traditional 3–6 months.
Equivalent Cancer Control
Multiple studies confirm Retzius-sparing achieves the same oncological outcomes (positive margin rates, biochemical recurrence) as the standard anterior approach.
Smaller Incisions, Less Pain
Five small port sites — typically less than 1cm each. Dramatically less post-operative pain than open surgery.
Nerve-Sparing Available
Where the cancer location allows, nerve-sparing surgery can be performed to optimise erectile function recovery.
Rapid Return to Normal Life
Most patients drive within 2–3 weeks, return to desk work within 2–4 weeks, and resume exercise by 6–8 weeks.
Who Is Robotic Prostatectomy For?
Localised Prostate Cancer
Men with prostate cancer confirmed on biopsy (Gleason score 6–9) where the cancer appears confined to or near the prostate gland on MRI and staging scans.
Locally Advanced Disease
Selected patients with locally advanced prostate cancer (T3a/T3b) may still benefit from robotic surgery as part of a multimodal treatment approach, discussed in full at consultation.
Suitable for Surgery
Men who are medically fit for general anaesthesia. Mr Ameen works closely with experienced anaesthetists to make surgery accessible for patients with well-managed comorbidities.
Not sure if surgery is right for you? Mr Ameen will present all treatment options — including radiotherapy and active surveillance — at your consultation, with no pressure to choose surgery.
Book a Consultation to Discuss Your OptionsWhat to Expect: Surgery, Recovery & Outcomes
On the day of surgery
You will be admitted to the Wellington Hospital or Chase Lodge Hospital on the morning of surgery. The procedure is performed under general anaesthesia and typically takes 2.5–3.5 hours. Five small incisions (5–12mm) are made in the abdomen for the robotic ports and a small camera. The prostate is removed in its entirety along with the seminal vesicles. Pelvic lymph nodes may be sampled if your risk assessment indicates this is necessary. You will have a urinary catheter in place when you wake, which remains for 5–7 days.
Hospital stay and catheter period
Most patients stay one night in hospital and go home the following day. You will be walking within hours of surgery. The catheter is removed at a clinic appointment 5–7 days after surgery, at which point most patients begin passing urine normally, often with initial urinary leakage (stress incontinence) that resolves progressively. Pelvic floor exercises started before surgery significantly accelerate recovery of continence.
Recovery timeline
Week 1–2: Rest at home. Light walking encouraged. Avoid driving until catheter is removed and pain-free. Avoid lifting anything over 5kg.
Week 2–4: Gradually increasing activity. Most men can perform desk-based work from week 2–3. Driving typically resumes week 3. Pelvic floor exercises continue three times daily.
Week 6: Post-operative PSA check. Return to gentle exercise including swimming and cycling. First PSA result guides further follow-up frequency.
Month 3–6: Most men with the Retzius-sparing technique achieve social continence (no pads required for daily activities) within this window. Erectile function recovery continues for up to 18–24 months with penile rehabilitation.
Long term: PSA is monitored at 3–6 monthly intervals for the first 2 years, then annually. A PSA below 0.1 ng/mL is considered undetectable and indicates successful cancer removal.
Risks of Robotic Prostatectomy
All surgery carries risk. A thorough pre-operative discussion ensures you understand what to expect and can make a fully informed decision. Mr Ameen discusses all risks individually at consultation, tailored to your specific anatomy, health status and procedure.
Urinary Incontinence
The most common side effect. Almost all men experience some degree of stress urinary leakage immediately after catheter removal. With the Retzius-sparing technique and nerve preservation, the majority of patients achieve full continence (no pads) within 3–6 months. Mr Ameen's continence outcomes are consistently in the top 25% of UK robotic surgeons. Persistent incontinence beyond 12 months is uncommon and has effective surgical solutions.
Erectile Dysfunction
The risk of ED depends primarily on pre-operative erectile function, age, the extent of nerve preservation possible given the cancer location, and adherence to penile rehabilitation. In men under 65 with good pre-operative function undergoing bilateral nerve-sparing surgery, the majority recover functional erections within 12–18 months. A penile rehabilitation programme (daily PDE5 inhibitor from day one) is standard practice.
Surgical Complications
Major complications (injury to bowel, bladder, ureter or blood vessels; anastomotic leak; deep vein thrombosis or pulmonary embolism) are rare with robotic surgery, occurring in under 2% of cases at high-volume centres. Mr Ameen performs over 80 robotic prostatectomies per year. Wound infection and lymphocele (fluid collection after lymph node removal) are the most common minor complications.
Robotic Prostatectomy Costs in London
Self-pay all-inclusive package
The self-pay package for robotic radical prostatectomy at the Wellington Hospital includes the surgeon fee, anaesthetist fee, hospital facility (one-night stay), theatre use, robot use, all disposables, histopathology of the prostate specimen, catheter removal appointment and the 6-week post-operative consultation. Costs are discussed in full at consultation. No unexpected invoices after the procedure.
Insurance
Robotic prostatectomy is covered by all major private health insurers. Mr Ameen is recognised by Bupa, AXA Health, Aviva, Cigna, WPA and Vitality. Pre-authorisation is arranged on your behalf before any procedure is scheduled. Most insurers require a confirmed prostate cancer diagnosis (biopsy report) and a GP or oncologist referral before authorising surgery. The clinic team manages the insurance process for you throughout.
Robotic Prostatectomy FAQs
Ready to discuss your prostate cancer treatment options?
Mr Ameen offers unhurried, consultant-led consultations across Central London — bring your results, your questions, and leave with a clear plan.