Robotic assisted laparoscopic radical prostatectomy is a minimally invasive form of robotic surgery to remove the cancerous prostate. This is one of the most commonly done robotic surgeries. 5-6 small incisions are used. The bladder is then mobilised to allow access to the prostate. The prostate and its attachments (vas and seminal vesicles) are disconnected from bladder , urethra and surrounding structures like a sculptor. Great care is taken to preserve what needs to be preserved (like nerves if necessary) and to avoid damage to surrounding structures ( like rectum). The urethra is then joined to the bladder over a catheter.

Patients are discharged with a catheter (a small plastic tube) in place which is usually removed on an appropriate day as determine by your surgeon.

Following catheter removal the rehabilitation phase of treatment begins. This involves rehabilitation of urinary control and sexual function. The urinary continence returns quickly in the majority over the next 3-6 weeks with progressive decrease in the pad usage. Majority of the patients are using one pad for protection at 6 weeks follow up. This recovery is greatly aided by Pelvic Floor Exercises. This could be commenced even before surgery and patients training aids recovery.

The sexual functions recover well with preservation of atleast one neurovascular bundle during the operation and use of PDE 5 inhibitors (oral tablets) after the operation.