Prostate: A small gland located in the pelvis, positioned between the bladder and the penis. It plays an essential role in semen production and ejaculation.
Seminal vesicles: Also known as the seminal glands, these structures contribute to the creation and storage of semen.
A radical prostatectomy is recommended when cancer is confined to the prostate area, offering a potential cure by fully removing the affected tissues.
Despite the name, robotic surgery is not performed by a robot. Every movement is controlled by your Consultant Urological Surgeon, who operates the robotic system from a specialised console. The technology acts as a highly precise surgical tool, enhancing your surgeon’s accuracy. In prostate cancer surgery, this level of precision is essential, as it can support better cancer removal, faster recovery, and a reduced risk of side effects.
Robotic surgery is now widely used and considered routine. In fact, the majority of prostatectomies in England are performed using robotic technology, demonstrating its safety, reliability, and effectiveness.
For suitable patients, surgeons may also perform a nerve‑sparing prostatectomy. This technique aims to preserve the delicate nerves and tissues surrounding the prostate that are responsible for erectile function. Achieving successful nerve‑sparing requires exceptional surgical precision—something the robotic system is specifically designed to assist with.
A radical prostatectomy is typically offered when prostate cancer is localised, meaning it is confined to the prostate gland. Your Consultant Urologist will assess your individual case and advise whether prostate removal is an appropriate treatment for you.
Your specialist may suggest radical prostatectomy if:
At The Park Hospital, our experienced network of Urology Consultants provide expert assessment, diagnosis, and personalised treatment plans for prostate cancer. Whether you are experiencing symptoms that require investigation or have already been diagnosed, our specialists are here to support you at every stage.
To book an appointment with a Consultant Urological Surgeon at The Park Hospital, you will need a referral from your GP or another medical specialist. If you need guidance on how to obtain this referral, our team is available to help by phone or via our online enquiry form.
Your prostate cancer treatment journey at The Park Hospital begins with a thorough consultation with one of our highly experienced Consultant Urologists. During this appointment, your specialist will assess how far your cancer has developed and whether it has spread beyond the prostate. If you have not yet received a full diagnosis, this will take place during your first visit. Any required scans or blood tests can be performed on‑site the same day, ensuring a smooth and efficient experience.
This consultation is also your opportunity to ask any questions you may have—no matter how small they seem. At The Park Hospital, we are committed to providing compassionate, patient‑centred care. We want you to feel fully informed, comfortable, and supported during what can be an understandably anxious time.
If your prostate cancer is localised and remains contained within the prostate gland, your Consultant may recommend prostate removal surgery (radical prostatectomy) as your best treatment option. As a private hospital, The Park Hospital does not operate waiting lists for prostate removal surgery. Most patients can be seen for their consultation within 48 hours of contacting us, allowing your treatment plan to progress without delay.
Traditional open prostatectomy requires a larger incision in the abdomen. In comparison, a robotic‑assisted prostatectomy uses several small keyhole incisions and provides the surgeon with exceptional precision and control.
Benefits of robotic prostate surgery may include:
Robotic surgery is now widely used across the UK and is considered one of the most advanced and minimally invasive options for prostate cancer treatment.
During this consultation, a specialist Pre‑Assessment Nurse will:
If any further tests are required—such as blood tests, urine tests, or other basic clinical checks—we will arrange these either during your preoperative appointment or beforehand, depending on what is needed.
Our team will ensure you have all the information you need ahead of your procedure, including:
We aim to make the process as smooth and stress‑free as possible, providing clear instructions and reassurance at every stage. Your comfort, safety and confidence are our priority as you prepare for prostate cancer surgery at The Park Hospital.
Once you and your Consultant decide that a private robotic prostatectomy is the most suitable treatment, our team at The Park Hospital will arrange your procedure at a time that works for you. Many of our appointments are available outside standard working hours and at weekends, giving you maximum flexibility.
Before your surgery, we’ll let you know exactly when to arrive, what to bring, and what to expect on the day. When you check in, our team will ensure you are fully prepared and comfortable. Your Consultant Urological Surgeon will review the plan for your procedure, explain each step, and answer any last‑minute questions. You may also meet members of our theatre team, including your Anaesthetist, who will support you throughout your operation.
A radical prostatectomy is performed under general anaesthetic, meaning you will be asleep and unaware for the entire operation.
Using the advanced da Vinci robotic surgical system, your Surgeon will make a series of small keyhole incisions in your abdomen to access the prostate gland. Through these tiny openings, they insert a high‑definition camera and delicate robotic instruments designed for exceptional precision.
During the procedure, your surgeon removes the prostate gland, surrounding tissues, and the seminal vesicles through one of the small incisions. If required, nearby lymph nodes may also be removed for further assessment.
Where possible, your surgeon will use a nerve‑sparing technique, carefully preserving the delicate nerves, muscles, and blood vessels responsible for erectile function and continence. Robotic technology enhances this precision, helping to reduce the risk of side effects and support a smoother recovery.
Throughout robotic surgery, your Consultant views a magnified, 3D high‑definition image of the surgical area in real time. This enhanced visibility—combined with the fine movements of the robotic instruments—allows for a level of accuracy that exceeds traditional surgical methods.
A typical robotic prostatectomy at The Park Hospital takes two to three hours. After the procedure, you will be taken to your private, comfortable room, where our nursing team will provide everything you need for a safe and restful recovery.
Most patients stay at The Park Hospital for one night after a robotic prostatectomy. However, evidence shows that patients who return home sooner often recover more quickly, so we aim to keep your hospital stay as short as safely possible.
Before you leave, you will be given everything you need for your recovery at home, which may include pain relief or other medication. Many patients find that standard over‑the‑counter painkillers are sufficient at this stage.
You may also be shown how to remove your catheter yourself, if you prefer to do this at home once advised—usually between seven and ten days after surgery.
Around one to two weeks after your procedure, a member of our team will contact you with a full postoperative report. This will explain the outcome of your surgery and confirm whether any additional treatment or monitoring is required.
At The Park Hospital, we ensure you receive continuous support throughout your recovery, with clear guidance, expert follow‑up care, and access to your Consultant whenever needed.
We advise avoiding strenuous activity, heavy lifting, and high‑impact exercise for at least four weeks after your operation. You should also avoid driving until you can move comfortably and safely without pain or restriction.
Most patients take around one month off work. If you work from home or have a desk‑based role, you may feel able to return sooner. However, if your job involves physical activity, manual labour, or long periods on your feet, you may need additional recovery time.
Following prostate removal surgery, some men experience temporary urinary incontinence or erectile dysfunction. These side effects are common and can last from a few days to several months, depending on the individual and the complexity of the surgery.
If these symptoms affect your daily life or emotional wellbeing, you can always speak with your Consultant Urologist at The Park Hospital. They may recommend treatments, medications, or pelvic floor exercises to support your recovery.
There is a small chance that these side effects may become long‑term, although your surgeon will have used the most precise techniques—such as nerve‑sparing robotic surgery—to minimise this risk wherever possible.
Although a robotic radical prostatectomy is considered a safe and effective treatment for localised prostate cancer, it is important to remember that all surgical procedures carry some degree of risk. At The Park Hospital, your clinical team will explain these risks clearly so you feel informed and supported throughout your treatment.
Possible general complications include:
The most significant risks associated with radical prostatectomy relate to the removal of the prostate and surrounding tissues. These may include:
Your Consultant Urological Surgeon will discuss all potential side effects before recommending surgery, ensuring you have a clear understanding of the benefits, risks, and expected outcomes. This allows you to make an informed decision about your prostate cancer treatment at The Park Hospital.
The exact price varies for each patient and depends on several factors, including the type of procedure you undergo. In most cases, robotic‑assisted prostatectomy is more expensive than traditional open surgery due to the advanced technology involved.
We welcome patients with Private Medical Insurance as well as those who choose to self‑fund their prostate cancer treatment. Before you proceed, we will provide a fixed, all‑inclusive price for your surgery, which covers your hospital care and aftercare as standard.
Please note that this guide price does not include your initial consultation or any diagnostic tests you may need beforehand.
We offer a selection of flexible payment options, allowing you to spread the cost of treatment over 10 months to five years. In many instances, your repayments will be interest-free for the first 10 months.
*This is a guide price for self‑pay patients. Your confirmed treatment cost will be provided in writing at the time of booking.
When you have private prostate cancer treatment with us, you’ll receive:
At The Park Hospital, we combine exceptional medical care with a calm, supportive environment—ensuring you feel informed, reassured, and well looked‑after throughout your prostate cancer treatment journey.
“The room was comfortable and spacious. The food menu was brilliant! I had no idea there would be so many options, it was like being in a hotel with a three-course food menu at my fingertips. I’m upset I didn’t have the stomach to order everything after surgery...”
Paul felt that Ben showed great compassion and kindness, even while performing complex surgery. He made a point to call Paul’s mother-in-law and his wife to assure them that, although the procedure was taking longer than usual, it was nothing to worry about, and that Paul was okay. “He was just amazing, keeping them in the loop like that. They really appreciated it,” says Paul.
It wasn’t just Mr Sherwood who helped make Paul’s experience at The Park Hospital that little bit less daunting. Paul had a team of nurses that supported him throughout the five days he spent in hospital recovering after surgery. He says: “They were so kind and helpful. It felt odd discussing such intimate things about myself with the team at first, but they made me feel so comfortable and open.”
The surgery eliminated Paul's cancer. He is now back at work full-time and fills his weekends with trips to the local golf course and family outings.
Read the full story of Paul's treatment and recovery journey.
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