Most patients recover within a few weeks.

Temporary leakage may occur but improves quickly.

Depends on patient factors, but recovery is faster vs open surgery.

Robotic radical prostatectomy is a surgical procedure performed to treat prostate cancer by removing the prostate gland and, when necessary, surrounding tissues. The operation is performed using a robotic surgical system controlled entirely by the surgeon.

The robot does not perform the surgery independently. Every movement is directed by the surgeon, who operates from a specialized console providing a highly magnified three-dimensional view of the surgical field.

In traditional open surgery, the procedure is performed through a single larger incision. In robotic surgery, the operation is carried out through several small keyhole incisions using specialized instruments attached to robotic arms.

The robotic system provides:

• High-definition 3D visualization
• Magnified surgical images
• Enhanced surgical precision
• Greater freedom of instrument movement

These advantages allow delicate anatomical structures to be identified and preserved more effectively.

Potential benefits of robotic surgery include:

• Less blood loss
• Lower need for blood transfusion
• Smaller incisions
• Less postoperative pain
• Shorter hospital stay
• Shorter catheter duration
• Faster recovery and return to daily activities
• Earlier recovery of urinary continence
• Better preservation of sexual function in selected patients

During the procedure, the abdominal cavity is gently inflated with carbon dioxide gas. The pressure created by the gas helps reduce bleeding from small blood vessels.

In addition, the robotic system provides a highly magnified three-dimensional view, allowing the surgeon to identify and control blood vessels with exceptional precision.

This enables the surgeon to focus on meticulous tissue dissection rather than managing excessive bleeding throughout the operation.

As a result, blood loss is typically minimal, and blood transfusions are rarely required

Most patients are discharged within 2 to 3 days after surgery.

The exact length of stay may vary depending on:

• Age
• General health condition
• Presence of other medical problems
• Individual recovery progress

After the prostate is removed, the bladder is carefully reconnected to the urethra using a watertight surgical connection (anastomosis).

Thanks to the precision offered by robotic surgery, this reconstruction can be performed very accurately.

Unless there are special circumstances, the urinary catheter is typically removed on the 7th postoperative day. International patients usually return from their hotel or accommodation to the clinic for catheter removal, wound assessment, and final postoperative evaluation.

However, because robotic surgery uses small incisions, postoperative pain is generally significantly less than with traditional open surgery and can usually be controlled effectively with oral pain medication.

Yes.

Robotic radical prostatectomy is one of the most commonly performed and well-established treatments for localized prostate cancer worldwide.

The combination of magnified three-dimensional visualization and highly precise surgical instruments allows careful removal of the prostate while preserving important surrounding structures whenever oncologically appropriate.

In experienced hands, robotic surgery provides excellent cancer-control outcomes consistent with international standards.

No surgical treatment can guarantee complete elimination of cancer in every patient.

Treatment success depends on several factors, including:

• Cancer stage
• PSA level
• Gleason Grade Group
• Tumor volume and extent
• Pathological characteristics

However, robotic surgery provides excellent visualization, particularly of the prostate apex, where surgical precision is critically important.

Temporary urinary leakage is common after prostate removal because the structures responsible for urinary control require time to recover.

The majority of patients experience progressive improvement during the months following surgery.

Recovery varies from patient to patient.

Factors influencing continence recovery include:

• Age
• Preoperative urinary function
• Overall health condition
• Surgical technique
• Individual anatomy

The improved visualization and precision offered by robotic surgery may contribute to earlier recovery of urinary continence in many patients.

Erectile function may be affected following prostate cancer surgery because the nerves responsible for erections run immediately adjacent to the prostate gland.

Whether these nerves can be preserved depends primarily on the location and extent of the cancer.

Nerve-sparing surgery is a specialized technique designed to preserve the neurovascular bundles responsible for erectile function whenever it is oncologically safe to do so.

The magnified vision provided by robotic surgery allows these delicate structures to be identified and preserved with greater precision.

Recovery of erectile function varies significantly among individuals.

Factors affecting recovery include:

• Age
• Preoperative erectile function
• Diabetes and cardiovascular disease
• Overall vascular health
• Whether nerve-sparing surgery was possible

Some patients experience improvement within several months, while others may require a longer recovery period.

Robotic radical prostatectomy is an excellent treatment option for many men with prostate cancer. However, the most appropriate treatment should always be individualized.

Factors considered include:

• Patient age
• Cancer stage
• PSA level
• Biopsy and pathology findings
• General health condition
• Personal treatment goals

A comprehensive evaluation is necessary before making a treatment recommendation.

As with any major surgical procedure, robotic radical prostatectomy carries certain risks, including:

• Bleeding
• Infection
• Urinary leakage
• Urethral stricture (scar tissue formation)
• Temporary or permanent urinary incontinence
• Erectile dysfunction
• Injury to adjacent organs
• Deep vein thrombosis (DVT)
• Pulmonary embolism
• Anesthesia-related complications

Although these complications are very uncommon, no surgical procedure is entirely risk-free.

The primary objectives of robotic radical prostatectomy are:

1. Complete and safe removal of the cancerous prostate.
2. Long-term cancer control.
3. Preservation of urinary continence whenever possible.
4. Preservation of sexual function in appropriately selected patients.
5. Maintenance of the highest possible quality of life.

Successful outcomes depend on the characteristics of the cancer, the patient’s overall health, and the experience of the surgical team.

For patients traveling from abroad:

• Online review of medical records before travel
• Virtual consultation when appropriate
• Arrival in Istanbul and preoperative assessment
• Robotic surgery performed by Prof. Dr. Haluk Akpınar
• Hospital stay of approximately 2–3 days
• Recovery at hotel or accommodation
• Catheter removal on postoperative day 7
• Final evaluation before return travel
• Long-term follow-up through online consultations

Our international patient team is available to assist with travel planning, accommodation recommendations, airport transfers, and postoperative follow-up.