If you’re considering prostate surgery, it’s natural to focus on the procedure itself. But outcomes often hinge on something more basic: who performs the operation, and how the whole team supports you before and after it. This guide breaks down what to look for, what to ask, and what genuinely makes a difference when you’re choosing a prostate cancer surgeon.
Why choosing the right prostate surgeon matters
A radical prostatectomy is a highly skilled operation performed in a complex anatomical area. Nerves and structures involved in continence and erections can be affected, which is why urinary control and erectile function are two of the most important topics to discuss before you decide on surgery.
The right surgeon choice can influence:
- how precisely the cancer is removed
- your likelihood of complications
- how confidently you’re supported through rehabilitation and follow-up
There’s also a well-established pattern across surgery: higher surgeon and hospital volumes are often linked with better outcomes and lower complication rates. Volume is not everything, but it can be a useful signal when you’re comparing providers.
Key qualifications to look for in a prostate surgeon
Specialist training in prostate and urological surgery
Start with the fundamentals. Your surgeon should be a urology specialist with substantial experience in prostate cancer surgery and a clear, prostate-focused practice.
Just as important is how they communicate. A good surgeon should be able to explain:
- your diagnosis and staging in plain language
- whether surgery is the best option, or if other treatments may suit you better
- the trade-offs you should expect, including recovery time and side effects
Experience with minimally invasive and robotic techniques
Robotic-assisted radical prostatectomy is commonly used and can offer benefits such as smaller incisions and quicker early recovery for many patients, depending on the individual case and surgical technique.
At Santis Health, robotic surgery is a core focus. our clinical approach highlights a long-standing, high-volume practice (including Professor Christopher Eden’s experience of more than 4,000 robot-assisted prostatectomies) and a commitment to nerve-sparing techniques that aim to protect continence and erectile function.
We also explain how the procedure may be performed using either a single-port approach (one small incision) or a multiport approach (several small incisions), depending on what is most appropriate for your case, and note that we exclusively use da Vinci robotic systems for this surgery.
Experience vs technology: what matters most?
Why surgeon skill outweighs technology alone
A robot does not do the operation. It is a tool. Outcomes still depend on judgment and precision in theatre, and on decision-making if anatomy is complex or if the cancer is more extensive than expected.
If you’re weighing two options, the surgeon’s track record and experience usually matter more than marketing around the equipment.
How advanced surgical tools support expert-led surgery
In skilled hands, modern robotic platforms can support fine movement and detailed visualisation, which can help with delicate steps of the procedure.
In our approach to robotic radical prostatectomy, we describe three practical advantages of robotic assistance: high-definition 3D magnified visibility, enhanced instrument dexterity beyond the natural range of the human hand, and access to the latest surgical technology. We also highlight that our approach centres on high-volume surgeon experience and the consistent use of da Vinci systems.
Understanding surgical volume and outcomes
Why high procedure volumes can lead to better outcomes
A high-volume service often means the surgeon and wider team:
- have refined systems for preparation, theatre flow, and aftercare
- see a wider range of anatomies and cancer presentations
- build structured pathways for continence and sexual-function rehabilitation
At Santis Health, we describe ourselves as a high-volume prostate cancer clinic and emphasise transparency and published results.
Making sense of success rates, complications, and recovery
When a clinic shares outcomes, pay attention to what they actually measure and when they measure it. Useful questions include:
- cancer control measures, and how success is defined
- urinary continence outcomes, and at what timepoints
- erectile function outcomes, and what recovery means in practice
- complication and readmission rates, and how complications are classified
Even with excellent care, side effects can still happen. Urinary leakage and erectile dysfunction are widely recognised as common post-surgery issues, with recovery varying from person to person.
The importance of a multidisciplinary care team
A strong prostate cancer pathway is rarely just a surgeon plus a theatre date. The best care typically involves coordinated input (as appropriate) from:
- radiologists for imaging
- pathologists
- clinical nurse specialists
- anaesthetists
- physiotherapists and pelvic health support
This joined-up approach matters, especially when you’re weighing surgery against other options such as radiotherapy.
At Santis Health, our team model is very explicit. Our team brings together key clinical roles around surgery: Professor Christopher Eden (surgeon), Dr Annie Haigh (consultant anaesthetist who has supported the majority of cases over more than 30 years), and two regular tableside robotic surgical assistants.
Equally important is the quality of preparation and structured aftercare. At Santis Health, we publish guidance focused on practical preparation and recovery support, helping patients feel more in control before surgery.
Questions you should ask before choosing your surgeon
Bring a list and don’t feel awkward about it. These conversations are part of good care.
Consider asking:
- How many prostatectomies do you personally perform each year?
- What approach do you recommend for me, and why?
- What are your continence outcomes, and at what timepoints do you measure them?
- What should I expect for erectile function recovery, and what support is available?
- How do you manage complications if they happen?
- What does follow-up look like, and who do I contact if I’m worried at home?
It’s also worth discussing timelines. Erectile function recovery can take a long time and varies based on nerve involvement, age, baseline function, and the wider support plan.
Red flags when comparing providers
Be cautious if:
- you feel rushed into surgery without a clear explanation of options
- outcomes are described vaguely without definitions or timeframes
- you can’t get straight answers about volume, complications, or follow-up
- post-operative support sounds like an afterthought
Why patients choose Santis Health for prostate surgery
At Santis Health, we position our prostate surgery offering around specialist leadership and extensive experience in robotic prostatectomy, with a focus on clinical outcomes and transparency.
If you’re exploring whether surgery is right for you, it can help to explore:
- our prostate surgery information
- the consultants involved in your care
- how consultation, planning, and patient support are structured across the pathway
Choosing surgery is rarely just a clinical decision. The right provider will treat it that way: clear explanations, personalised planning, and support that continues well past discharge.If you’d like to speak with our team about prostate surgery, we can talk you through your options, what the procedure involves, and what recovery can look like in your situation.
