PROSTATE SURGERY
Robotic Radical Prostatectomy at Santis
Many patients come to Santis having already decided to undergo a robotic radical prostatectomy, a minimally invasive procedure to remove the prostate. Professor Christopher Eden has performed more than 4,000 robot-assisted radical prostatectomies, and his skill in bilateral nerve-sparing radical prostatectomy means our patient results in cancer survival, potency, and continence are among the best in the world.
Why should I choose Santis?
Professor Eden pioneered laparoscopic radical prostatectomy in the UK, performing the very first operation in 2000 and paving the way for worldwide adoption of minimally invasive prostate surgery.
Today, Santis remains at the forefront of innovation:
- Experience: Over 24 years and 4,000+ robotic assisted laparoscopic radical prostatectomies.
- Advanced techniques: First in the UK to perform Retzius-sparing robotic prostatectomy, proven to improve continence.
- Best outcomes: Published research showing world-class results in cancer survival, continence, and potency.
- Latest technology: Exclusive use of da Vinci robotic systems for robotic nerve-sparing radical prostatectomy.
What does a radical prostatectomy involve?
At Santis, we exclusively perform robotic assisted laparoscopic prostatectomy (RALP), sometimes also called laparoscopic prostatectomy with robot or laparoscopic robotic radical prostatectomy.
The procedure involves removing the prostate through either a single 4 cm incision (single-port robot) or six small incisions (multiport robot) in the lower abdomen. During surgery, the prostate is removed with precision, while carefully preserving the delicate nerves responsible for erectile function.
For men with more aggressive cancers, the lymph nodes draining the prostate may also be removed as part of staging and treatment.
Benefits of robotic radical prostatectomy:
Compared to open surgery, robotic assisted laparoscopic radical prostatectomy offers clear advantages:
Improved functional outcomes:
Advanced nerve-sparing radical prostatectomy techniques help preserve erectile function and continence.
Greater precision and accuracy:
Robotic systems minimise damage to surrounding tissue.
Faster recovery
time:
Most patients go home the day after surgery and resume daily activities within weeks.
Minimally invasive surgery:
Smaller incisions mean reduced infection risk and scarring.
Reduced blood loss:
Transfusions are rarely needed.
Proven success:
Better long-term outcomes for cancer control, continence, and sexual function.
Who is this treatment suitable for?
Robotic radical prostatectomy is suitable for men with low, intermediate, and high-risk prostate cancer. Evidence also suggests potential benefit for carefully selected men with limited metastatic disease (spread to five or fewer sites), though clinical trials are ongoing.
Why use a robot in a radical prostatectomy?
Robotic assistance provides three major advantages in laparoscopic prostatectomy with robot systems:
- Unparalleled visibility – HD 3D cameras magnify the surgical area.
- Enhanced dexterity – Robotic instruments move beyond the natural range of the human hand.
- Latest technology – Patients benefit from the most advanced surgical approach available today.
Surgery vs Radiotherapy – Why Surgery May Be the Best Option
REASON 1
Certainty
It provides definitive information about the stage (extent) and grade (aggressiveness) of the tumour, because after the operation, the prostate is sent to a lab for final analysis – from which the prognosis can be accurately determined. Surgery also removes the possibility of radiotherapy-induced rectal and bladder cancer.
REASON 2
A safety net
It leaves in reserve two further powerful treatment options if the cancer recurs: radiotherapy and hormonal therapy. Cancer recurrence after surgery can be promptly identified by the PSA blood test and salvage treatment is generally very well tolerated and effective. The reverse is not true if radiotherapy (including brachytherapy) is used as the primary treatment.
REASON 3
Surgeon-specific results
Cancer control, continence and potency results are much better when the surgery is done by high-volume surgeons. Having your operation performed by a high-volume surgeon should allow you to combine the certainty of surgery, the preservation of a treatment safety net if needed and good cancer control, continence and potency.
Watch Professor Eden’s top tips on how best to prepare yourself for robotic prostate cancer surgery
REAL RESULTS
What our patients say
An extraordinary result from a very remarkable man. I personally owe my life to Professor Christopher Eden.
Without Prof. Eden’s actions I would have spent the last six years in a mess.
Best wishes to anyone considering asking Professor Eden for help. I can only highly recommend him to you.
Professor Eden is in our opinion the best surgeon for prostatectomy.
Selecting Professor Eden is genuinely the best decision I have ever made, I thoroughly recommend him.
I am extremely grateful for his skills and professionalism. There is no doubt that I would not be here without him.
Frequently Asked Questions:
What is robotic radical prostatectomy?
A minimally invasive surgery where a robotic system removes the prostate with greater precision, less blood loss, and faster recovery.
What is laparoscopic radical prostatectomy?
A keyhole procedure to remove the prostate using specialised instruments and a camera, without robotic assistance.
What is a robot-assisted laparoscopic prostatectomy (RALP)
Another term for robotic radical prostatectomy, performed at Santis with the latest da Vinci surgical systems.
How long does a robotic radical prostatectomy take?
Typically 2–4 hours, depending on complexity.
How long does incontinence last after robotic radical prostatectomy?
It varies, but many men regain continence within weeks to months.
How does continence come back after a radical robotic prostatectomy?
As the pelvic floor muscles recover, continence improves. Physiotherapy can help speed this up.
