PROSTATE SURGERY
Robotic Radical Prostatectomy
Many patients come to Santis having already decided to undergo a robotic radical prostatectomy, a procedure for the removal of the prostate. Professor Christopher Eden has performed more than 4,000 robot-assisted radical prostatectomies, and his skill in nerve preservation means that our patient results in terms of cancer survival, potency and continence are among the best in the world.
Why should I choose Santis?
Professor Eden pioneered keyhole radical prostatectomy in the UK, performing the very first operation in 2000, paving the way for mass-adoption of the technique throughout the world. As such, he is highly experienced in practising the technique, which for patients means that they will receive the best result possible.
24 years after our first laparoscopic radical prostatectomy and with the introduction of the da Vinci surgical robot, Santis continues to push the boundaries of the operation, including advanced nerve-sparing techniques. We were also the first in the UK to introduce the new Retzius-sparing technique, which our published research has shown to dramatically improve continence after surgery. It has been so successful that it is now our default technique, and we have more experience than any other UK clinic in it.
What does a radical prostatectomy involve?
We exclusively perform robotically-assisted radical prostatectomies (more commonly known as RARP, or keyhole surgery). This involves removing the prostate using a single 4 cm incision (Single Port robot) or six small incisions (multiport robot) in the lower abdomen, being careful not to damage the bundles of tiny nerves that control erections. The size of the incisions mean that patients can expect to recover far more quickly than with open surgery, where a much larger incision is required.
In patients with more aggressive and/or advanced prostate cancers, the lymph nodes that drain the prostate on either side may also need be removed to complete the staging and to improve the cure rate.
Benefits of robotic radical prostatectomy:
Improved functional outcomes:
nerve-sparing techniques help maintain erectile function and continence, leading to better long-term quality of life.
Greater precision and accuracy:
enhances precision during prostate removal, minimising damage to surrounding tissues, and improving cancer control.
Faster recovery
time:
patients often return home the day after surgery and resume normal activities in weeks rather than months.
Minimally invasive surgery:
reduces the risk of infection and scarring compared to traditional open surgery.
Reduced blood loss:
compared to traditional prostate surgery, the need for transfusions are minimised.
Proven success rates:
superior outcomes in cancer survival, potency, and continence compared to traditional methods.
Who is this treatment suitable for?
It’s suitable for men with low, intermediate and high-risk prostate cancer and evidence suggests that it may also benefit men with limited metastatic prostate cancer i.e. those in whom it has spread to 5 or fewer sites, but this remains to be confirmed by ongoing clinical trials.
Why use a robot in a radical prostatectomy?
Using a robot is beneficial for three reasons. Firstly, the HD cameras allow the surgeon unparalleled visibility into the abdomen so he can perform at the highest level. Secondly, the range of motion offered by the robot is greater than human hand, which is ideal for the delicate movements required when removing the prostate. Finally, it reassures our patients that we are committed to using the very latest technology in delivering their care.
Surgery is usually the best option for patients, and here is why:
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 explain why he recommends 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?
Robotic radical prostatectomy is a minimally invasive surgery where a robotic system is used to remove the prostate, providing greater precision, less blood loss, and quicker recovery times compared to traditional surgery.
What is laparoscopic radical prostatectomy?
A minimally invasive surgical procedure to remove the prostate gland using specialised instruments and a camera, without robotic assistance.
How long does a robotic radical prostatectomy take?
The surgery typically takes between 2 to 4 hours, depending on the complexity of the procedure.
How long does incontinence last after robotic radical prostatectomy?
Incontinence varies by patient but usually improves within a few weeks to months as the pelvic muscles recover.
How does continence come back after a radical robotic prostatectomy?
Continence returns as the pelvic floor muscles strengthen and adapt after surgery, with many patients regaining control within weeks to months.