Robotic‑assisted prostatectomy is now the most common approach for prostate cancer surgery in the UK. Patients often ask two linked questions: is robotic prostate surgery safe, and what are the robotic prostate surgery risks to be aware of? Like any operation, it carries risks, but modern technology, rigorous planning, and experienced teams mean complications are uncommon and manageable.
At Santis, this assurance is grounded in experience: our surgeons have performed over 4,000 robotic radical prostatectomies, and the team pioneered the Retzius‑sparing robotic approach in the UK, a technique designed to protect continence‑supporting structures. This article explains the typical risks of prostate cancer surgery and how Santis Health works to minimise them at every step.
Considering your options? Read about our approach to robotic radical prostatectomy, how it compares with open surgery, and the advanced da Vinci Single Port Robot we use in selected cases.
Why Understanding Surgery Risks Matters
Knowing the potential prostate cancer surgery risks helps you prepare, ask the right questions, and plan your recovery. All major operations share some broad risks: bleeding, infection, anaesthesia‑related issues, and blood clots. Prostate surgery also has procedure‑specific considerations because the prostate sits close to the urinary sphincter, pelvic nerves, and surrounding vessels. Being informed does not mean expecting problems – it means recognising what could happen, what signs to look for, and how your team reduces these risks.
Common Risks in Robotic Prostate Surgery
In robotic procedures, tiny instruments and a high‑definition 3D camera are introduced through small incisions. The minimally invasive approach reduces tissue trauma compared to open surgery, but the potential complications are similar. Here are the ones most patients ask about.
Bleeding and Infection
Blood loss with robotic surgery is typically much lower than with open procedures, which reduces the chance of transfusion to well under 1%. Infection can occur at skin incisions or, more rarely, within the pelvis. We lower these risks with careful technique, peri‑operative antibiotics when indicated, and sterile protocols. If an infection does occur, it is treated promptly with oral or intravenous antibiotics, depending on severity.
Urinary Incontinence
After the prostate is removed, continence relies on the urethral sphincter and supportive tissues healing well. Some men experience leakage in the early weeks, particularly with coughing, lifting, or standing up. 99% regain day‑to‑day control over time. Pelvic‑floor training, early mobilisation, and meticulous reconstructive technique during surgery all support recovery. Our team provides a pelvic‑floor exercise plan and close follow‑up so you know what to expect.
Erectile Dysfunction
Erections depend on delicate neurovascular bundles running alongside the back of the prostate. Even with excellent technique, there can be a temporary disruption of function due to bruising and swelling. When cancer extent and anatomy allow, nerve‑sparing surgery helps preserve erectile function. Recovery is usually gradual and influenced by age, baseline function, and any other health conditions. We discuss realistic timelines, prescribe rehabilitation where appropriate, and tailor strategies after surgery.
Anaesthesia and Other Rare Complications
Anaesthesia today is very safe, but side effects such as nausea, sore throat, and short‑lived confusion can occur. Rare (less than 1%) issues include blood clots in the legs/lungs, urinary leakage at the join between bladder and urethra (anastomotic leak), or injury to nearby structures. We mitigate these with risk assessment, DVT prevention measures, careful catheter management, and enhanced‑recovery protocols.
How Robotic Surgery Differs from Traditional Surgery
Patients often ask whether the robotic approach is “better.” The robot does not operate by itself; it translates the surgeon’s hand movements into ultra‑precise micro‑movements. This allows excellent visualisation and fine control in the deep pelvis. As a result, patients commonly experience reduced blood loss, smaller scars, less post‑operative pain, and a quicker return to normal activities. For many men, these advantages translate into a smoother recovery without changing the fundamental cancer‑control aims of surgery. We also usually use the da Vinci Single Port Robot, which further reduces the trauma of access and speeds recovery.
How Santis Mitigates Surgical Risks
Safety is a system, not a single step. At Santis Health, we combine technology with experience and consistent protocols:
- Highly experienced surgeons: Your operation is performed by consultants with extensive robotic training and high case volumes.
- Thorough pre‑operative assessment: We review your scans, PSA, biopsy findings, and medical history to plan the safest approach and discuss whether nerve‑sparing is advisable.
- Advanced platforms: We use state‑of‑the‑art da Vinci systems, including the Single Port platform, to maximise precision and visibility.
- Intra‑operative safety checks: Standardised checklists, haemostasis audits, and real‑time team communication reduce avoidable errors.
- Enhanced Recovery After Surgery (ERAS): Evidence‑based pathways support early mobilisation, optimal pain control, and gut recovery.
- Post‑operative monitoring and follow‑up: Scheduled reviews and easy access to our team allow early detection and treatment of issues.
- Patient education: Clear guidance on continence exercises, wound care, and activity makes a measurable difference. Explore our recovery and aftercare hub and broader prostate surgery information so that you are best-equipped.
What Patients Can Do to Reduce Risk
You play a central role in safety and recovery:
- Optimise your health pre‑op: Stop smoking if possible, stay active with gentle cardio and strength work, and prioritise sleep.
- Nutrition and hydration: A balanced diet in the weeks before surgery supports healing; follow fasting instructions precisely on the day.
- Pelvic‑floor preparation: start using the NHS Squeezy App for Men before surgery and continue as instructed afterwards.
- Follow instructions closely: Medication timing, catheter care, and activity limits matter. Report unexpected symptoms promptly.
- Ask questions: Understanding your plan reduces stress and helps you spot important changes early.
How We Can Help
Is robotic prostate surgery safe? In experienced hands, modern robotic techniques are very safe, though all surgery carries some risk. The principal robotic prostate surgery risks include bleeding, infection, temporary urinary incontinence, erectile dysfunction, and rarer anaesthetic or surgical complications. Because the approach is minimally invasive and highly precise, it can lower certain risks of prostate cancer surgery – for example, by reducing blood loss and helping patients recover faster. At Santis Health, robust protocols, advanced technology, and comprehensive aftercare work together to further minimise risk and support consistently strong outcomes.If you’re weighing your options or want a second opinion, contact us to discuss your case or explore our Prostate Cancer Guide. You can also read more about robotic radical prostatectomy and how it compares with open surgery.
