If you are preparing for robotic prostate surgery, you may be wondering how likely it is that you will need to return to hospital after going home. Most men do not need readmission, and several international RARP cohorts report 30-day rates of around 3–4%, although rates vary between patient groups and healthcare systems.
In the UK, the NPCA 2025 report recorded 90-day emergency readmission rates of 12% in England and 14% in Wales after radical prostate cancer surgery. Because these figures include robotic and non-robotic approaches, they should not be treated as a robotic-only estimate.
What Counts as a Hospital Readmission?
A hospital readmission means you are admitted to hospital again after your prostatectomy. It does not usually include planned follow-up visits, such as catheter removal, or an A&E visit where you are assessed and sent home. This distinction matters because studies show emergency department visits are more common than actual hospital readmissions after radical prostatectomy.
| Postoperative outcome | Within 30 days | Within 90 days |
| Emergency department visit | 12% | 14% |
| Hospital readmission | 4% | 9% |
These pooled figures included different radical prostatectomy approaches and healthcare systems, so they should be used as general context rather than as your personal robotic surgery risk.
What Is the 30-Day Readmission Rate After Robotic Prostatectomy?
Published RARP studies have reported 30-day readmission rates ranging from 2.7% to 3.48% in these cohorts. In one 2011 US NSQIP comparison, the readmission rate was 3.48% after robotic-assisted prostatectomy compared with 5.47% after open prostatectomy, although this retrospective comparison should not be treated as a universal difference between surgical approaches.
| Robotic prostatectomy study | Number of patients | 30-day readmission rate |
| Single-centre RARP study | 1,402 | 2.7% |
| NSQIP RARP study | 9,975 | 3.3% |
| Multi-institutional NSQIP robotic cohort | 4,374 | 3.48% |
Taken together, these studies reported 30-day readmission rates of around 3% in the RARP cohorts studied. Your individual risk may be higher or lower, and most of this research comes from healthcare systems outside the UK, so these figures should not be treated as a current UK robotic-surgery rate.
What Do the Latest UK Readmission Figures Show?
The National Prostate Cancer Audit (NPCA) provides a useful current benchmark for England and Wales. According to its 2025 State of the Nation report, around 12% of patients in England and 14% in Wales were readmitted as an emergency within 90 days of radical prostate cancer surgery. This gives you a helpful indication of the readmission rates seen in current UK practice.
| NPCA 2025 reported outcome | England | Wales |
| Patients included | 8,868 | 220 |
| Emergency readmissions within 90 days | 1,060 | 30 |
| Readmission rate | 12% | 14% |
The NPCA uses a 90-day follow-up period and reports radical prostate cancer surgery overall rather than robot-assisted prostatectomy separately. These figures are therefore useful as a current UK service-level benchmark, but they should not be interpreted as your individual robotic-prostatectomy readmission risk.
UK Guidance Note
The NPCA uses emergency readmission within 90 days of radical prostate cancer surgery as a postoperative quality indicator. This makes the national data useful for comparing service-level outcomes and variation between providers.
However, the indicator combines different radical prostatectomy approaches rather than reporting a robotic-only rate. It therefore provides useful UK context but should not be interpreted as a precise estimate of your individual chance of readmission after robotic surgery.
Why Is the 90-Day Rate Higher Than the 30-Day Rate?
The 90-day readmission rate is higher because you are being monitored for a longer period. Some complications, such as infections, catheter problems or urine leakage, can happen soon after surgery, while others may develop several weeks later.
A US nationwide study of 133,727 radical-prostatectomy patients reported a 4.2% early readmission rate within 30 days and a further 1.8% late readmission rate between days 31 and 90, giving an overall 90-day readmission rate of approximately 6.0% in that dataset.
Evidence Note
A systematic review of 60 studies involving more than 400,000 radical-prostatectomy patients found pooled readmission rates of approximately 4% at 30 days and 9% at 90 days. Around 55% of reported readmissions were related to genitourinary problems, including urinary obstruction, leakage, retention and other urinary complications.
The review also found that interventions aimed at improving postoperative support were associated with fewer unplanned hospital visits overall. Multidisciplinary and nurse-centred programmes with patient self-management components appeared particularly promising, but the intervention evidence was generally low quality and included both A&E visits and readmissions.
What Are the Most Common Reasons for Readmission After Robotic Surgery?
In one single-centre RARP study of 1,402 patients, fever accounted for 31.6% of 30-day readmissions, lymphoceles for 28.9% and urine leakage for 15.8%. These percentages describe the reasons among patients who were readmitted in that particular cohort, rather than the proportion of all men undergoing surgery who developed each complication.
| Reason for 30-day readmission in one RARP study | Percentage of readmissions |
| Fever | 31.6% |
| Lymphocele | 28.9% |
| Urine leak | 15.8% |
If you need to return to hospital after prostatectomy, urinary problems are a common reason. A systematic review found that around 55% of readmissions were linked to genitourinary complications, such as urinary obstruction, leakage, retention and bladder problems. Infection, issues with the bladder–urethra connection and wound complications can also require further assessment and treatment.
How Can a Urinary Infection Lead to Readmission?
After robotic prostate surgery, you usually go home with a urinary catheter while your bladder and urethra heal. Because a catheter can allow bacteria to enter the urinary tract, you may develop an infection that needs treatment.
Possible signs of a catheter-associated urinary infection include fever or chills, feeling unwell and new lower abdominal or back pain. Urine may also become cloudy, blood-stained or unusually strong-smelling, but appearance or smell alone does not always mean you have an infection. If your catheter stops draining or you develop significant symptoms, contact your surgical team or seek medical advice.
How Can a Urine Leak Cause Readmission?
After prostate surgery, your surgeon connects your bladder to your urethra, and this new connection needs time to heal. Sometimes, urine can leak around the connection, causing discomfort, fluid build-up or infection. A small leak may settle with the catheter left in place for longer, while a larger leak may need further treatment.
Urine leakage inside the body is different from the temporary urinary incontinence you may experience after your catheter is removed. In one study, urine leaks accounted for around 15.8% of 30-day readmissions after robotic prostatectomy.
Why Can Lymphoceles Cause a Return to Hospital?
If your prostate cancer has a higher risk of lymph-node involvement, your surgeon may remove pelvic lymph nodes during your prostatectomy. This can sometimes cause a lymphocele, where lymphatic fluid collects in your pelvis. Most are harmless, but larger or infected lymphoceles may need drainage. One study found readmission rates of 4.4% after extended lymph-node dissection, compared with 0.8% without it.
| RARP group in the 890-patient study | Readmission within 180 days |
| Overall | 2.8% |
| RARP with extended lymph-node dissection | 4.4% |
| RARP without extended lymph-node dissection | 0.8% |
These are 180-day results from one 890-patient RARP cohort, so they illustrate the possible effect of extended lymph-node dissection rather than representing a universal readmission rate. This illustrates why your individual readmission risk depends partly on the extent of your operation rather than simply on whether robotic technology is used.
Can Bowel Problems Lead to Readmission?
Yes. After robotic prostate surgery, your bowel can temporarily slow down because of the operation, anaesthetic, painkillers and reduced movement. You may experience constipation, bloating, nausea or vomiting if your bowel function is affected.
In a US nationwide study of 133,727 radical-prostatectomy patients, postoperative digestive-system complications were the most common recorded cause of early readmission and accounted for around 10% of early readmissions.
Can Blood Clots or Heart and Lung Problems Cause Readmission?
Yes, although they are less common than urinary complications. After major surgery, you have a temporary increased risk of blood clots, including deep vein thrombosis or a pulmonary embolism, while heart and lung problems can also occasionally occur.
Your hospital may reduce this risk with early movement, compression stockings and blood-thinning medication. If you develop new unexplained pain, swelling, redness or warmth in one leg, seek urgent GP or NHS 111 advice because this may indicate a DVT. If you develop severe breathlessness, chest or upper-back pain, cough up blood, develop a very fast heartbeat or collapse, call 999 or go to A&E because these can be signs of a pulmonary embolism.
Does Your General Health Affect Readmission Risk?
Published studies suggest that a greater burden of existing health conditions can increase the likelihood of readmission after radical prostatectomy, although no single medical condition determines your individual risk.
- Heart health: Heart conditions may increase some risks during recovery.
- Lung health: Breathing problems can make recovery after major surgery more complex.
- Other conditions: Diabetes and other long-term conditions may affect healing.
- Pre-operative assessment: Your medical team will review your health before surgery to identify potential risks.
Your personal risk may be higher or lower than published averages. Your surgical team can explain how your health may affect your recovery.
Do Longer Operations Increase the Risk?
Longer operating time has been associated with a higher likelihood of 30-day readmission in some RARP datasets. However, this does not prove that operating for longer directly causes complications, because more complex operations may naturally take more time.
Factors such as a larger prostate, previous surgery, scar tissue or lymph-node removal can make your operation more complex. Your surgeon will therefore consider operating time alongside your overall health, the complexity of your surgery and your recovery.
Does the Hospital’s Robotic Surgery Volume Matter?
An England study using NHS Hospital Episode Statistics included 27,945 robot-assisted radical prostatectomies performed between 2013 and 2018. Adjusted 90-day emergency readmission fell from 10.6% in the lowest-volume trusts to 7.0% in the highest-volume trusts.
The study also found an association between surgeon volume and readmission, although the effect was relatively modest. Hospital volume should therefore be considered alongside your surgeon’s experience, the wider clinical team, hospital facilities and your individual health.
Can Better Discharge Support Reduce Unplanned Hospital Visits?
Better discharge and postoperative support may reduce unplanned hospital visits after prostatectomy. A systematic review found that several quality-improvement interventions were associated with lower combined rates of A&E visits and readmissions, although the supporting intervention studies were generally low quality.
You may need advice about your catheter, hydration, bowel function or wound after going home. Clear instructions and access to your surgical team can help you recognise problems early and get the right treatment before they become more serious.
Myth vs Fact
| Myth | Fact |
| Most patients are readmitted after robotic prostate surgery. | No. Published RARP studies generally report 30-day readmission rates in the low single digits, although rates vary between studies and healthcare systems. |
| An A&E visit always counts as a hospital readmission. | No. You may be assessed in A&E and discharged home without being admitted to hospital. |
| Every readmission means the surgery has failed. | No. Readmission may be needed for infection, urinary problems, lymphoceles, bowel problems or other postoperative complications. |
| A 90-day readmission rate can be directly compared with a 30-day rate. | No. A 90-day figure covers a longer recovery period and therefore captures additional complications. |
| Pelvic lymph-node removal cannot affect readmission risk. | No. Extended lymph-node dissection can increase surgical complexity and the risk of complications such as lymphoceles. |
| Sudden breathlessness or chest pain can wait for a routine review. | No. These symptoms can indicate a pulmonary embolism and require emergency assessment. |
When Should You Seek Urgent Help After Going Home?
Some discomfort, tiredness and urinary changes are normal after robotic prostate surgery, but certain symptoms need prompt medical attention. You should seek help if you develop a temperature of 38°C or above, severe or worsening pain, persistent vomiting, heavy bleeding or problems with your catheter or passing urine.
New unexplained pain, swelling, redness or warmth in one leg needs urgent medical assessment, such as an urgent GP appointment or NHS 111, because it may indicate a DVT. Severe breathlessness, chest or upper-back pain, coughing up blood, a very fast heartbeat or collapse requires 999 or A&E assessment because these symptoms can indicate a pulmonary embolism.
What Should You Ask Before Robotic Prostate Surgery?
Before your robotic prostate surgery, ask whether the quoted readmission rate covers 30 or 90 days and whether it includes A&E visits or only hospital admissions. You can also ask how lymph-node removal, your health and the complexity of your surgery may affect your individual risk.
It is also useful to know who you can contact if you develop a fever, catheter problem or other concern after going home. Ask whether your hospital tracks its readmission rates and how its results compare with national figures.
Key Takeaways
- Published international RARP cohorts commonly report 30-day readmission rates in the low single digits, around 3–4%, but these figures are not a universal current rate.
- A large systematic review found pooled radical-prostatectomy readmission rates of approximately 4% at 30 days and 9% at 90 days, while A&E attendance was more common.
- The latest NPCA report found 90-day emergency readmission rates of 12% in England and 14% in Wales after radical prostatectomy performed between April 2023 and March 2024. These are not robotic-only figures.
- Genitourinary problems account for a substantial proportion of readmissions after prostatectomy, including urinary obstruction, leakage and other urinary complications.
- Extended pelvic lymph-node dissection can increase the complexity of recovery; one RARP cohort reported higher all-cause 180-day readmission with ePLND than without it.
- Your health, operative complexity, postoperative complications and healthcare setting can all influence readmission risk.
- Good discharge education and access to postoperative support may reduce avoidable unplanned hospital visits.
- New unexplained one-sided leg pain or swelling needs urgent assessment for possible DVT, while severe breathlessness, chest pain or collapse may indicate pulmonary embolism and requires emergency care.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What is the readmission rate after robotic prostate surgery?
Several published international RARP cohorts have reported 30-day readmission rates of around 3–4%. Your individual risk may be higher or lower depending on your health, the complexity of surgery, whether lymph nodes are removed and the healthcare setting.
2. Why might you need to return to hospital after surgery?
Common reasons include urinary infections, urine leaks, lymphoceles and other urinary problems. Less commonly, bowel problems, blood clots or heart and lung complications may require hospital care.
3. Is the 90-day readmission rate higher than the 30-day rate?
Yes, because the 90-day figure covers a longer recovery period. Some complications may develop several weeks after your operation rather than during the first month.
4. Can a urinary infection cause hospital readmission?
Yes. Having a catheter after surgery can increase your risk of a urinary infection. Fever, chills, cloudy urine, burning or feeling unwell should be assessed promptly.
5. Can a urine leak cause readmission?
A urine leak can occur while the new bladder–urethra connection is healing. Small leaks may settle with a longer period of catheterisation, while larger leaks may require additional treatment.
6. Can lymph-node removal increase your readmission risk?
Yes. Removing pelvic lymph nodes can increase the risk of developing a lymphocele, where lymphatic fluid collects in the pelvis. Larger or infected lymphoceles may require drainage or hospital treatment.
7. Does your general health affect your readmission risk?
Yes. Conditions affecting your heart, lungs or other organs may increase your risk of complications. Your surgical team will assess your overall health before recommending surgery.
8. Does hospital experience affect readmission rates?
Hospital and surgical-team experience may influence your recovery and complication rates. However, your individual health, the complexity of your operation and the quality of postoperative care also matter.
9. When should you seek urgent help after surgery?
A new painful or swollen leg needs urgent medical assessment because it may indicate DVT. Severe breathlessness, chest pain, coughing up blood or collapse requires emergency assessment via 999 or A&E because these symptoms may indicate pulmonary embolism.
10. What should you ask about readmission before surgery?
Ask whether your hospital’s readmission rate covers 30 or 90 days and whether it includes A&E visits or only hospital admissions. You can also ask how your health and the planned surgery may affect your personal risk.
Final Thoughts: Understanding Readmission Risks After Robotic Prostate Surgery
Most men recover well after robotic prostate surgery without needing to return to hospital, but readmission can occasionally occur because of complications such as infection, urine leaks, lymphoceles or other urinary problems. Published figures vary depending on whether they measure readmissions within 30 or 90 days, and your individual risk can also be influenced by your general health, the complexity of your surgery and whether lymph nodes are removed.
If you are considering robotic prostate surgery in London and would like to understand your likely recovery and readmission risk, you can arrange a consultation with our team at Prostate Clinic London to discuss the factors that may be relevant to your individual care.
References:
- National Prostate Cancer Audit (2025) NPCA State of the Nation Report 2025. Available at: https://www.natcan.org.uk/reports/npca-state-of-the-nation-report-2025/
- Mukkala, A.N. et al. (2021) ‘A systematic review and meta-analysis of unplanned hospital visits and re-admissions following radical prostatectomy for prostate cancer’, Canadian Urological Association Journal, 15(10), pp. E531–E544. Available at: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/33750517/
- Moschini, M. et al. (2017) ‘Incidence and predictors of 30-day readmission after robot-assisted radical prostatectomy’, Clinical Genitourinary Cancer, 15(1), pp. 67–71. Available at: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/27452733/
- Xia, L. et al. (2017) ‘Predischarge predictors of readmissions and postdischarge complications in robot-assisted radical prostatectomy’, Journal of Endourology, 31(9), pp. 864–871. Available at: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/28853623/
- Pilecki, M.A. et al. (2014) ‘National multi-institutional comparison of 30-day postoperative complication and readmission rates between open retropubic radical prostatectomy and robot-assisted laparoscopic prostatectomy using NSQIP’, Journal of Endourology, 28(4), pp. 430–436. Available at: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/24251547/
- Balasubramanian, S. et al. (2023) ‘Radical prostatectomy readmissions: Causes, risk factors, national rates, & costs’, Urologic Oncology, 41(2), pp. 106.e1–106.e8. Available at: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/36402714/
- Sebben, M. et al. (2020) ‘The impact of extended pelvic lymph node dissection on the risk of hospital readmission within 180 days after robot assisted radical prostatectomy’, World Journal of Urology, 38(11), pp. 2799–2809. Available at: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/31980875/
- Gray, W.K., Day, J., Briggs, T.W.R. and Harrison, S. (2022) ‘An observational study of volume–outcome effects for robot-assisted radical prostatectomy in England’, BJU International, 129(1), pp. 93–103. Available at: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/34133832/
- NHS (2026) DVT (deep vein thrombosis). Last reviewed 30 April 2026. Available at: https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/deep-vein-thrombosis-dvt/
- NHS (2023) Pulmonary embolism. Last reviewed 25 May 2023. Available at: https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/pulmonary-embolism/
- NHS (2023) Risks of a urinary catheter. Last reviewed 3 February 2023. Available at: https://www.nhs.uk/tests-and-treatments/urinary-catheters/risks/