Preparing for robotic prostate cancer surgery can help you feel more organised and confident in the weeks leading up to your procedure. While it is normal for you to feel anxious about surgery, understanding what to expect can make the process feel more manageable. Taking practical steps beforehand can also help support a smoother recovery.
Preparation involves more than simply arriving at the hospital on the day of your operation. Your medical assessments, medications, physical fitness, nutrition, pelvic floor exercises, and home arrangements may all play an important role. By addressing these areas in advance, you can approach surgery feeling better prepared.
Your surgical team will provide specific instructions based on your individual circumstances and the hospital where your procedure will take place. It is important that you follow their guidance carefully and ask questions if anything is unclear. The information below provides a general overview of the key areas you may need to consider before robotic prostate cancer surgery.
Understand Why Surgery Has Been Recommended
Before your operation, it is important that you understand why robotic prostate cancer surgery has been recommended for you. Your surgeon should explain how factors such as your cancer stage, overall health, and treatment goals have influenced this decision. Having a clear understanding of the reasons for surgery can help you feel more informed and prepared.
You may have discussed other treatment options before deciding to proceed with surgery. Understanding why surgery is considered the most suitable approach for your situation can give you greater confidence in your treatment plan. This knowledge can also help you feel more comfortable about the journey ahead.
If there is anything you do not fully understand, you should feel comfortable asking questions. Your surgeon can explain the purpose of the operation, the potential benefits, possible risks, and what recovery may involve. Clear information can make the preparation process feel much less overwhelming and help you make informed decisions about your care.
UK Guidance Note:
Patients should understand their treatment options, including the potential benefits, harms, quality-of-life implications, and possible effects on sexual function and continence before treatment. This aligns with NICE prostate cancer guidance, which recommends objective discussions about relevant management options and sufficient information for informed decision-making.
Learn What Happens During Robotic Surgery
Robot-assisted radical prostatectomy is a procedure used to remove the prostate gland using specialised instruments controlled by your surgeon. The robotic system does not perform the surgery on its own; every movement is directed by the surgeon throughout the operation. Understanding this can help you feel more confident about how the procedure is carried out.
The surgery is performed through several small incisions in the abdomen rather than a single large incision. Using a magnified three-dimensional view, your surgeon can operate with a high degree of precision around important surrounding structures. This approach may help reduce tissue disruption and support recovery.
Learning the basics of the procedure can make the experience feel less uncertain. You do not need to understand every technical detail, but having a general idea of what will happen can help you prepare more realistically. It can also make it easier for you to ask informed questions during your consultations.
Attend Your Pre-Operative Assessment
Your pre-operative assessment is an important step in preparing for robotic prostate cancer surgery. During this appointment, your medical team will review your health, medications, previous operations, allergies, and any medical conditions that could affect your surgery or anaesthetic. This information helps your team plan your care appropriately and safely.
You may be asked to undergo blood tests, urine tests, blood pressure checks, and other routine investigations. Depending on your medical history, you may also need additional assessments of your heart or lung function. These checks help identify any issues that may need attention before your operation.
It is important that you answer all questions honestly and provide as much information as possible. You should mention any recent changes in your health, even if they seem minor. Details such as a recent infection, new medication, or worsening symptoms can be important when planning your surgery and recovery.
Robotic Prostate Surgery: Pre-Operative Preparation Checklist
| Preparation Area | Key Steps | Why It Matters |
| Understanding Surgery | Know why surgery is recommended; review treatment options | Reduces anxiety and helps informed decision-making |
| Pre-Operative Assessment | Blood tests, urine tests, ECG, imaging, review of medical history | Ensures safety and identifies conditions affecting anaesthesia |
| Review MRI/Biopsy | Understand tumour location, PSA level, grade, stage | Guides surgical plan and nerve-sparing decisions |
| Medications | Provide full list; discuss blood thinners and other medications | Prevents complications and ensures correct management |
| Physical Fitness | Gradual activity, walking, gentle exercise | Supports recovery and overall wellbeing |
| Nutrition | Balanced diet, adequate protein, vitamins | Helps healing and immune function |
| Pelvic Floor Exercises | Learn technique before surgery | May support early continence recovery after catheter removal |
| Smoking & Alcohol | Reduce or stop smoking; moderate alcohol intake | Improves healing, circulation, and overall surgical outcomes |
| Home & Recovery Planning | Arrange support, transport, recovery area, supplies | Makes early recovery easier and safer |
| Emotional Preparation | Discuss concerns, ask questions, seek support | Reduces stress, improves confidence and readiness |
| Questions for Consultation | Prepare questions about nerve-sparing, catheter, sexual function, recovery | Ensures important topics are addressed and expectations are realistic |
| Hospital Day Preparation | Pack essentials, follow fasting instructions, wear appropriate clothing | Smooth hospital admission and safety |
Review Your MRI and Biopsy Results
Your surgeon will carefully review the results of your prostate cancer investigations before planning your operation. This information may include your MRI findings, biopsy results, PSA level, cancer grade, and clinical stage. Together, these details help build a clear picture of your cancer and guide treatment decisions.
The results can influence several aspects of your surgery, including how the prostate is removed and whether nerve-sparing techniques may be appropriate. In some cases, they may also help determine whether nearby lymph nodes need to be assessed during the procedure. This allows your surgical plan to be tailored to your individual situation.
You should feel comfortable asking your surgeon how your test results affect the planned operation. Understanding how the surgical approach relates to your specific cancer can help you feel more informed and reassured. It can also give you a clearer idea of what to expect before and after surgery.
Ask About Nerve-Sparing Before Surgery
Nerve-sparing surgery is an important topic to discuss before robotic prostate cancer surgery, particularly if preserving sexual function is a priority for you. The nerves responsible for erections are located very close to the prostate, and your surgeon may be able to preserve both nerve bundles, one side, part of the nerve tissue, or neither side. The safest approach will depend on your individual cancer characteristics.
The decision about nerve preservation is based primarily on the location and extent of your cancer. Your surgeon will assess how close the cancer appears to nearby structures and whether preserving the nerves can be done safely. Factors such as your overall health and erectile function before surgery may also influence the potential benefits of nerve-sparing techniques.
You should ask your surgeon what they expect to be possible in your specific case and whether the plan could change during the operation if unexpected findings arise. Understanding these possibilities before surgery can help you develop realistic expectations. This can make it easier for you to prepare for the recovery process and any changes in sexual function afterwards.
Discuss Your Current Medicines
Before robotic prostate cancer surgery, the surgical team needs a complete and accurate list of all medications and supplements being taken. This includes prescription medicines, over-the-counter treatments, vitamins, and herbal products. Having this information helps ensure that the operation and anaesthetic can be planned safely.
Some medicines can affect bleeding, blood pressure, blood sugar levels, or the way the body responds to anaesthesia. For this reason, adjustments may sometimes be required before surgery. Your healthcare team will advise whether any treatments should be continued, paused, or modified as part of the preparation process.
It is important that you do not make medication changes without medical guidance. Instructions should always come from the surgeon, anaesthetist, GP, cardiologist, or another clinician involved in your care. Following these recommendations can help reduce risks and ensure that you are properly prepared for surgery.
Make a Clear Plan for Blood-Thinning Medicines
If you take anticoagulant or antiplatelet medication, careful planning is required before robotic prostate cancer surgery. These medicines can increase the risk of bleeding during an operation, but stopping them inappropriately may also increase the risk of blood clots. A balanced approach is therefore essential.
The management plan will depend on the specific medication being taken and the reason it was prescribed. In some cases, the surgeon may work closely with a cardiologist, vascular specialist, or another healthcare professional to determine the safest approach. This helps ensure that both bleeding and clotting risks are carefully considered.
Before surgery, make sure the instructions regarding your medication schedule are completely clear. You should know when the final dose should be taken and when treatment is expected to restart after the procedure. Writing these instructions down can help avoid confusion during a busy and stressful time.
Medication Safety: Do Not Guess
Do not stop aspirin, warfarin, clopidogrel, apixaban, rivaroxaban or any other blood-thinning medicine simply because surgery is approaching. The safest plan depends on why you take the medicine, the procedure and your individual bleeding and clotting risks.
Tell the Team About All Health Conditions
Your surgical team needs a complete understanding of your overall health, not just your prostate cancer diagnosis. Conditions affecting the heart, lungs, kidneys, circulation, blood pressure, or metabolism can influence both surgical planning and recovery. Providing accurate information helps ensure that appropriate precautions are taken.
Certain medical conditions may require additional preparation before the operation. For example, diabetes can affect medication schedules and fasting instructions, while sleep apnoea may influence anaesthetic planning and post-operative care. Informing the team about these conditions allows them to tailor care to your specific needs.
It is also important to mention any history of blood clots, bleeding disorders, anaesthetic complications, severe allergies, or recent hospital admissions. Even details that seem unrelated may be relevant to the procedure. Sharing complete information helps the medical team prepare effectively and reduce potential risks.
Improve Your General Fitness Gradually
Improving your general fitness before surgery can help support recovery and overall wellbeing. There is no need to undertake intense training, but regular walking and gentle physical activity can improve mobility, stamina, and confidence. Even small increases in activity levels may be beneficial in the weeks leading up to the operation.
If you already follow a regular exercise routine, discuss with your medical team whether it is appropriate to continue until surgery. Those who are less active may benefit from starting with short periods of gentle activity and increasing gradually over time. The focus should be on building fitness safely rather than making rapid changes.
Preparation should help the body feel stronger and better prepared for recovery. Overexertion immediately before surgery is unlikely to be helpful and may leave you feeling fatigued. A steady and realistic approach is often a practical way to improve fitness before an operation.
Research Insight:
Prehabilitation aims to improve physical and psychological readiness before surgery rather than waiting until the operation is over to begin rehabilitation. Research in patients undergoing robot-assisted radical prostatectomy has suggested that combining prehabilitation with enhanced recovery pathways may support aspects of postoperative recovery, including shorter hospital stays, without an apparent increase in post-discharge readmissions. However, individual programmes vary, so preparation should be adapted to your current fitness and medical conditions rather than involving sudden or excessive exercise.
Think About Smoking Before the Operation
If you smoke, the weeks before surgery can be a good opportunity to consider stopping or reducing smoking. Smoking can affect breathing, circulation, and wound healing, all of which are important during recovery from an operation. Even a short period without smoking may provide benefits.
Stopping smoking is not always easy, particularly when dealing with the stress and uncertainty that can come with cancer treatment. Professional support, practical advice, and smoking cessation services can often make the process more manageable. Seeking help is a positive step towards improving overall health before surgery.
Discussions about smoking are intended to support preparation rather than criticise lifestyle choices. The goal is to reduce avoidable risks and help the body recover as effectively as possible. By improving lung function and circulation, you can give yourself a stronger foundation for surgery and recovery.
Be Honest About Alcohol Intake
Your medical team may ask about your usual alcohol consumption as part of the pre-operative assessment. Providing an accurate answer is important because alcohol can affect anaesthesia, medication management, hydration, and recovery after surgery. This information helps the team plan your care more safely.
For individuals who regularly consume large amounts of alcohol, sudden changes may not always be appropriate without medical advice. In some cases, withdrawal symptoms can occur and may require careful management. This is why open and honest discussions with healthcare professionals are so important.
Reducing alcohol intake before surgery may be beneficial for many patients, but recommendations can vary depending on individual circumstances. Your healthcare team can provide advice that reflects your health, medical history, and usual drinking habits. A personalised approach is often more helpful than following general guidance alone.
Focus on Good Nutrition
Good nutrition plays an important role in preparing for surgery and supporting recovery afterwards. In the weeks before your operation, you should aim for balanced meals that provide adequate protein, vitamins, and other essential nutrients. This can help your body heal more effectively and prepare for the demands of recovery.
If you have experienced significant weight loss without trying or have noticed a poor appetite, it is important to tell your medical team. They may recommend further assessment or additional nutritional support before surgery. Addressing these concerns early can help ensure that you are in the best possible condition before treatment.
You do not usually need special diets, expensive supplements, or restrictive eating plans before surgery. Instead, the focus should be on maintaining a varied and nutritious diet while following any medical advice that applies to your situation. Good preparation can help you approach surgery feeling stronger and better prepared for recovery.
Follow Your Hospital’s Fasting Instructions
Before surgery, you will be given clear instructions about when to stop eating and drinking. These guidelines are provided to support anaesthetic safety and should be followed carefully. The exact timings can vary between hospitals and procedures, so it is important to rely on the advice given by your own surgical team.
Fasting requirements are an important part of preparing for an operation. Following the correct instructions helps reduce the risk of complications during anaesthesia. Information from friends, family members, or other patients may not apply to your specific situation.
If you accidentally eat or drink outside the permitted fasting period, inform the hospital team as soon as possible. Although it may feel inconvenient, sharing this information is important for your safety. The team can then decide on the most appropriate next steps based on your circumstances.
Learn About Pelvic Floor Muscles Before Surgery
Pelvic floor exercises are often recommended before and after prostate surgery. Learning how to identify and activate the correct muscles before your operation can make the exercises easier for you to perform during recovery. This preparation may also help you feel more confident when starting the exercises after surgery.
Using the correct technique is important, as tightening your buttocks, thighs, or abdominal muscles does not properly engage the pelvic floor. If you are unsure whether you are performing the exercises correctly, ask your healthcare team for guidance. This can help you perform the exercises correctly and consistently.
After surgery, you should generally wait until the urinary catheter has been removed before restarting pelvic floor exercises. Unless your clinical team advises otherwise, these exercises are not usually performed while the catheter remains in place. Following the recommended guidance can help you support your recovery and improve urinary control over time.
Evidence Note:
Research suggests that learning and practising pelvic floor muscle exercises before radical prostatectomy may help some men regain urinary control earlier after surgery. A 2023 meta-analysis found an improvement in urinary continence at three months after surgery, although a clear long-term benefit at six months or beyond was not demonstrated. More recent BAUS consensus guidance also supports pre-operative pelvic floor muscle training with appropriate professional guidance as a measure that may help early continence recovery. For you, the practical message is that technique matters: learning how to identify and activate the correct muscles before surgery may make rehabilitation easier after catheter removal.
Clinical Tip: Learn Before Surgery, Restart at the Right Time
Learning the correct pelvic floor technique before surgery can help you feel prepared, but follow your own team’s instructions about when to restart exercises afterwards. They are generally resumed once the urinary catheter has been removed, unless your clinical team gives you different advice.
Understand That You Will Have a Catheter
After prostate removal, you will usually have a urinary catheter in place for a short period while the connection between the bladder and urethra heals. The catheter allows urine to drain safely and is a normal part of the recovery process. Understanding its purpose beforehand can help reduce uncertainty.
Many men find themselves more concerned about the catheter than they expected. You may wonder how you will walk, sleep, shower, wear clothing, or carry out everyday activities while it is in place. These concerns are common and can often be addressed with practical advice from the healthcare team.
Before surgery, ask about catheter care and what to expect during recovery. The nursing team should explain how to manage the drainage bag, keep the area clean, and recognise any signs of a problem. Having this information in advance can help you feel more prepared and confident after the operation.
Prepare for Urinary Leakage After Catheter Removal
It is helpful to understand that some urinary leakage can occur after the catheter is removed. The amount of leakage and the speed of recovery vary from person to person, so experiences can differ considerably. Being aware of this possibility beforehand can help you feel more prepared for the recovery process.
Before surgery, ask your healthcare team what type of continence pads may be suitable to have available at home. You may also find it useful to have comfortable, supportive underwear that helps keep pads securely in place. Having these supplies ready can make the transition after catheter removal more manageable.
Preparing for possible leakage does not mean that long-term continence problems are expected. Instead, it allows you to focus on recovery without needing to organise essential items at short notice. Taking a few practical steps in advance can provide reassurance and make the early stages of recovery more comfortable.
Talk About Sexual Recovery Before the Operation
Sexual recovery is an important topic to discuss before prostate cancer surgery. Understanding how the procedure may affect erections, ejaculation, orgasm, and fertility can help you prepare both practically and emotionally. Having these conversations in advance often makes expectations clearer.
Even when nerve-sparing surgery is possible, recovery of erectile function can take time. Your specialist may explain the likely recovery process and discuss treatments or rehabilitation strategies that could support sexual function after the operation. Knowing what to expect can help you feel more prepared for the months ahead.
If fertility is important to you, this should be discussed before surgery takes place. Radical prostatectomy affects natural fertility because the prostate and seminal vesicles are removed during the procedure. Raising any concerns early allows you to explore available options and make informed decisions before treatment.
Plan Realistic Time Away From Work
Before surgery, it is important to plan an appropriate period away from work. The amount of time needed can vary depending on your recovery, the nature of your job, and the advice provided by your surgeon. Making arrangements in advance can help reduce stress during the recovery period.
People with desk-based roles may be able to return to work sooner than those whose jobs involve heavy lifting, prolonged standing, driving, or other physical demands. Even when recovery appears to be progressing well, tiredness can still affect energy levels and concentration. This is a normal part of the healing process for many patients.
Recovery should not be judged solely by how the surgical wounds look from the outside. It is important to allow enough time for the body to regain strength and adapt after the operation. Returning to work gradually and following medical advice can help support a smoother recovery.
Arrange Transport Before the Surgery Date
Before your surgery, it is important to make transport arrangements for getting to and from the hospital. Following major surgery and general anaesthesia, you will not be able to drive yourself home. Planning ahead can help ensure that your discharge from hospital is as smooth as possible.
You may also need assistance with travel to catheter removal appointments, follow-up visits, or other medical reviews during recovery. Organising transport in advance can prevent unnecessary stress and allow you to focus on healing. Family members, friends, or other support networks may be able to help with these arrangements.
It is also worth thinking about the practical aspects of the journey home. Comfortable clothing, a relaxed travel schedule, and avoiding unnecessary stops can make the trip more manageable. Small preparations like these can help you feel more comfortable during the early stages of recovery.
Organise Support at Home
Having some support available at home can make the first few days after surgery more comfortable and less stressful. Although many patients are able to remain relatively independent, help with shopping, meal preparation, transport, and other daily tasks can be very valuable. Planning this support in advance can make recovery easier.
Early recovery is a time to focus on healing rather than trying to do everything alone. Accepting temporary assistance can help prevent unnecessary strain and reduce the risk of overexertion. Giving yourself time to recover properly is an important part of the process.
It can also be helpful to discuss the expected recovery journey with the person who will be supporting you. Understanding that tiredness, reduced energy levels, and catheter management are normal can help them feel more prepared. This shared understanding may make it easier for both of you to navigate the early stages of recovery.
Prepare a Comfortable Recovery Area
Before going into hospital, it can be helpful to prepare a comfortable area where you can rest after returning home. Keeping commonly used items within easy reach may reduce the need for unnecessary bending, stretching, or repeated trips around the house. A little preparation beforehand can make the early recovery period more manageable.
Many people find it useful to keep essentials such as medications, water, a phone charger, tissues, continence supplies, and entertainment nearby. Having these items organised in advance can help create a more comfortable and practical environment. This can be particularly helpful during the first few days after surgery.
Although rest is important, recovery should not involve remaining inactive for long periods. You should continue to move around gently and follow the activity advice provided by your medical team. The purpose of a recovery area is to provide comfort and convenience while supporting a balanced recovery.
Make Everyday Tasks Easier Beforehand
A small amount of preparation before surgery can make recovery at home much more comfortable. Tasks such as buying groceries, preparing simple meals, and dealing with important household responsibilities in advance can help reduce stress during the first few days after the operation. Planning ahead allows more time and energy to be focused on recovery.
It is also worth considering the physical activities that form part of everyday life. Tasks such as carrying heavy shopping, moving bins, lifting laundry baskets, or doing strenuous gardening may not be appropriate during the early stages of healing. Arranging help with these activities can make recovery easier and safer.
There is no need to make major changes to your home or routine. A few practical arrangements are often enough to create a more comfortable recovery period. This can allow you to focus on gentle movement, rest, good nutrition, and following the advice provided by your healthcare team.
Pack Lightly for Hospital
Preparing a hospital bag in advance can help make the admission process feel more organised. In most cases, only a small number of essential items are needed, such as comfortable clothing, toiletries, and personal necessities. Packing lightly can make it easier to manage belongings before and after surgery.
Loose-fitting clothing is often a practical choice for both the hospital stay and the journey home. Clothes that do not place pressure on the abdomen can feel more comfortable after the procedure and may make catheter management easier. Comfort is usually more important than bringing multiple outfit options.
Before packing, check the information provided by your hospital to see which items are supplied during your stay. This can help avoid bringing unnecessary belongings. It is also sensible to leave valuable items at home so that attention can remain focused on surgery and recovery.
Prepare Questions Before Your Final Consultation
It is easy to forget important questions when you are sitting in a consultation room. Writing your concerns down as they arise can help ensure that you remember everything you want to discuss. Having a prepared list often makes consultations feel more productive and reassuring.
You may want to ask about nerve-sparing surgery, lymph node removal, catheter duration, continence recovery, sexual function, pain management, driving, work, or exercise. There is no need to feel uncomfortable about raising personal concerns. The more information you have, the better prepared you may feel for treatment and recovery.
If you are considering care at a robotic prostate surgery clinic in London, use the consultation to understand how your surgical plan and recovery pathway will be tailored to your situation. A clear discussion beforehand can help you develop realistic expectations and approach surgery with greater confidence.
Prepare Emotionally for the Operation
Feeling anxious before prostate cancer surgery is entirely understandable. You may have concerns about the operation, the cancer itself, urinary control, sexual function, work, relationships, or what recovery will involve. These thoughts are common and can affect many aspects of daily life before treatment.
It can be helpful to talk openly about your concerns rather than trying to manage everything on your own. You may find support from your partner, family members, a trusted friend, specialist nurse, GP, or counsellor. Sharing worries with others can often make them feel more manageable.
Emotional preparation is not about staying positive all the time or ignoring difficult feelings. It means allowing yourself to ask questions, seek reassurance, and access support when needed. Giving yourself space to process the experience can help you approach surgery with greater confidence and understanding.
Know What Will Happen on the Day of Surgery
Understanding what is likely to happen on the day of surgery can help reduce uncertainty and make the experience feel more manageable. You will usually arrive at the hospital at an arranged time and go through a series of routine checks before the operation. These may include identity verification, medication reviews, consent confirmation, and preparation for theatre.
During this process, you may meet several members of the healthcare team. You might also notice that some questions are asked more than once. These repeated checks are an important part of patient safety and help ensure that the correct procedure is carried out with the appropriate precautions in place.
Once everything is ready, you will be guided through the next stages of the anaesthetic and surgical process. Rather than worrying about every technical detail, focus on following the instructions provided by the team. This can help you feel more relaxed and prepared as the operation approaches.
Understand the Early Recovery Plan
Knowing what to expect in the first few days after prostate surgery can help you feel prepared and confident. Early recovery often involves a urinary catheter, IV fluids, pain management, and regular monitoring by the medical team. Understanding these steps makes the transition from surgery to home smoother.
- Catheter and Monitoring: A urinary catheter is commonly used, and staff monitor your vital signs and comfort closely in the early period.
- Pain Management: Medications are provided to control discomfort and support gentle mobilisation during recovery.
- Early Mobilisation: Gradual movement, as advised by your medical team, helps reduce complications and promotes healing.
- Discharge Timing: The length of stay varies depending on your progress and the hospital’s recovery pathway, so asking about the plan helps set realistic expectations.
Overall, early recovery is structured to support healing, comfort, and safety. Being informed about catheter use, movement, and discharge planning helps you navigate the first days after surgery with confidence and reduces uncertainty.
Know Who to Contact After Discharge
Before leaving hospital, make sure you know exactly who to contact if a problem arises during recovery. Keeping important telephone numbers somewhere easy to access can save valuable time and reduce stress if you need advice. Having this information readily available can provide reassurance once you return home.
You should ask what to do if the catheter stops draining, a fever develops, the wounds become increasingly red, or pain suddenly worsens. Understanding the correct contact pathway before discharge can help you respond quickly and confidently if concerns arise. Clear guidance is an important part of a safe recovery plan.
Your discharge information should also explain which symptoms require urgent medical attention. Take time to read through these instructions carefully and, if possible, review them with the person supporting you at home. This helps ensure that both of you understand what to watch for and how to seek help if needed.
Plan for Follow-Up Appointments
Recovery continues after you leave hospital, and follow-up appointments are an important part of the process. These visits may include catheter removal, discussion of the laboratory results from the removed prostate, and ongoing PSA monitoring. Understanding the purpose of these appointments can help you feel more prepared for the next stage of care.
Before discharge, make sure you know when and where your follow-up appointments are expected to take place. You should also ask about the likely timing of catheter removal, as this can vary depending on the hospital’s recovery pathway. Having clear information can make recovery feel more organised and predictable.
It is a good idea to arrange transport in advance and keep appointment details somewhere easy to find. If someone is helping with your recovery, ensure they also have access to this information. Planning ahead can reduce stress and allow you to focus on healing during the first few weeks after surgery.
Give Yourself Permission to Recover Gradually
One of the most helpful ways to prepare for surgery is to recognise that recovery takes time. You may notice steady progress on some days and feel more tired on others. These fluctuations are often a normal part of the healing process and do not necessarily indicate a problem.
It is important not to compare your recovery with someone else’s experience. Factors such as age, general health, fitness, bladder control, and the details of the surgery can all influence how quickly recovery progresses. Every patient follows a slightly different path after prostate cancer surgery.
As recovery continues, focus on following your medical team’s advice and increasing activity at a gradual pace. If something concerns you, do not hesitate to ask questions or seek guidance. By approaching recovery with realistic expectations and a well-organised plan, you can feel more confident and better prepared for the journey ahead.
Myth vs Fact:
| Myth | Fact |
| You only need to prepare on the day before surgery. | Preparation often begins earlier with medical assessment, medication planning, physical preparation and home arrangements. |
| You should stop all blood thinners before surgery. | Medication changes must be individually planned because stopping some medicines incorrectly may create serious risks. |
| Intense exercise before surgery will guarantee faster recovery. | Gradual, appropriate activity is more useful than suddenly starting excessive exercise. |
| Pelvic floor exercises guarantee immediate continence. | They may support recovery, particularly early recovery, but outcomes vary between individuals. |
| The robot performs the surgery independently. | The robotic instruments are controlled by the surgeon throughout the operation. |
| Small incisions mean the surgery is minor. | Robotic radical prostatectomy remains major cancer surgery and requires proper preparation and recovery time. |
Key Takeaways:
- Preparation for robotic prostate cancer surgery involves medical, physical, practical and emotional planning.
- Attend all pre-operative assessments and provide a complete list of medicines, supplements, allergies and medical conditions.
- Do not stop or change medicines, especially blood thinners, without specific medical instructions.
- Gradual physical activity, appropriate nutrition and management of existing health conditions can help you approach surgery in better condition.
- Learning pelvic floor technique before surgery may support earlier continence recovery, although individual outcomes vary.
- Ask about nerve-sparing, urinary recovery, sexual function and fertility before surgery so that your expectations are realistic.
- Prepare for temporary catheter use and possible urinary leakage after catheter removal.
- Arrange transport, practical support and basic recovery supplies before going into hospital.
- Follow your own hospital’s fasting and medication instructions rather than relying on general advice from other patients.
- Before discharge, make sure you know who to contact, what warning signs to monitor and when your follow-up appointments are expected.
FAQs:
1. How far in advance should preparation for robotic prostate cancer surgery begin?
Preparation often starts several weeks before the planned operation date. This allows enough time for pre-operative assessments, medical reviews, and any necessary lifestyle adjustments. Early preparation can also help reduce stress and ensure you understand what to expect during recovery.
2. What tests are typically performed before robotic prostate surgery?
Most patients undergo blood tests, urine tests, and a review of their medical history before surgery. Additional investigations such as heart monitoring or imaging studies may be required depending on overall health. These assessments help ensure the procedure can be performed as safely as possible.
3. Should pelvic floor exercises be started before surgery?
Many specialists recommend learning pelvic floor exercises before the operation. Becoming familiar with the correct technique beforehand can make it easier to continue exercises after catheter removal. Correctly performed pelvic floor exercises may support earlier urinary continence recovery following surgery.
4. Do medications need to be stopped before robotic prostate surgery?
Some medications may need to be adjusted or temporarily stopped before surgery, particularly blood-thinning medicines. The exact plan depends on your medical history and the medications you take. Always follow the guidance provided by your surgeon or healthcare team rather than making changes independently.
5. How can physical fitness affect recovery after surgery?
Good general fitness can support mobility, stamina, and overall recovery after robotic prostate surgery. Regular walking and moderate physical activity before surgery may help prepare the body for the recovery process. However, any exercise programme should be appropriate for your health and fitness level.
6. Why is it important to prepare for catheter use after surgery?
Most patients will have a urinary catheter for a short period following robotic prostate surgery. Understanding how the catheter works and how to care for it can reduce anxiety and make the recovery period more manageable. Your healthcare team will provide guidance on catheter management before discharge.
7. How long should time off work be planned for after robotic prostate surgery?
The amount of time needed away from work varies depending on the type of job and individual recovery progress. People with physically demanding roles often require longer recovery periods than those with desk-based jobs. Your surgeon can provide personalised advice based on your circumstances.
8. What questions should be asked before the operation?
Patients may wish to ask about nerve-sparing techniques, continence recovery, sexual function, catheter duration, and expected recovery timelines. It can also be helpful to discuss potential risks and follow-up care. Writing questions down before appointments ensures important topics are not forgotten.
9. Can emotional preparation help before prostate cancer surgery?
Emotional preparation can be just as important as physical preparation. Understanding the procedure, discussing concerns with your healthcare team, and seeking support from family or friends may help reduce anxiety. Feeling informed often helps patients approach surgery with greater confidence.
10. What is the most important aspect of preparing for robotic prostate cancer surgery?
One of the most important steps is following the specific instructions provided by your surgical team. Attending all assessments, understanding the recovery process, and planning practical support at home can contribute to a smoother experience. Good preparation helps patients feel informed and ready for both surgery and recovery.
Final Thoughts: Preparing for Robotic Prostate Cancer Surgery
Preparing for robotic prostate cancer surgery is about more than simply getting ready for the day of the operation. Taking time to understand the procedure, attend your assessments, follow medical advice, and make practical arrangements at home can help you approach surgery feeling more informed and confident. While it is natural to feel anxious, having a clear plan for recovery, catheter care, follow-up appointments, and support at home can make the entire process feel far more manageable.
If robotic prostate surgery has been recommended and you would like to understand how to prepare, what the operation involves and what recovery is likely to require in your individual case, you can contact us to arrange a specialist consultation.
References:
- British Association of Urological Surgeons (BAUS) (no date) Robotic-assisted radical prostatectomy (RARP). Available at: https://www.baus.org.uk/patients/information_leaflets/180/roboticassisted_radical_prostatectomy_rarp
- Bhatt, N.R. et al. (2025) British Association of Urological Surgeons (BAUS) consensus document on post-prostatectomy incontinence-stress urinary incontinence, BJU International, 135(6), pp.887–901. Available at: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/40171684/
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