If you are considering robotic prostate cancer surgery, it is natural to think about more than just the operation itself. Many men wonder whether they will experience urinary leakage, erection problems, or how long recovery may take. These questions are common because surgery can affect several parts of everyday life.
You may also worry about how recovery could affect your confidence, relationships, work, and normal routine. Some people feel anxious about changes to their body and whether life will eventually feel normal again after treatment. Having these concerns does not mean you are unprepared, it simply means you want to understand what to expect.
Robotic prostate cancer surgery, also called robot-assisted radical prostatectomy, removes the prostate gland when surgery is the right treatment option for the cancer. Although the robotic approach uses small cuts and precise instruments, it is still major surgery and side effects can happen during recovery. Some side effects improve with time, while others may need extra support, treatment, or closer follow-up.
The most common side effects after prostate cancer surgery include urinary leakage and erection difficulties. NHS guidance also lists accidental urine leakage, erectile dysfunction, and changes to orgasm as possible effects after surgery. This article explains the main side effects in a clear and patient-friendly way, so you know what to expect and what to discuss with your specialist.
Why Side Effects Happen After Robotic Prostate Surgery
The prostate sits very close to important structures involved in bladder control, erections, ejaculation, and orgasm. During robotic prostate cancer surgery, the prostate gland is removed as part of the cancer treatment, which means this sensitive area is directly affected during the operation. Because these structures are closely connected, some side effects can happen while the body heals and adjusts after surgery.
After the prostate is removed, the bladder has to be reconnected to the urethra, which is the tube that carries urine out of the body. This area needs time to heal properly, and your urinary control system also needs time to adapt after the operation. This is one reason why urinary leakage can happen during the early stages of recovery, even when surgery has gone well.
The nerves involved in erections also run very close to the prostate gland. Surgeons may use nerve-sparing techniques when possible, but if the cancer is too close to the nerves, some nerve tissue may need to be removed or disturbed to treat the cancer safely. This is why erection problems can sometimes happen after surgery, as prostate cancer treatment involves an area where cancer control, bladder control, and sexual function are all closely connected.
Side Effects of Robotic Prostate Cancer Surgery at a Glance
| Side Effect | How Common It Is | When It Happens | How Long It May Last | What It Feels Like | Management / Support |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Urinary incontinence | Very common | After catheter removal | Weeks to months (sometimes longer) | Leakage when coughing, walking, or urgency | Pelvic floor exercises, pads, physiotherapy |
| Erectile dysfunction | Very common | Immediately after surgery | Months to longer-term depending on nerves | Difficulty getting or maintaining erections | Tablets, vacuum devices, rehabilitation programmes |
| Dry orgasm | Common | After surgery | Permanent change | Orgasm without ejaculation | Counselling, reassurance, sexual health support |
| Reduced ejaculation / infertility | Certain | Immediately after surgery | Permanent | No semen production | Sperm banking before surgery (if needed) |
| Fatigue / low energy | Common | First days to weeks | Few weeks to months | Tiredness, reduced stamina | Rest, gradual activity, balanced diet |
| Pain / discomfort | Common | Early recovery | Days to weeks | Soreness in abdomen, mild pain | Pain relief medication, gentle movement |
| Blood in urine | Common (short-term) | Early post-op period | Days to weeks | Pink/red urine occasionally | Hydration, monitoring, medical review if heavy |
| Urinary flow changes | Common | Early recovery | Weeks to months | Weak stream, urgency, incomplete emptying | Time, healing, medical assessment if persistent |
| Bowel changes (constipation) | Common | Early recovery | Days to weeks | Difficulty passing stool, bloating | Fluids, fibre, laxatives if needed |
| Emotional effects | Common | Any stage | Variable | Anxiety, low mood, frustration | Support groups, counselling, family support |
| Wound discomfort / infection risk | Uncommon–moderate | Early recovery | Days to weeks | Redness, swelling, tenderness | Wound care, antibiotics if required |
| Blood clots (DVT/PE) | Rare but serious | Early post-op period | Until mobility improves | Calf pain, swelling, breathlessness | Early walking, blood thinners, urgent care if symptoms |
Not Every Man Has the Same Side Effects
It is important to remember that recovery after robotic prostate cancer surgery is different for every man. One person may experience only mild urinary leakage for a few weeks, while another may need pads for several months during recovery. In the same way, some men recover erections gradually over time, while others may need longer-term support or treatment for erectile dysfunction.
Your risk of side effects can depend on several different factors linked to your health and the cancer itself. These may include your age, weight, fitness, bladder control before surgery, erection quality before treatment, cancer stage, and whether nerve-sparing surgery is possible. Your surgeon’s advice is also important because every operation is planned around the safest way to treat the cancer effectively.
This is why comparing your recovery too closely with another patient is not always helpful. Their experience may reassure you that you are not alone, but it should not become the standard you judge your own progress against. Recovery timelines can vary widely, so it is usually more helpful to focus on your own improvement and the guidance given by our clinical team.
Urinary Incontinence After Surgery
Urinary incontinence means you may leak urine even when you are not trying to pass urine. This is one of the most common concerns after robotic prostate cancer surgery. Prostate Cancer UK says the most common side effects of surgery are urinary leakage and problems getting or keeping an erection.
After your catheter is removed, you may leak urine when you stand up, cough, laugh, sneeze, bend, lift, or walk. You may feel fine while sitting, then leak when you move. You may also feel sudden urgency, where you need to reach the toilet quickly.
This can feel embarrassing and frustrating, but it is a recognised part of recovery for many men after prostate removal. It does not mean you are weak. It does not mean you have done something wrong. Your bladder, urethra, pelvic floor, and urinary sphincter have all been affected by surgery, and they need time to recover.
What Bladder Leakage Can Feel Like
Bladder leakage after robotic prostate cancer surgery can feel unpredictable, especially during the early stages of recovery. You may wake up dry in the morning but notice leakage later in the day when you are walking, standing, coughing, or becoming more active. Some men leak only a few drops occasionally, while others may need more absorbent pads for a period of time while healing continues.
It is also common to feel less confident about going outside, returning to work, travelling, or attending social events during this stage of recovery. You may feel comfortable managing symptoms at home but become more anxious in unfamiliar places where toilets are not nearby. These feelings are very understandable, as bladder control problems can affect both your physical comfort and your confidence in daily situations.
Pads can help you stay active and continue with normal routines while your bladder control gradually improves. Using them is not a sign that recovery is failing or that progress is not happening, because many men need temporary support during healing. In most cases, bladder control improves over time, especially with patience, pelvic floor exercises, and guidance from our care team.
How Long Does Urinary Leakage Last?
Urinary control after robotic prostate cancer surgery often improves gradually rather than all at once. Some men notice improvement within a few weeks, while others may need several months before bladder control feels more stable and predictable. A smaller number of men may continue to experience longer-term leakage and could need additional treatment or specialist support.
Prostate Cancer UK explains that surgery can cause urinary problems, including leaking urine and difficulty urinating after treatment. It is important to understand that continence recovery usually happens in small stages rather than one sudden improvement. You may begin noticing smaller changes first, such as using fewer pads, leaking less during walks, or feeling more confident when leaving the house.
These gradual improvements are still positive signs, even if recovery feels slower than expected. Some days may feel better than others, which is a normal part of the healing process after prostate surgery. Staying patient, continuing pelvic floor exercises, and following our clinical team’s advice can all help support recovery over time.
Pelvic Floor Exercises Can Help
Pelvic floor exercises are often recommended after prostate cancer surgery as part of your recovery. These exercises help strengthen the muscles that support bladder control and can gradually improve continence over time. They may also give you more confidence in daily life as you start returning to normal routines.
It is important to know that doing them correctly makes a real difference. Tightening your stomach, buttocks, or thighs is not the same as engaging the pelvic floor muscles. Because of this, many men find it helpful to get guidance from a nurse, doctor, or physiotherapist to make sure the technique is right.
Some men also benefit from seeing a pelvic health physiotherapist, especially if leakage continues or if they are unsure whether they are doing the exercises properly. You should always follow the specific plan given by your clinical team, including when to begin pelvic floor exercises after surgery, as timing can vary depending on your recovery.
Erectile Dysfunction After Robotic Prostate Surgery
Erectile dysfunction means difficulty getting or keeping an erection firm enough for sex. This is another common side effect after robotic prostate cancer surgery. Cancer Research UK explains that radical prostatectomy often affects the nerves needed for erections, and erection problems may recover over time for some men but may be permanent for others.
This can be one of the hardest side effects to talk about. You may feel embarrassed, upset, angry, or worried about your relationship. You may also feel that this part of recovery affects your confidence or identity. These feelings are completely understandable. Erection changes after prostate cancer surgery are not just a physical issue. They can affect you emotionally too.
Why Erections Can Be Affected
The nerves that help erections happen sit very close to the prostate. During surgery, your surgeon may try to preserve these nerves if it is safe to do so. This is called nerve-sparing surgery. But nerve-sparing is not always possible. Cancer safety comes first.
Even when the nerves are preserved, they can still be stretched, bruised, or affected during surgery. This means erections may not return immediately. Nerve recovery can take time. For some men, improvement happens over months. For others, erection difficulties may last longer. Your pre-surgery erection quality also matters. If you already had erection problems before surgery, recovery may be more difficult.
What Erectile Recovery May Look Like
Erectile recovery is usually gradual. You may not have erections at first. Later, you may notice partial erections, changes in firmness, or erections that do not last as long.
Some men need tablets, vacuum devices, injections, or other treatments. Your specialist may discuss penile rehabilitation, which aims to support blood flow and erectile tissue during recovery. It is important not to suffer silently.
Many men avoid bringing up sexual problems because they feel uncomfortable. But our specialist team is used to discussing this. The earlier you ask, the sooner you can understand your options.
Fertility Changes After Surgery
Robotic prostate cancer surgery affects fertility. After the prostate is removed, you will no longer ejaculate semen. This means you will not be able to make someone pregnant naturally through sex.
Macmillan Cancer Support explains that removing the prostate means you will no longer be able to make someone pregnant naturally. This can be difficult if you were hoping to have children in the future.
If fertility matters to you, you should discuss sperm storage before surgery. This gives you the option of preserving sperm for future fertility treatment. It is best to have this conversation before treatment begins, because fertility changes after prostate removal are usually permanent.
Dry Orgasm After Prostate Removal
After prostate surgery, you may still be able to have an orgasm, but you will not ejaculate semen. This is often called a dry orgasm. For some men, orgasm still feels pleasurable. For others, it may feel different, weaker, or less satisfying.
The NHS notes that prostate cancer surgery can cause orgasm changes, including difficulty reaching orgasm or not ejaculating during orgasm. This can feel strange at first, especially if nobody has clearly explained it to you. It does not mean you are doing anything wrong. It is a direct result of the prostate and nearby glands being removed.
Changes in Penis Length or Shape
Some men notice changes in penis length or shape after robotic prostate cancer surgery. This can happen because of changes in blood flow, reduced erections during recovery, nerve effects, and natural changes in tissue elasticity after the prostate is removed. It does not happen to everyone, and when it does, the degree of change can vary from person to person.
These changes can feel upsetting or unexpected, especially when you are already adjusting to other aspects of recovery. It may also affect confidence and how you feel about your body, which is completely understandable. It is important to remember that recovery is not only physical, but also emotional, and both take time to settle.
If you notice changes that concern you, it is a good idea to speak with your specialist rather than worrying alone. There may be rehabilitation options or treatments that can support sexual recovery and help improve function over time. Getting the right advice early can make it easier to manage these changes and understand what is normal during healing.
Urinary Difficulty or Slow Flow
Urinary difficulty or a slower flow can sometimes happen after robotic prostate cancer surgery, even though urinary leakage is discussed more often. Some men may notice a weaker stream, the need to strain, mild discomfort, or a feeling that the bladder is not completely empty after passing urine. These symptoms can be worrying, especially when you are still adjusting to recovery.
This may occur due to swelling in the healing area, temporary changes after surgery, scar tissue formation, or narrowing at the connection between the bladder and the urethra. As your body heals, these symptoms may improve gradually, but the pace can vary from person to person. It is important to monitor how things change over time rather than expecting immediate improvement.
You should not ignore ongoing or worsening difficulty when passing urine, as it may need medical review. If you are unable to pass urine at all, or if you develop severe pain, fever, or heavy bleeding, you should seek urgent medical advice. Getting help early ensures any complications are assessed and managed appropriately.
Bleeding and Blood in the Urine
Some blood in the urine can be normal after robotic prostate cancer surgery, especially while the catheter is still in place or in the early days after it has been removed. You may notice your urine looks pink or light red from time to time, particularly after moving around more or becoming more active during recovery.
This usually settles as the healing process continues, but it is important to keep an eye on any changes. Heavy bleeding, large blood clots, worsening pain, or difficulty passing urine should not be ignored, as these may need medical attention. These signs are not typical of normal recovery and should be checked promptly.
It is always better to contact your clinical team if you are unsure, rather than waiting and worrying at home. They can explain what is expected during your stage of recovery and help you understand whether your symptoms are part of normal healing or need further review.
Catheter-Related Discomfort
After the operation, you will usually go home with a catheter for a short time. A catheter is a thin tube that drains urine from your bladder while the join between the bladder and urethra heals.
The catheter may feel uncomfortable or annoying. You may feel pulling, bladder spasms, irritation at the tip of the penis, or anxiety about managing the urine bag. This can be frustrating, but the catheter is temporary for most men.
Your nurse should show you how to empty the bag, keep the area clean, and avoid pulling on the tube. You should contact our clinical team if the catheter stops draining, falls out, causes severe pain, or if you develop fever or worsening lower abdominal pain.
Pain and Discomfort
You may experience some pain or soreness around the small cuts on your abdomen after robotic prostate cancer surgery. This is normal, as your body is healing from the procedure. Many men also describe a feeling of bloating, tightness, bruising, or general discomfort when moving around in the first few days or weeks.
Some men may also notice shoulder-tip pain after keyhole surgery. This happens because of the gas used during the operation, which can irritate nerves temporarily. It usually settles on its own as the gas is absorbed by the body and tends to improve gradually over a short period of time.
Overall, pain should slowly improve rather than get worse as recovery continues. If pain becomes severe, suddenly increases, or is accompanied by symptoms such as fever, vomiting, swelling, chest pain, or breathlessness, it is important to seek medical advice promptly. These symptoms may need urgent assessment to ensure everything is healing as expected.
Tiredness and Low Energy
Tiredness and low energy are very common after robotic prostate cancer surgery. Even though the cuts on your body are small, the operation is still major surgery, and your body uses a lot of energy to heal. Because of this, you may feel unusually fatigued in the days and weeks after the procedure.
You might notice that even simple activities feel tiring, such as showering, getting dressed, walking around the house, or attending follow-up appointments. This can feel frustrating, especially if you expected robotic surgery to mean a very quick or effortless recovery. It is completely normal to feel that your energy is not back to normal straight away.
It is important to remember that while robotic surgery can support a smoother recovery, it does not remove the need for healing time. Your body still needs plenty of rest, balanced nutrition, fluids, gentle movement, and patience as it recovers. Gradually, your energy levels should improve as your strength returns.
Bowel Changes and Constipation
Bowel changes, especially constipation, can sometimes happen after robotic prostate cancer surgery. This may be related to anaesthetic effects, pain medications, reduced movement, dehydration, or changes in your usual eating routine during recovery. These factors can slow down the bowel and make things feel a bit uncomfortable.
Constipation is important to manage because straining can put extra pressure on the healing area, which may increase discomfort and slow recovery. For this reason, your clinical team may recommend drinking more fluids, gentle walking, increasing fibre in your diet, or using stool-softening medication if needed. Small adjustments like these can often make a noticeable difference.
Try to avoid heavy straining when using the toilet, as this can make symptoms worse and add unnecessary pressure during healing. If you develop severe abdominal pain, vomiting, increasing bloating, or if you are unable to pass wind or stool, you should seek medical advice promptly. These symptoms may need further assessment to ensure everything is progressing safely.
Wound Problems
Your small abdominal wounds should gradually heal after robotic prostate cancer surgery. It is common to notice mild bruising, tightness, itching, or tenderness around the incision sites as your body repairs itself. These sensations usually ease over time and are part of normal healing.
However, it is important to keep an eye on any changes in the wound area. You should contact your care team if a wound becomes increasingly red, hot, swollen, or painful, or if you notice any fluid or pus coming from it. These signs may suggest an infection and should be checked without delay.
You should also seek medical advice if you develop a fever or start feeling generally unwell. Infections are usually easier to treat when they are identified early, so it is always better to get them reviewed sooner rather than later. You are not bothering your care team by asking questions, and they are there to support your recovery.
Infection Risk
Infection is a possible risk after any operation, including robotic prostate cancer surgery. This can involve the wound sites, the urine, the catheter, or in some cases deeper tissues in the body. While most people recover without serious infection, it is still important to be aware of the warning signs during healing.
Signs of infection can include fever, chills, worsening pain, cloudy or foul-smelling urine, burning when passing urine, wound discharge, or suddenly feeling unwell. Some mild discomfort is expected after surgery, but symptoms that are getting worse rather than improving should always be taken seriously. Changes like these can indicate that your body needs medical review.
Our specialist team would always prefer you to contact them early rather than wait until symptoms become more severe. Early assessment often makes treatment simpler and recovery smoother. If you are unsure about any symptom, it is safer to ask for advice rather than try to manage it alone.
Blood Clots
Blood clots are an uncommon but serious risk after robotic prostate cancer surgery. Because of this, you may be encouraged to start gentle movement and walking soon after your operation, as this helps keep the blood circulating and reduces the risk of clot formation. In some cases, you may also be given compression stockings or blood-thinning injections, depending on your individual risk factors.
It is important to stay aware of the warning signs while you are recovering. These can include swelling or pain in the calf, chest pain, sudden shortness of breath, or coughing up blood. Although these symptoms are not common, they should always be taken seriously if they occur.
If you notice any of these symptoms, you should seek urgent medical advice immediately rather than waiting to see if they improve. Blood clots need prompt assessment and treatment, so it is not something you should try to monitor or judge at home on your own.
Lymph Node Removal Side Effects
Lymph node removal is sometimes performed during robotic prostate cancer surgery when your clinical team needs more information about whether the cancer has spread. This helps guide further treatment and gives a clearer picture of your overall condition. Most men do not experience major long-term problems after this part of the surgery.
However, some changes can occur in the body after lymph nodes are removed. These may include swelling in the legs or genital area, fluid build-up, or a feeling of heaviness or discomfort. These symptoms do not happen to everyone, but it is important to be aware of them during recovery.
If you notice new or persistent swelling, heaviness, or ongoing pain after surgery, you should inform your specialist team. They can assess your symptoms properly and help determine whether they are related to lymph node removal or another cause. Early review can help ensure you get the right support if needed.
Emotional Side Effects
The emotional side of prostate cancer surgery is often underestimated, but it can be just as important as the physical recovery. You may feel relieved that the cancer has been treated, while still feeling anxious about things like recovery progress, PSA results, bladder control, erections, body image, and what the future may look like. These mixed emotions are very common after surgery.
You might also find yourself feeling impatient with your recovery or frustrated when progress feels slower than expected. Some men feel low or unsettled when symptoms affect their daily life or independence. This does not mean you are not coping well; it simply reflects how emotionally demanding cancer treatment and recovery can be.
Prostate cancer surgery affects more than just the body, as it can also influence confidence, relationships, mood, and your sense of control. Speaking openly with your partner, GP, nurse specialist, counsellor, or a support group can make a real difference. Sharing your concerns can help you feel less alone and more supported during recovery.
Impact on Relationships
Side effects can affect relationships, especially when you are dealing with leakage, erection problems, tiredness, or low mood. You may feel embarrassed and pull away, while your partner may not know how to support you without making things feel more difficult.
It can help to speak openly, even if the conversation feels awkward at first. You do not need to discuss everything at once, but simple honesty can make the situation easier to face together.
You might say, “I am worried about how recovery is affecting me,” or “I need time, but I also need support.” Many couples need time to adjust after prostate cancer surgery, and that adjustment is part of recovery too.
When to Ask for Help
You should contact our care team if side effects feel difficult to manage or if symptoms worry you. Ask for help if you have heavy bleeding, fever, worsening pain, catheter problems, wound infection signs, inability to pass urine, chest pain, breathlessness, calf swelling, or severe constipation.
You should also ask for help if urinary leakage is not improving, if erection problems are affecting your wellbeing, or if you feel emotionally low. You do not need to wait until things become unbearable. Good recovery support includes physical, sexual, and emotional care.
Recovery Expectations After Surgery
Recovery happens in stages. In the first few days, you may focus on pain control, walking gently, managing the catheter, and getting comfortable at home. After the catheter is removed, urinary leakage may become your main concern.
Over the next few weeks, you may slowly increase activity and independence. Over months, bladder control, energy, and sexual function may continue to change. Some side effects improve steadily. Others need extra treatment or support. The important thing is not to judge your whole recovery by the first few weeks.
Speak to Our Specialist
If you are worried about the side effects of robotic prostate cancer surgery, speaking with our specialist can help you understand what may apply to your situation. Every patient is different, so it is important to get advice that reflects your health, cancer stage, treatment plan, and surgical options.
You may want to discuss urinary leakage, erectile dysfunction, fertility changes, pelvic floor exercises, recovery time, or returning to normal activity. These are common concerns, and you do not need to feel embarrassed about asking them.
Clear guidance can make the decision feel less overwhelming. Our specialist team can explain what to expect, what support may be available, and when extra help may be needed during recovery.
FAQs:
1. What are the most common side effects of robotic prostate cancer surgery?
The most common side effects after robotic prostate cancer surgery include urinary incontinence (leakage of urine) and erectile dysfunction. Many men also experience fatigue, temporary pain or discomfort around the wound sites, and changes in urinary flow during recovery. Some men notice emotional effects as well, such as anxiety or low mood, especially in the early weeks after surgery.
2. Why does urinary incontinence happen after prostate surgery?
Urinary incontinence happens because the prostate is closely linked to the bladder and urethra, which control urine flow. During surgery, the prostate is removed and the bladder is reconnected to the urethra, which temporarily affects the muscles and nerves that control continence. As a result, the urinary sphincter and pelvic floor muscles need time to adapt and regain strength.
3. Is urinary leakage permanent after surgery?
For most men, urinary leakage is not permanent and gradually improves over time. Many notice significant improvement within a few weeks to months, especially with pelvic floor exercises and rehabilitation. However, recovery varies, and a small number of men may experience longer-term leakage that requires ongoing support, pads, or further treatment options.
4. What helps improve bladder control after surgery?
Pelvic floor exercises are the most important way to improve bladder control after surgery, as they strengthen the muscles that support continence. Using pads in the early stages helps manage leakage while recovery continues. Regular gentle walking, avoiding constipation, staying hydrated, and following guidance from our clinical team or physiotherapist can also support gradual improvement.
5. Why does erectile dysfunction occur after prostate cancer surgery?
Erectile dysfunction occurs because the nerves that control erections run very close to the prostate gland. Even when nerve-sparing surgery is performed, these nerves can be stretched, bruised, or temporarily affected during the operation. If the cancer is close to the nerves, some nerve tissue may need to be removed for safety, which can also affect erectile function.
6. Can erectile function return after robotic prostate surgery?
Yes, erectile function can improve for some men, but recovery is usually slow and gradual. It may take several months or longer for nerves to heal and for erections to return, and this depends on age, general health, and pre-surgery erectile function. Some men may recover partial or full function, while others may need treatments such as tablets, vacuum devices, or specialist penile rehabilitation.
7. What are “dry orgasms” after prostate surgery?
After prostate removal, you can still experience orgasm, but there is no ejaculation of semen because the prostate and seminal vesicles have been removed. This is known as a dry orgasm. The sensation of orgasm may feel similar for some men, but for others it may feel different in intensity or satisfaction, especially during early recovery.
8. Will I still be able to have children after surgery?
No, natural fertility is no longer possible after robotic prostate cancer surgery because semen is no longer produced. This means you will not be able to father children through natural conception. If future fertility is important, sperm banking should be discussed before treatment, as this allows the option of assisted reproductive techniques later.
9. What other physical side effects can occur?
Other possible side effects include tiredness, reduced energy levels, constipation, temporary pain or soreness, and shoulder-tip discomfort from gas used during keyhole surgery. Some men may also notice blood in the urine, slower urinary flow, or a feeling of incomplete bladder emptying during recovery. These symptoms often improve gradually as healing progresses.
10. When should I contact my doctor after surgery?
You should contact your medical team if you experience symptoms such as fever, chills, heavy or persistent bleeding, inability to pass urine, worsening pain, or catheter blockage. You should also seek urgent help if you notice chest pain, breathlessness, calf swelling, or signs of infection in wounds such as redness, swelling, or discharge. Early review is always better if you are unsure about your symptoms.
Final Thoughts: Understanding Side Effects and Moving Forward
The side effects of Robotic Prostate Cancer Surgery can feel overwhelming at first, but it is important to remember that many of them improve over time with the right support and recovery plan. Urinary leakage, erectile dysfunction, tiredness, and emotional changes are among the most common effects, and while they can be challenging, they do not affect every man in the same way or with the same intensity. Recovery is usually gradual, and small improvements in bladder control, energy, and confidence are meaningful signs that healing is taking place.
If you are preparing for or recovering from treatment, it can help to stay in regular contact with your specialist team so you understand what is normal for your stage of recovery and what support is available. If you are considering robotic prostate cancer surgery in London, you can get in touch with us for a consultation
References:
- Merentitis, D. et al. (2026) Differences in quality of life related to urinary, bowel and sexual function after robot-assisted radical prostatectomy. Uro Journal (MDPI), 6(1), 3 Available at: https://www.mdpi.com/2673-4397/6/1/3
- Resnick, M.J., Koyama, T., Fan, K.H., et al. (2013) Long-term functional outcomes after treatment for localized prostate cancer. New England Journal of Medicine, 368(5), 436–445. Available at: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/23363497/
- Madeb, R., Golijanin, D., et al. (2007) Patient-reported validated functional outcome after robotic-assisted nerve-sparing radical prostatectomy. Available at: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/18237507/
- Novara, G., Ficarra, V., Mocellin, S., et al. (2012) Systematic review and meta-analysis of studies reporting oncologic and functional outcomes after robot-assisted radical prostatectomy. European Urology, 62(3), pp. 382–404. Available at: https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC3490085/
- Mungovan, S.F., Sandhu, J.S., Akin, O., et al. (2017) Surgical techniques to optimise early urinary continence recovery after robot-assisted radical prostatectomy. Available at: https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC5514172/