Robotic-assisted laparoscopic prostatectomy (RALP)

A radical prostatectomy is commonly used to treat patients with localised or locally advanced prostate cancer. 

Most patients will be placed under general anaesthetic for the operation, which usually takes between 2 and 3 hours. The surgeon will make a series of very small incisions and then use the da Vinci robotic system to carry out the procedure. 

A radical prostatectomy is a significant surgical intervention. Ahead of your operation, it helps if you optimise your pelvic floor strength, fitness and body weight. This is called pre-conditioning or pre-habilitation.

Our specialist nursing team will teach you pelvic floor exercises, which you should start practising before the operation. Physiotherapy of this type has been shown to reduce urinary incontinence rates after the surgery by up to 20%. This will help you cope with the operation and build strength afterwards. To help with erectile function after surgery, you may also benefit from a course of medication that treats erectile dysfunction beforehand.

You should also try to exercise regularly for at least 30 minutes, up to 5 times per week. Your exercise regime should ideally include a couple of muscle-building or higher-impact exercise sessions in addition to the usual cardiovascular exercise.

This should be combined with a varied, mainly plant-based and high protein diet. The ideal body mass index (BMI) is 25 or less. This reduces the chance of urinary incontinence.

The length of time it takes you to recover from the operation depends on a range of factors, including your age and body weight. However, most patients only need to spend around one to two days in hospital.

You will go home with a catheter, which is usually removed one week after surgery. Pain is often mild and tends to peak after a few days but should be improved by the time you return to have your catheter removed. You will be discharged with pain medication in case you need it, along with laxatives to help your bowels move regularly.

You will be able to walk, eat and drink, go up and downstairs, drive, and do most of your daily activities. However, you will need to refrain from heavy lifting or exercise for eight weeks.

Our dedicated recovery team of specialist nurses and physiotherapists will work with you closely after your operation to make sure you recover as quickly as possible. Most patients will need to take some time off work to recover, but your consultant will talk you through your recovery plan ahead of your operation.