Surgery to remove the prostate for localised prostate cancer. Radical prostatectomy removes the whole prostate gland to treat cancer that is confined to it, and robotic-assisted techniques make the operation more precise with a gentler recovery. Dr. Anish Gupta offers this treatment as part of comprehensive prostate cancer care in Delhi NCR.
What is radical / robotic prostatectomy?
Radical prostatectomy is an operation to remove the entire prostate gland, along with the seminal vesicles and sometimes nearby lymph nodes, in order to remove prostate cancer that is still contained within the gland. When performed robotically, the surgeon operates through a few small keyhole incisions using a console that translates hand movements into very fine, steady instrument movements. This allows precise, nerve-sparing surgery with less blood loss, smaller scars and a quicker recovery than traditional open surgery.
Who needs it
Radical prostatectomy is mainly recommended for men with localised prostate cancer who are otherwise fit for surgery. It may be the right choice if:
- Your cancer is confined to the prostate and has not spread
- You are fit enough for an operation and general anaesthesia
- You prefer definitive removal of the cancer over other treatments
- Your cancer is of a grade or stage where surgery offers the best chance of cure
For low-risk, slow-growing cancer, active surveillance or radiotherapy may be advised instead — the decision is always made together after a full assessment.
How the procedure works
Robotic prostatectomy is carried out under general anaesthesia. In outline:
- A few small keyhole incisions are made in the lower abdomen, and the abdomen is gently inflated to give the surgeon a clear view.
- The robotic instruments and a high-definition camera are inserted, giving a magnified, three-dimensional view of the prostate.
- The prostate is carefully separated from the bladder and urethra, sparing the nearby nerves and muscles wherever the cancer allows.
- The whole gland is removed, the bladder is reconnected to the urethra, and a catheter is placed for a short time while healing begins.
Benefits
- Complete removal of a localised cancer with a strong chance of cure
- Greater surgical precision from the magnified robotic view
- Nerve-sparing technique to protect erections and continence where possible
- Less blood loss and smaller incisions than open surgery
- A shorter hospital stay and quicker return to daily activities
- The removed prostate is examined fully to guide any further care
Recovery and aftercare
Most men stay in hospital for a short period and go home with a catheter, which is removed after about one to two weeks once healing allows. Bladder control usually returns gradually, helped by pelvic-floor exercises, and heavy lifting and strenuous activity should be avoided for several weeks. Regular PSA blood tests afterwards confirm the cancer has been treated. Dr. Anish Gupta provides clear, step-by-step aftercare and follow-up throughout.
Risks and safety
Radical prostatectomy is a well-established, safe operation, but as with any major surgery there are risks to discuss. The two most talked-about effects are temporary or, less often, longer-term changes in urinary control and erectile function — erectile dysfunction — which nerve-sparing surgery aims to reduce. Other uncommon risks include bleeding, infection and a narrowing where the bladder joins the urethra. Dr. Anish Gupta explains all of these honestly so you can weigh your options with confidence.
Why choose Dr. Anish Gupta
Dr. Anish Gupta is a Consultant Urologist & Andrologist with over 20 years' experience and a special interest in uro-oncology and minimally-invasive surgery. Qualified with MBBS, MS and DNB (Urology), he combines surgical precision with honest, patient-first counselling on the balance of cure and quality of life, offering care at three locations across Delhi NCR — Ashok Vihar, Rohini and Karol Bagh.
Frequently asked questions
Will I be cured after prostate removal?
When prostate cancer is confined to the gland, removing it offers a strong chance of cure, confirmed by regular PSA tests afterwards. If any cancer remains or returns, additional treatment such as radiotherapy can be given, so the outlook remains good.
Will surgery affect my ability to have erections?
Surgery can affect erections, but nerve-sparing techniques are used wherever the cancer allows to protect this function. Recovery varies and can take months, and there are effective treatments to help, all of which Dr. Anish Gupta discusses with you.
How long does recovery from robotic prostatectomy take?
Most men leave hospital within a few days and have the catheter removed after one to two weeks. Light activity resumes within a few weeks, while full recovery of bladder control and energy continues gradually over the following months.
Will I still be able to father children?
Removing the prostate means natural ejaculation is no longer possible, so fathering a child naturally is not possible afterwards. If future fertility matters to you, sperm banking before surgery can be arranged and should be discussed in advance.
Every treatment plan starts with a proper assessment, so you only get the care your condition actually needs — and if the honest answer is that you don't need a procedure, you'll hear that too.