An operation planned around your cancer and your priorities.
Robotic radical prostatectomy removes the prostate and seminal vesicles through small abdominal incisions. The surgeon controls the instruments throughout. It may be an option for localised and selected locally advanced prostate cancer.
Robotic prostatectomy is undertaken at Spire Cambridge Lea Hospital, subject to individual clinical assessment and scheduling.
Your consultation with Professor Ilie considers your scans, biopsy findings, overall health and the things that matter to you. Cancer control, urinary recovery and sexual function all belong in that discussion.
Precision matters. So does the decision to operate.
The robotic approach gives the surgeon a magnified view and fine instrument control. It remains major surgery. The appropriate treatment depends on your individual cancer and circumstances; robotic surgery is not automatically the best option for everyone.
Where clinically appropriate, nerve-sparing can be discussed. Preserving nerves must be balanced against removing the cancer adequately, and does not guarantee recovery of erections.
Benefits, risks and alternatives
Surgery aims to remove the cancer and provides tissue for detailed examination. Further treatment can still be needed afterwards. No operation can guarantee cure.
What you should understand before deciding
- Urine leakage and erection problems may be temporary or lasting.
- Dry ejaculation and loss of natural fertility are expected; discuss fertility preservation beforehand if relevant.
- Other risks include bleeding, infection, blood clots, injury to nearby structures, scarring and anaesthetic complications. Rare complications can be life-threatening.
Your surgeon will explain your personal risks and the full consent information.
Alternatives may include active surveillance, radiotherapy or other treatments following specialist review. If another approach is more suitable, that should form part of your plan.
Your route from consultation to recovery
Review the diagnosis
Bring your PSA history, MRI report and biopsy results. The practice can explain how existing records should be transferred.
Consider the options
Discuss the rationale for surgery, alternatives and multidisciplinary recommendations. A consultation does not commit you to treatment.
Plan treatment
If you choose surgery, confirm the hospital, available date, pre-assessment, consent and a written quotation.
Plan recovery
Your team will explain catheter care, activity, pelvic-floor rehabilitation, pathology review and PSA follow-up.
Questions patients ask
How much does robotic prostatectomy cost?
The operation is quoted individually after assessment. Your quotation should make clear the surgeon, anaesthetist, hospital, pathology and follow-up charges, together with any exclusions, so you can understand the total cost before deciding.
Can I have an opinion if I was diagnosed elsewhere?
Yes. You can request a review of your existing diagnosis and treatment options. The team will tell you which records are needed before your appointment.
Will I need time away from work?
Yes. Recovery and return to work depend on your job, progress and the advice of your treating team. Discuss driving, exercise, lifting and travel before planning your operation.
What to ask before choosing surgery
Is surgery the right treatment for my cancer?
Ask how your MRI, biopsy grade, stage, health and preferences affect the recommendation. Compare surgery with suitable alternatives, including surveillance or radiotherapy, and discuss multidisciplinary advice.
What experience and outcomes should I consider?
Ask about recent operating activity, who will carry out your operation and whether supervised trainees will take part. Review cancer-control measures, complications, readmissions, continence and sexual function. Check the patient group, follow-up period and definitions behind every percentage.
Professor Ilie has performed over 500 robotic radical prostatectomies in his NHS practice between 2016 and October 2026. In some operations, fellows carried out selected steps under his supervision.
He performed 98 robotic radical prostatectomies in his NHS practice during April 2025–March 2026. The outcomes page reports two NHS continence series with different definitions; selected publications provide wider research context.
Can nerve-sparing protect sexual function?
Ask whether nerve-sparing is oncologically appropriate for you and what your baseline function means for recovery. It cannot guarantee erections. Discuss rehabilitation, ejaculation and fertility as well as urinary control.
Who will look after me if recovery is difficult?
After surgery, the hospital's resident doctor and nursing team look after you day and night, working closely with Professor Ilie. Ask about pelvic-floor support and help for persistent leakage or erection difficulties.
What will the full self-pay cost include?
Request a written quotation covering surgeon, anaesthetist, hospital, tests, pathology and follow-up. Ask about exclusions, extra treatment, complications, cancellation terms and whether separate bills may arise.