Start with cancer risk and treatment options
A radical prostatectomy removes the prostate and is generally considered only when surgery is oncologically appropriate. A specialist review should compare surgery with other evidence-based options rather than assuming that robotic surgery is automatically best.
What robotic assistance changes
The Da Vinci system gives the surgeon magnified three-dimensional visualization and articulated instruments through minimally invasive access. It does not operate independently and it does not eliminate risks such as urinary incontinence, erectile dysfunction, bleeding, infection or the need for additional cancer treatment.
Questions to ask before surgery
The useful comparison is the entire cancer pathway and the surgeon’s plan, not simply open versus robotic access.
- What is the exact pathological diagnosis and risk group?
- Is nerve-sparing oncologically appropriate?
- Will lymph-node surgery be needed?
- How are positive margins and final pathology handled?
- What is the plan for continence and erectile-function rehabilitation?
- What follow-up PSA schedule is recommended after returning home?
Records for an international review
Send the evidence used to define the cancer stage and treatment strategy.
- Prostate biopsy pathology and Gleason/ISUP grade
- PSA history
- MRI and other staging imaging
- Previous prostate procedures
- Urinary and sexual-function history
- Current medication and major medical conditions
Official sources
Sources last checked 2026-08-29. Confirm current eligibility, procedure details and hospital requirements directly with the treating urology team.