MR-guided radiotherapy
HCA Healthcare UK invests £15million to introduce advanced MR-guided radiotherapy with Elekta Unity MR Linac
Prostate cancer surgery
- Consultant-led prostate cancer surgery from experienced urological surgeons in London, Birmingham and Manchester
- The latest and most advanced prostate cancer surgery, including robotic-assisted prostatectomy and nerve-sparing surgery
- Pioneering surgical techniques - including nerve-sparing NeuroSAFE - delivered by expert surgeons
Private prostate cancer surgery at HCA UK
Why choose us?
At HCA UK we offer the latest and most advanced surgical techniques for prostate cancer, including approaches that are not widely available at other centres. We were the first independent healthcare provider in the UK to introduce da Vinci robotic prostate cancer surgery. Here’s what makes prostate cancer surgery at HCA UK different.
Surgery is one of the main treatment options for localised prostate cancer. At HCA UK, your surgery will be led by your chosen consultant urologist, working as part of a specialist multidisciplinary team.
We offer the full range of prostate cancer surgery – including robotic-assisted prostatectomy, with single-port robotic approaches and pioneering nerve-sparing techniques, and will work with you to find the most effective surgical approach for your individual diagnosis, including the stage and grade of your cancer, your overall health and your personal preferences.
Your consultant will discuss all your options with you and, together with your Clinical Nurse Specialist, be able to answer any questions that you may have, so that you can make an informed decision about your treatment and care.
Robotic-assisted surgery allows for greater precision, smaller incisions and faster recovery compared to open surgery. At HCA UK, we were the first private provider in the UK to offer the da Vinci Single Port system, which performs complex procedures through a single incision.
HCA UK has the largest independent robotic surgery programme in the UK, carrying out more robotic procedures than any other independent provider. Over 20 years ago, we performed the first robotic prostatectomy in the private sector - and perform the highest volume of private prostate surgeries in the UK.
NeuroSAFE is an advanced nerve-sparing technique performed during robotic prostatectomy that gives your surgeon real-time information about the cancer margins during the operation - helping maximise the chance of preserving the nerves responsible for urinary control and sexual function. Research shows NeuroSAFE can nearly double the proportion of men who recover erectile function compared to standard surgery.
In the unlikely event that you need a higher level of care after your prostate cancer operation, all our hospitals have a Level 3 Intensive Therapy Unit (ITU) on site. This means we can perform complex procedures with complete confidence that every eventuality is covered.
Types of private prostate cancer surgery
The type of prostate cancer surgery recommended for you will depend on the stage and grade of your cancer, your overall health and your personal preferences.
Your consultant will talk you through the most effective surgical option based on your individual diagnosis and, together with your Clinical Nurse Specialist, can answer any questions you have.
Radical prostatectomy is surgery to remove the entire prostate gland. This is a highly effective treatment for localised prostate cancer, where the cancer is contained within the prostate gland, or for localised to locally advanced prostate cancer, where the cancer has not spread very far outside the prostate gland.
Advancements in surgical techniques mean that, where clinically possible, minimally invasive surgery, known as robotic-assisted, laparoscopic or often keyhole surgery are now considered the gold standard surgical treatment for a radical prostatectomy. At HCA Healthcare UK our highly skilled surgeons use the very latest in surgical robotic equipment, the da Vinci Xi and single port systems to perform this operation. Minimally invasive surgery usually means less time in hospital and faster recovery times.
As well as removing the prostate, your surgeon will aim to preserve as much of the surrounding tissue as possible - including the nerves responsible for urinary control and sexual function. This is known as nerve-sparing surgery, and whether it is suitable for you will depend on the characteristics of your cancer.
NeuroSAFE is an advanced technique performed during robotic-assisted prostatectomy that enables your surgeon decide, in real time during your operation, how much nerve tissue can safely be preserved.
During the procedure, the prostate is removed from your body and one of our expert pathologists examine small samples of tissue taken from around the nerves, this is usually referred to as a ‘margin’. If no cancer cells are found at the margin, the nerves can be left intact. If cancer cells are identified, your surgeon will know to remove these nerves to ensure all known cancer is safely removed.
NeuroSAFE is not suitable for everyone, and your consultant will discuss whether it is an option for your diagnosis.
For men with localised prostate cancer, we offer the full range of focal therapies - HIFU, cryotherapy and NanoKnife - precisely targeting only the area of cancer within the prostate, while preserving as much surrounding tissue as possible. These are not surgical techniques but may form part of your treatment plan.
Your prostate cancer surgical team
Your named consultant urological surgeon will lead your surgical care, from your first consultation through to your operation and follow-up appointments. Our urologists are highly experienced across the full range of prostate cancer surgical procedures, including complex and innovative techniques. They will explain your options, make a recommendation based on your individual diagnosis and answer any questions you have, so that you can make an informed decision about your treatment and care.
Working closely with your consultant, you will receive the dedicated support of a named Clinical Nurse Specialist (CNS) who specialises in prostate cancer. You'll usually meet your CNS at your first consultation or diagnosis, and they'll stay with you throughout your treatment and follow-up care.
We know that the side effects of prostate cancer surgery - including changes to urinary function and sexual function - can have a significant impact on daily life. Our team of specialist therapists are an integral part of your multidisciplinary team at HCA UK. They provide a range of services, including support with sexual and urinary function following prostate cancer treatment, physiotherapy, psychological care, and complementary therapies. Every member of the team is highly experienced in supporting people affected by prostate cancer.
Frequently asked questions about prostate cancer surgery
All surgery carries some risk of side effects which can include bleeding and infection, but the effects you experience will depend on the type of procedure you have. Your consultant will talk you through the specific risks and side effects associated with your recommended surgery before your operation. It's important that you feel fully informed and comfortable with your treatment plan before going ahead.
The most common side effects of prostate cancer surgery include:
- Urinary incontinence - difficulty controlling the flow of urine, which is common immediately after surgery and usually improves over time. Most men regain full urinary control within weeks to months. Your physiotherapy and continence team can support you with exercises and other techniques.
- Erectile dysfunction - changes to sexual function are common after prostate surgery, because the nerves responsible for erections run close to the prostate. The extent of this depends on whether nerve-sparing surgery is possible. Techniques such as NeuroSAFE are designed to maximise nerve preservation. Your team can discuss the options available to help with this.
- Changes to orgasm - most men notice changes to orgasm after prostate surgery, including dry orgasm - this is where no semen is produced. Your consultant will explain what to expect.
- Fertility - radical prostatectomy affects fertility, as it removes the prostate and seminal vesicles. Your consultant can discuss your fertility options with you prior to surgery and refer you to a HCA UK fertility specialist where required. <internal link?
- Temporary tiredness and discomfort - common in the days and weeks following any surgery and usually improves as you recover.
- Surgery can cause damage to surround tissues and structures and, whilst rare, there is a small percentage of people who experience problems with the join between their bladder and urethra.
If you have any concerns about side effects during your recovery, speak to your Clinical Nurse Specialist or another member of your clinical team.
Prostate surgery - most commonly known as a radical prostatectomy - is an operation to remove the prostate gland. It is one of the main treatment options for prostate cancer that is contained within or close to the prostate gland.
Your consultant will discuss which approach is most appropriate for your diagnosis.
The main types of prostate cancer surgery available at HCA UK are:
- Radical prostatectomy - surgical removal of the whole prostate gland, most commonly performed using the da Vinci Xi and single port robotic-assisted surgical systems
- NeuroSAFE prostatectomy - a nerve-sparing technique performed during robotic-assisted prostatectomy, using real-time tissue analysis in theatre to maximise preservation of the nerves responsible for sexual function and urinary control
Robotic-assited prostate surgery uses the da Vinci Xi surgical robot to perform a prostatectomy through small keyhole incisions or a single one with the single port system. Your surgeon sits at a console nearby and controls the robotic arms, which provide a highly magnified 3D view of the operating area and allow for more precise, delicate movements than conventional surgery.
The benefits of robotic-assisted surgery compared to open prostatectomy include smaller incisions, less blood loss, reduced pain after surgery and a faster recovery. Most people are able to go home within one to two days. It's important to note that the surgeon remains in full control throughout - the robot responds to your surgeon's movements and does not operate independently.
The benefits of robotic-assisted surgery compared to open prostatectomy include smaller incisions, less blood loss, reduced pain after surgery and a faster recovery. Most people are able to go home within one to two days. It's important to note that the surgeon remains in full control throughout - the robot responds to your surgeon's movements and does not operate independently.
Recovery time varies depending on the type of surgery. Most people who have robotic-assisted prostatectomy are able to go home within one to two days and can return to light daily activities within two to four weeks. Full recovery - including regaining urinary control and sexual function - can take several months and may not fully return to pre-surgical function.
Open prostatectomy generally involves a slightly longer recovery than robotic surgery. Your consultant will advise you on what to expect based on your specific procedure, and your Clinical Nurse Specialist and physiotherapy team will support you throughout your recovery.
Most people are advised to avoid driving for four to six weeks after radical prostatectomy, though this varies depending on your recovery. You must be able to perform an emergency stop comfortably and without hesitation before getting behind the wheel. Your consultant will advise you based on your specific procedure and recovery. Always confirm with your surgeon before you start driving again.
Immediately after a radical prostatectomy, you'll have a urinary catheter in place for one to two weeks while the area heals. You may experience some pain and tiredness in the days and weeks following surgery, which is normal and can be managed with medication.
In the weeks and months after surgery, you may notice changes to urinary control and sexual function - both of which are common after prostatectomy and usually improve over time. Your Clinical Nurse Specialist and specialist physiotherapy and continence teams will be with you throughout, providing practical guidance and support as you recover.
The most common side effects of radical prostatectomy are urinary incontinence (difficulty controlling urine) and erectile dysfunction (changes to sexual function). Both are caused by the proximity of the nerves and muscles responsible for these functions to the prostate gland.
For many men, these side effects improve significantly over time. Nerve-sparing techniques - particularly NeuroSAFE - can reduce the risk of erectile dysfunction. Your physiotherapy and continence team can also help with exercises and other approaches to support recovery.
Your consultant will explain the specific risks for your recommended procedure and what you can do to support your recovery.
Many men are cured of prostate cancer by surgery, particularly when the cancer is caught at an early stage. However, recurrence is possible - your risk will depend on the stage and grade of your cancer, and whether the cancer was fully removed.
Regular follow-up appointments and PSA monitoring after surgery are important for detecting any signs of recurrence early, when further treatment is most effective. Your consultant will explain what monitoring schedule is appropriate for you and what to look out for. If prostate cancer does return after surgery, there are effective further treatment options, including radiotherapy.