Recovery after robotic prostatectomy involves a catheter for around one to two weeks, temporary urinary leakage after its removal, and a gradual return to normal activity over several weeks. Erectile function recovery, where nerve-sparing is possible, may take months. Every patient's timeline is individual.
Being told that you need prostate cancer surgery can make the future feel uncertain. Many men are less frightened by the operation itself than by the questions that follow: Will I be in pain? How long will I have a catheter? When can I drive or work? Will I regain urinary control and erections?
A good recovery plan answers these questions honestly. Robotic surgery can reduce the size of the incisions and may support earlier mobility, but it is still major cancer surgery. Your personal recovery depends on age, fitness, cancer stage, the surgical technique used and whether nerve-sparing is oncologically appropriate.
The first 24–48 hours
You will be monitored as the anaesthetic wears off. Pain is usually managed with regular medication, and the team will encourage safe movement as soon as possible.
- A urinary catheter drains the bladder while the join between the bladder and urethra heals.
- Small abdominal wounds may feel bruised or tight. Shoulder-tip discomfort can occur after keyhole surgery because of the gas used during the operation.
- Walking, breathing exercises, fluids and blood-clot prevention are important parts of early recovery.
Going home with a catheter
The catheter is temporary and normally remains in place until your surgical team is satisfied that healing is secure. The exact timing varies, so follow the surgeon’s instructions rather than a generic internet timeline.
Keep the drainage bag below bladder level, avoid pulling on the tubing and contact the team if urine stops draining, the catheter falls out, pain becomes severe, or you develop fever or heavy bleeding.
Robotic prostatectomy is one of the most commonly performed robotic surgical procedures in the UK, with thousands carried out each year across NHS and private hospitals.
The first two weeks
Fatigue is common. Take several short walks each day, rest when needed and avoid constipation by following the prescribed hydration, diet and medication plan.
Urinary control after catheter removal
Temporary leakage is expected. Pelvic-floor exercises are often advised before and after surgery, but technique matters; a continence physiotherapist can help. Improvement may be rapid for some men and more gradual for others. Do not compare your first few weeks with another patient’s final outcome.
Erectile-function recovery
Erection recovery is influenced by pre-operative function, age, diabetes and vascular health, cancer location, whether one or both nerve bundles can be preserved, and rehabilitation. Recovery may take months and sometimes longer. A personalised penile-rehabilitation plan may include tablets, vacuum therapy, injections or other options.
Returning to work, driving and exercise
Desk-based work may be possible earlier than physical work, but fatigue can persist. You should not drive while taking sedating pain medicine, while the catheter interferes with safe control, or until you can perform an emergency stop comfortably. Ask your insurer and surgical team for specific guidance.
When to seek urgent advice
- Fever, chills or feeling acutely unwell
- Chest pain, breathlessness or a painful swollen calf
- Heavy bleeding, large clots or urine that stops draining
- Worsening abdominal pain, persistent vomiting or wound redness/discharge
- Sudden inability to pass urine after catheter removal
Frequently asked questions
Pain is usually manageable with prescribed medication, but discomfort varies. Worsening rather than improving pain should be discussed with the surgical team.
Commonly around one to two weeks, but the timing is individual and should be confirmed by the operating team.
Some men improve quickly while others need several months. Surgical technique, baseline function and pelvic-floor rehabilitation all matter.
They may, particularly when nerve-sparing is possible, but recovery can take months or longer and cannot be guaranteed.
Walking starts early. Heavy lifting and strenuous activity usually wait until the surgeon confirms internal healing is adequate.
Speak to Mr Torath Ameen
If you have concerns about urological symptoms or would like an expert opinion, book a consultation at our London or Hertfordshire clinics.
This article is intended for general patient education only. It does not constitute medical advice and may not apply to every individual's circumstances. Clinical decisions should always be made in consultation with a qualified healthcare professional. If you are concerned about your health, please seek prompt medical assessment.