WHAT’S THE DOWNSIDE?

OPERATING from underneath the bladder using a robot requires an experienced surgeon, says Paul Cathcart, a consultant urological surgeon at Guy’s and St Thomas’ Hospital in London. This angle of approach can affect the view of the area so ‘there may be a greater risk of leaving cancer behind — that’s why it is critical that patients only go to a surgeon experienced in this procedure’.

‘RISK of incontinence is a concern for patients facing a prostatectomy, but equally, the most important thing is that the cancer is successfully removed,’ he says.

‘THIS best suits those with a small prostate,’ adds Mr Cathcart. ‘If a large prostate is removed, this leaves a big space between the bladder and urethra, which is harder to reconnect. However, if this can preserve surrounding structures and lead to an early return to continence, then it will benefit patients.’