Consultant Urological Surgeon · GMC 7030583

Recovery After Robotic Prostatectomy

What recovery realistically involves, and the timeline Mr Sridhar gives his patients.

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A typical recovery timeline

The timeline Mr Sridhar gives his patients, from the day of surgery to a full return to normal life.

1 to 2 nights

in hospital
7 to 10 days

catheter removed
2 to 4 weeks

back to desk work
3 to 4 weeks

driving again
6 to 8 weeks

full activity

The catheter, explained

The urethral catheter used during surgery stays in for about 24 hours and is removed before you leave hospital. You go home with a suprapubic catheter, which is removed after 7 to 10 days. From the start you are encouraged to pass urine naturally; the suprapubic catheter is only a safety net in case you cannot, or feel you have not emptied fully. It has a tap valve that stays closed most of the time, and you open it only when you need to. In the first few days Mr Sridhar encourages you to open the tap about every three hours after passing urine, to check how much is left behind. At night it connects to a leg bag so you can sleep through.

Aftercare and follow-up

Your care does not end when the operation does. Mr Sridhar leads a structured follow-up programme that supports you through every milestone of recovery, and he works closely with a team of anaesthetists and nurses who are contactable around the clock. Pelvic-floor exercises and erectile rehabilitation are started early, which is part of how we work to reduce the possible side-effects.

Mr Ashwin Sridhar Consultant Urological Surgeon

Frequently asked questions

How long will I be in hospital? +

Most patients stay one night, and some stay two, depending on how recovery and mobility are going. The focus is on getting you moving early, managing pain, and making sure any surgical drain can be safely removed before you go home.

When can I drive again? +

Usually around three to four weeks after surgery. You need to be completely free of significant pain and able to perform an emergency stop comfortably, without hesitation or abdominal discomfort, before you drive.

When can I return to work? +

Many patients return to light, sedentary or remote desk work within two to four weeks, once they feel comfortable sitting and their energy has started to return. A return to heavy lifting, vigorous exercise and sport comes later, usually after six to eight weeks.

When will I get my results, and how is my recovery followed up? +

The laboratory results from the removed prostate are usually ready a week or so after surgery, and Mr Sridhar goes through them with you. From there you move into a structured follow-up programme, including regular PSA blood tests to monitor things over time, and ongoing support with continence and erectile recovery.