Robotic Prostatectomy in Istanbul: A Guide for Patients Considering Treatment in Turkey

First: Do You Need Surgery at All?

Prostate cancer is not one disease. Before discussing surgery abroad, the most important step is to confirm your risk group from three pieces of information: PSA level, the Gleason score / ISUP grade on your biopsy, and MRI or staging findings.

If your reports place you in the second group and you are fit for surgery with a life expectancy of at least 10 years, robotic prostatectomy is a reasonable option to consider — and a second opinion on your reports can be given remotely before you travel.

What Robotic Prostatectomy Involves

Through five or six 8-mm ports in the abdomen, the daVinci system's instruments are controlled by the surgeon from a console. The robot never moves on its own; it translates the surgeon's hand movements while filtering tremor. Three features make it valuable in the pelvis:

The prostate and seminal vesicles are removed, pelvic lymph nodes are taken when indicated, and the bladder is reconnected to the urethra. The operation takes about 2-3 hours.

Protecting Continence and Erections

Nerve-sparing. The nerves responsible for erection run along the sides of the prostate. When the tumour is not close to them, they are carefully peeled off and preserved. Recovery of erections depends on age, pre-operative function, whether one or both sides could be spared, and conditions such as diabetes; it is gradual and may take 12-24 months. Early penile rehabilitation (PDE5 inhibitors, vacuum device) supports nerve recovery. Ejaculation no longer produces semen; men who want children should discuss sperm banking beforehand.

Continence. Leakage in the first weeks after catheter removal is expected. Most men regain control within 3-6 months and the majority of the rest by 12 months. Pelvic floor exercises started before surgery are the single most effective aid.

Hospital Stay and Travel Plan

International patients therefore usually plan 10-12 days in Istanbul. Desk work resumes 2-3 weeks after surgery, heavier work after 4-6 weeks.

Pathology and Follow-Up from Abroad

The final pathology report (stage, grade, margin status) determines whether any further treatment is needed and is sent to you electronically. PSA is checked 6-8 weeks after surgery and is expected to be undetectable; thereafter every 3 months in the first year, then every 6 months. These blood tests can be done at home and shared with us. If PSA ever rises, early salvage radiotherapy is highly effective — which is why follow-up must not lapse.

Is Robotic Better Than Open Surgery?

For cancer control in experienced hands, open, laparoscopic and robotic approaches give similar long-term results. The robotic advantage lies in less blood loss, shorter hospital stay, less pain and faster return to normal life, plus the precision that magnified vision gives nerve- and sphincter-sparing steps. The strongest predictor of outcome is not the machine but the surgeon's experience and case volume — ask about it.

This article is for general information only and does not replace a medical consultation. Treatment decisions are made after an individual evaluation of your reports and examination.