Radical Prostatectomy in India
A radical prostatectomy removes the entire prostate gland (and usually seminal vesicles) to treat prostate cancer. Surgeons may check nearby lymph nodes to assess spread. Depending on your case, surgery can be open, laparoscopic, or robot-assisted. When safe, nerve-sparing helps preserve urinary control and erections.
Discover what this treats so that you can choose confidently
Are you weighing up surgery to remove prostate cancer and asking what life looks like after? Radical prostatectomy removes the prostate and usually the seminal vesicles so the cancer is taken out in one piece. Surgeons may assess lymph nodes to check for spread. Open, laparoscopic, or robot-assisted approaches are used; nerve-sparing is considered when safe to help preserve urinary control and erections.
Patient moment H, 61, with localized cancer and good baseline function chose nerve-sparing robotic prostatectomy in India. He walked daily within two weeks, had catheter removal on day 7, and his first postoperative PSA was undetectable. “Having a clear recovery plan made the choice less frightening.”
How the procedure works in simple steps
Think of surgery like planning a trip—the route (approach), the guide (surgeon), and the itinerary (nodes, catheter, follow-up) get you to the goal safely.
- Before surgery — Imaging/biopsy confirm location and grade; your surgeon explains open vs laparoscopic vs robotic and nerve-sparing suitability; pre-anesthesia checks review heart, lungs, and medicines; pelvic-floor exercises are taught.
- During surgery — Under general anesthesia, the prostate and seminal vesicles are removed; lymph nodes may be sampled/removed; nerve-sparing is performed when oncologically safe; a urinary catheter is placed.
- After surgery — Pain control (usually tablets); gentle walking from day one; discharge typically day 2–4; catheter stays ~7–10 days; removal and first PSA test are scheduled by your team.
Travel and documents checklist for international patients
- Passport, visa (if required), and insurance information
- Pathology slides/blocks if available, biopsy reports, imaging on USB
- Medication list with doses and allergies
- Front-opening clothes and supportive underwear for after surgery
- A caregiver for the first week to help with meals and errands
Who should consider this and when to wait
Radical prostatectomy is commonly offered to those with localized or some locally advanced disease who are fit for surgery and prefer active treatment that removes the gland. It may be part of a combined plan in higher-risk cases.
You might defer or choose a different route if anesthesia risk is high, the cancer is unsuitable for surgery, or radiotherapy is recommended based on tumor features. Ask: which option offers the best long-term cancer control for my stage/grade—and which path aligns with my priorities for continence, erections, and recovery time?
Benefits and risks that you should understand
Potential benefits
- Removal of known cancer with clear margin assessment
- Accurate staging via lymph-node evaluation when indicated
- Simple PSA blood test for ongoing monitoring
- Nerve-sparing (when safe) may support faster continence/erection recovery
Possible risks
- Urinary incontinence—often improves with pelvic-floor therapy and time
- Erectile dysfunction—recovery varies by age, baseline function, and nerve-sparing
- Bleeding, infection, clots, or anesthesia complications (uncommon but possible)
- Bladder-neck/urethral stricture requiring treatment
- Lymphocele (fluid collection) if nodes are removed
Doctor perspective: “Cancer control first. When tumor position allows, we spare one or both nerve bundles. Setting expectations early about continence training and erectile rehabilitation makes recovery steadier.”
Recovery timeline so that planning feels easier
- Day 1: Gentle walking; breathing/leg exercises to reduce complications.
- Day 2–4: Typical discharge window depending on approach and recovery.
- Day 7–10: Catheter removal; first postoperative PSA scheduled.
- Week 2–4: Gradual return to light work; continue pelvic-floor exercises.
- Month 2–3: Progressive activity; discuss erectile rehab plan if needed.
Cost overview without surprises
India provides clear packages with modern ORs and experienced teams. Prices vary by hospital category, surgeon seniority, approach, room class, lymph-node dissection, and length of stay. Illustrative self-pay ranges (USD):
| Scenario | Illustrative cost range (USD) | Typical hospital stay |
|---|---|---|
| Open radical prostatectomy | 4800 – 6500 | 3 – 5 days |
| Laparoscopic radical prostatectomy (non-robotic) | 5500 – 7500 | 3 – 5 days |
| Robot-assisted radical prostatectomy (nerve-sparing when suitable) | 6500 – 9000 | 3 – 5 days |
| Robot-assisted + pelvic lymph-node dissection | 7500 – 10500 | 4 – 6 days |
Simple math example
- Base package • Robot-assisted prostatectomy: $6,900
- Room upgrade: $500
- Pelvic lymph-node dissection: $900
- Two extra inpatient days ($250 each): $500
- Estimated total: $8,800
Ask for a personalized quote with inclusions (anesthesia, medicines, standard tests, surgeon fees) and exclusions (take-home meds, extra nights, unexpected ICU).
Questions people often ask before this treatment
Will I be continent after surgery?
Most regain daytime control over weeks to months with pelvic-floor exercises. A small number need additional therapies. Age, baseline control, and nerve-sparing influence timelines.
What about erections?
Recovery depends on age, baseline function, and whether both nerve bundles could be spared. Early rehab may include tablets, devices, or injections.
Is robotic surgery always better?
Robotics adds magnified vision and precise movements, but outcomes depend most on surgeon experience and proper case selection.
How soon can I fly home?
Many travelers fly ~7–10 days after surgery once the catheter is removed and early checks are complete—confirm with your surgeon.
What if pathology shows higher-risk features?
Additional treatment (radiotherapy and/or hormone therapy) may be advised. Regular PSA monitoring guides decisions.
Glossary in plain language
- PSA: Simple blood test to monitor for recurrence after surgery.
- Nerve-sparing: Technique to preserve nerves for erections and bladder control when safe.
- Margins: Whether cancer cells are present at the edge of removed tissue.
- Sentinel & pelvic lymph nodes: Nearby filters checked to see if cancer has spread.
- Continence: Ability to control urine without leakage.
Video testimonials from real patients
Watch genuine stories from international patients—home recovery, catheter removal experiences, and PSA follow-up journeys.
Disclaimer
This page is for education only. Your decisions must be made with a licensed specialist who has examined you and reviewed your tests and overall health.
Medically reviewed by
Dr Aryan Malhotra
MBBS, David Tvildiani Medical University, Georgia
Radiation Oncology Resident, Burdwan Medical College and Hospital
Registration number: 95565
Dr Malhotra reviews pages so statements remain accurate, balanced, and easy to understand during discussions with your care team.
References
Watch patient videos
https://www.youtube.com/@TreatmentCost