Surgery to remove the prostate

You may be offered an operation to remove your prostate, called a radical prostatectomy. 

There are 3 different ways of removing the prostate: 

• Open surgery
  Open surgery involves one large cut into your tummy or the area between your scrotum and back passage.
• Laparoscopic or “keyhole” surgery
  During laparoscopic or "keyhole" surgery, a surgeon will remove the prostate through several small cuts in your tummy. The surgeon will also use a small camera, called a laparoscope, to help them see the prostate clearly.
• Robot-assisted laparoscopic surgery
  Robot-assisted keyhole surgery is done by trained surgeons, so it is only available in certain hospitals. It is sometimes called RARP or RALP. In this procedure, the surgeon uses robotic arms to control the equipment from a console, allowing for precise movements.

This video explains the process of Robot-assisted Radical Prostatectomy (RARP).

Your doctor will talk with you about the surgery method that’s best for you.

A radical prostatectomy is a major operation, and each method has its risks. The aim of the surgery is to cure the cancer.

If the cancer is more advanced or high-risk, the surgeon might also take out lymph nodes in the pelvic area to see if the cancer has spread. This surgery takes longer and can have more complications, but it helps to find out how far the cancer has gone.

This chapter contains general information about prostate cancer treatments. It is not a substitute for professional medical advice or treatment. Always consult your doctor or healthcare provider for guidance on your individual medical situation.

The development of this chapter was funded by Ferring Pharmaceuticals. Its content has been independently developed and approved by the EAU Patient Office.

Last updated: May 2025