Can I pay for my own consultation or treatment?

Yes. Self-pay patients are welcome.

Many patients choose to self-fund their consultation, investigations or treatment, particularly if they want a second opinion, quicker access to advice, or a private pathway for prostate cancer surgery.

A clear estimate of costs will usually be provided before any consultation, investigation or procedure. If further tests or treatment are needed, these will be discussed with you before anything is arranged.

Do you see patients with private medical insurance?

Yes. Patients with private medical insurance are welcome.

Please contact your insurer before booking to confirm your level of cover, authorisation requirements and whether a GP referral is needed. Most insurers will provide an authorisation code for the consultation or treatment episode.

When booking, please provide your insurer name, membership number and authorisation code if available.

Which insurers are covered?

Mr Bates sees insured patients through recognised private medical insurance providers.

Coverage and authorisation can vary depending on the insurer, policy and hospital site, so it is best to confirm directly with your insurance provider before booking. The practice team can advise what information is usually required.

Do I need a GP referral?

A GP referral is helpful but not always essential for self-pay patients.

For insured patients, many insurance companies require a GP referral before authorising a consultation. Please check with your insurer before arranging an appointment.

If you already have PSA results, MRI reports, biopsy results or clinic letters, these can be reviewed as part of the consultation.

Can I have a remote consultation?

Yes. Remote consultations are available by secure video link where clinically appropriate.

These are useful for second opinions, review of PSA results, MRI reports, biopsy findings, treatment options and follow-up discussions. Remote consultations usually last between 20 and 60 minutes, depending on the complexity of the case.

Some situations still require a face-to-face appointment, examination or hospital-based assessment.

What should I send before my consultation?

Please provide any relevant information you already have, including:

• PSA blood test results
• MRI report and images, if available
• Prostate biopsy report
• Clinic letters
• Medication list
• Past medical history
• Details of previous prostate, bladder or urinary treatments
• Questions you would like answered

Do not worry if you do not have everything. The consultation can help identify what is missing and what needs to happen next.

What happens before prostate surgery?

Before surgery, you will have a tailored and detailed discussion about the operation, expected benefits, risks, recovery and alternatives.

You will also usually have a pre-operative assessment. This checks that you are fit for anaesthetic and surgery, and may include blood tests, urine testing, ECG, blood pressure, medication review and assessment of any medical conditions such as heart disease, diabetes, sleep apnoea or previous blood clots.

You may also receive advice about stopping or adjusting certain medications, particularly blood thinners.

What is pre-operative assessment?

Pre-operative assessment is a safety check before surgery.

The team reviews your general health, medical history, medications, allergies and anaesthetic risk. The aim is to reduce avoidable complications and make sure any health issues are recognised before the operation.

It is also a chance to discuss practical matters such as fasting, admission time, discharge planning, catheter care and recovery at home.

Should I do pelvic floor exercises before surgery?

Yes. Pelvic floor exercises are usually recommended before prostate surgery.

Learning the exercises before the operation can help you understand the muscles involved in urinary control. After catheter removal, pelvic floor training is an important part of continence recovery.

You may be given written instructions or referred to a specialist physiotherapist where appropriate.

Should I change my diet before surgery?

There is no special “prostate cancer diet” that needs to be followed before surgery.

The best preparation is usually straightforward: eat well, stay hydrated, avoid harsh diets, maintain protein intake, limit excess alcohol and avoid unnecessary/unhealthy weight gain before surgery.

If you have diabetes, bowel problems, or other medical conditions, dietary advice may be more specific.

Can I exercise before surgery?

Yes. Staying active before surgery is almost always beneficial.

Regular walking, light resistance work and general fitness can help recovery after an operation. The aim is not to suddenly train like an athlete, but to go into surgery as fit and steady as possible. I recommend a minimum of 8000 steps per day.

If you have heart disease, breathing problems, severe pain or major mobility issues, exercise plans should be discussed with your doctor.

What happens after robotic prostate surgery?

After robotic prostate surgery, most patients spend a short period in hospital before going home with a catheter.

You will receive instructions about wound care, catheter care, pain relief, activity, bowel function and warning signs. The catheter is usually removed after a short recovery period, depending on the surgical plan and hospital protocol.

You will have a PSA blood test around 10 weeks after surgery.

How long will I need a catheter?

Most men go home with a catheter after radical prostatectomy.

The exact length of time varies depending on the operation, healing and hospital protocol. However, the norm is between 5-14 days but can vary. You will be told the expected catheter removal date before discharge, and you will receive instructions on how to manage the catheter at home.

When can I exercise after surgery?

Early walking is encouraged after surgery.

More strenuous exercise, heavy lifting, cycling, gym work and abdominal straining usually need to be avoided for several weeks. Return to activity should be gradual and guided by your recovery, wounds, catheter status and medical advice.

A sensible rule: walk early, build steadily, and do not try to prove a point with your body while it is still healing.

When can I drive after surgery?

You should not drive until you are safe to do so, able to perform an emergency stop, no longer affected by strong painkillers, and comfortable controlling the vehicle.

Your insurer may also have specific requirements after surgery, so it is sensible to check your policy. Timing varies, but this will be discussed as part of your recovery advice.

When can I return to work?

This depends on the type of work you do and how your recovery is going.

Desk-based work may be possible sooner. Physically demanding work, long commutes, heavy lifting or high-pressure duties may require a longer recovery period.

This should be discussed with Mr Bates and the hospital team before and after surgery.

What should I eat after surgery?

After surgery, the priority is hydration, bowel regularity and steady nutrition.

Constipation is common after pelvic surgery and can be made worse by painkillers and reduced activity. Drinking enough fluid, walking, eating fibre-containing foods and using laxatives if prescribed can help.

Avoid heavy alcohol intake during recovery, especially while taking pain medication.

What symptoms should I watch for after surgery?

You will be given clear discharge advice, but you should seek urgent medical help if you develop:

• Fever or chills
• Feeling severely unwell
• Catheter not draining
• Heavy bleeding or large clots
• Severe or worsening abdominal pain
• Chest pain or shortness of breath
• Painful swelling in one calf
• Wound redness, swelling or discharge
• Persistent vomiting or inability to keep fluids down

In an emergency, call emergency services or attend the nearest emergency department.

When will I get my pathology results?

After the prostate is removed, it is examined by the pathology team.

The final pathology report usually confirms the cancer grade, tumour extent, whether the cancer was contained within the prostate, margin status, seminal vesicle involvement and lymph node findings if nodes were removed.

These results are discussed at follow-up and used to plan PSA monitoring and any further treatment if needed.

How is PSA monitored after surgery?

After prostate removal, PSA should fall to an undetectable or very low level.

PSA is checked at regular intervals after surgery. The exact schedule depends on your cancer features, pathology results and recovery pathway.

PSA follow-up is one of the most important parts of long-term monitoring.

Will I need radiotherapy after surgery?

Not everyone needs radiotherapy after surgery.

The need for further treatment depends on the final pathology, PSA results and overall risk of recurrence. If radiotherapy or oncology input is recommended, this will be discussed clearly with you.

Will surgery affect urinary control?

Temporary leakage is quite common after catheter removal.

Most men improve over time, particularly with pelvic floor exercises and appropriate support. Recovery varies depending on age, baseline urinary function, prostate size, anatomy, surgical factors and general health.

Continence recovery is an important part of follow-up.

Will surgery affect erections?

Erectile function can be affected by prostate surgery.

Recovery depends on age, pre-operative function, other health conditions, cancer location, whether nerve-sparing is safe and possible, and healing after surgery.

Where appropriate, penile rehabilitation can be discussed. This may include tablets, vacuum devices, injections or referral for specialist support.

Can I bring my partner or family member?

Yes. Many patients find it helpful to bring a partner, family member or trusted friend to the consultation.

There is often a lot of information to take in, and a second pair of ears can help. Prostate cancer affects families too, not just the man with the diagnosis.

Can I ask for a second, or even third opinion?

Yes. Second opinions are welcome.

A second opinion can be useful if you have been given different treatment options, are unsure whether to choose surgery or radiotherapy, have been advised to undergo active surveillance, or want a detailed review of MRI and biopsy findings.

What is the main aim of the consultation?

The aim is clarity.

By the end of the consultation, you should understand your diagnosis, your level of risk, your realistic treatment options and what the next step should be.

Can I take part in research, surgical trials or biobanking?

Where appropriate and available, patients may be offered participation in surgical trials, imaging research, outcomes studies or biobanking. This is always voluntary and depends on eligibility, consent and local research governance. If a suitable study is available, the details will be explained clearly before any decision is made.