First Robotic-Assisted Radical Prostatectomy at The Clementine Churchill Hospital Using da Vinci 5
In August 2026, I had the privilege of performing the first robotic-assisted radical prostatectomy at The Clementine Churchill Hospital in Harrow, using the hospital’s da Vinci 5 Surgical System. The Clementine Churchill was the first private hospital in the UK to welcome a da Vinci 5 robot.
The operation was performed with the support of the Clementine Churchill theatre team and marks an important step in developing robotic urological surgery at the hospital.
The procedure went very well, and I am grateful to the entire theatre, anaesthetic and nursing team whose expertise and preparation made this milestone possible.
Expanding robotic prostate cancer surgery at The Clementine Churchill Hospital
The introduction of robotic prostate surgery at The Clementine Churchill Hospital provides another treatment option for men with localised prostate cancer who may be suitable for radical prostatectomy.
I recently joined the urology team at The Clementine Churchill Hospital and am helping to develop its robotic urology service.
The hospital’s da Vinci 5 system allows complex operations to be performed using a minimally invasive robotic-assisted approach.
For suitable patients with prostate cancer, this means that assessment, treatment and follow-up can now form part of a comprehensive private urology pathway at the hospital in Harrow.
Prostate cancer care at The Clementine Churchill Hospital
The Clementine Churchill Hospital is expanding its cancer services with the opening of The Blenheim Suite, a dedicated Cancer Centre supporting a range of cancers including urological and prostate cancer.
The centre brings together consultant-led multidisciplinary care, advanced diagnostics, specialist cancer nursing, coordinated MDT working and personalised treatment planning. Robotic-assisted cancer surgery using the da Vinci 5 Surgical System is also available where clinically appropriate.
I see men with suspected or confirmed prostate cancer at The Clementine Churchill Hospital and can advise on investigation, treatment options and, where appropriate, robotic-assisted radical prostatectomy.
What is robotic-assisted radical prostatectomy?
A radical prostatectomy is an operation to remove the prostate gland and seminal vesicles with the intention of treating prostate cancer that is believed to be confined to the prostate or immediately surrounding tissues.
During a robotic-assisted radical prostatectomy, the surgeon operates through several small abdominal incisions using instruments controlled from a surgical console.
The robotic system does not perform the operation independently. The surgeon controls every movement.
Robotic technology provides a highly magnified, three-dimensional view of the operative field, along with articulated instruments designed to allow precise movement within the pelvis.
You can read more about the operation, recovery, potential benefits and possible side effects on my robotic prostatectomy page.
The da Vinci 5 Surgical System
The da Vinci 5 is an advanced generation of the da Vinci robotic surgical platform.
Robotic systems can give surgeons enhanced visualisation, precision, and instrument manoeuvrability during complex keyhole surgery.
However, the technology itself is only one part of successful robotic surgery. Outcomes also depend on factors including the patient’s cancer, anatomy and general health, as well as the experience of the surgeon and the wider operating team.
For this reason, choosing whether to undergo surgery — and which type of treatment is most appropriate — requires an individual assessment rather than simply choosing a particular surgical technology.
Experience in prostate cancer surgery
I am a Consultant Urological Surgeon with more than 20 years’ experience in urological surgery and a specialist interest in prostate cancer and prostatectomy.
My experience includes both robotic-assisted and open radical prostatectomy, allowing the surgical approach to be considered according to the individual patient’s circumstances rather than assuming that one technique is appropriate for everyone.
Earlier in my career, I was involved in establishing and developing robotic prostatectomy services within the NHS, and robotic prostate cancer surgery has remained a major part of my specialist practice.
The first robotic prostatectomy at The Clementine Churchill Hospital represents the next stage in developing access to robotic prostate cancer surgery for private patients in Harrow and the surrounding region.
Robotic prostatectomy in Harrow and North West London
I see private patients with newly diagnosed or suspected prostate cancer at The Clementine Churchill Hospital in Harrow.
The hospital is conveniently located for patients travelling from areas including:
- Harrow
- Pinner
- Stanmore
- Northwood
- Ruislip
- Wembley
- Ealing
- Northolt
- Watford
- Bushey
- Rickmansworth
- West Hertfordshire
- North West London
Patients also travel to see me from Buckinghamshire, Berkshire, Oxfordshire and further afield.
You can find further information about my private consulting locations on my clinic locations page.
Who may be suitable for robotic prostatectomy?
Not every man diagnosed with prostate cancer requires surgery.
Treatment options can include active surveillance, surgery, radiotherapy and, in some circumstances, hormone treatment or other systemic therapies.
Whether radical prostatectomy is appropriate depends on several factors, including:
- the grade and stage of the prostate cancer;
- PSA level;
- MRI and biopsy findings;
- age and general health;
- urinary symptoms and existing erectile function;
- prostate size and anatomy;
- the likelihood that the cancer has spread beyond the prostate;
- and the patient’s own priorities regarding treatment and potential side effects.
When surgery is being considered, I discuss the potential advantages, limitations, and risks of different surgical approaches so patients can make an informed decision.
What happens after a prostate cancer diagnosis?
A diagnosis of prostate cancer can understandably generate many questions about prognosis and treatment.
My approach is to review the complete clinical picture, including the PSA history, prostate MRI, biopsy results, pathology grade and any additional staging investigations.
For men considering surgery, we discuss issues including:
- whether radical prostatectomy is appropriate;
- robotic versus open surgery;
- whether nerve-sparing surgery may be possible;
- urinary continence following surgery;
- erectile function;
- lymph-node assessment where appropriate;
- expected recovery;
- and alternative treatments including radiotherapy and active surveillance.
The aim is not simply to perform an operation, but to choose the treatment strategy that best fits the individual patient and their cancer.
A team achievement
Although this was the first robotic-assisted radical prostatectomy at The Clementine Churchill Hospital, an operation of this complexity is never the achievement of a single individual.
It requires close cooperation between surgeons, anaesthetists, theatre practitioners, nursing staff and the wider hospital team.
I would therefore particularly like to thank the Clementine Churchill theatre team for the preparation, professionalism and enthusiasm that made the first procedure possible.
I look forward to continuing to develop the robotic urology service at the hospital and providing another treatment option for men with prostate cancer in Harrow, North West London and the surrounding areas.
Frequently asked questions
Does the robot perform the prostate operation?
No. During robotic-assisted prostatectomy, the operation is entirely controlled by the surgeon. The robotic system translates the surgeon’s hand movements into instrument movements inside the patient.
Is robotic prostatectomy better than open prostatectomy?
Both robotic and open radical prostatectomy are established approaches to prostate cancer surgery. Robotic surgery uses smaller incisions and is associated with advantages such as reduced blood loss and, for many patients, a shorter initial recovery.
However, cancer control, continence and erectile function depend on many factors, including the characteristics of the cancer, the patient’s anatomy and the surgeon’s experience. The most appropriate technique should therefore be considered on a case-by-case basis.
Can I have robotic prostatectomy at The Clementine Churchill Hospital?
Robotic-assisted radical prostatectomy is now available at The Clementine Churchill Hospital for appropriate private patients under my care.
A consultation is required first to review your diagnosis, investigations and overall suitability for surgery.
Can I see Mr Haldar at Clementine Churchill even if I have not yet been diagnosed with prostate cancer?
Yes. I also assess men with problems such as a raised PSA, abnormal prostate MRI or suspected prostate cancer, as well as men who have already received a prostate cancer diagnosis and would like to discuss their treatment options.
Do I need a referral?
Private patients can usually arrange a consultation either through their GP or by contacting my private practice directly. Requirements vary by insurer, so insured patients should check whether their insurer requires a GP referral or authorisation before attending.
Which areas does The Clementine Churchill Hospital serve?
The hospital is in Harrow and is particularly convenient for patients from Harrow, Pinner, Stanmore, Northwood, Ruislip, Wembley, Ealing, Watford and other parts of North West London, Middlesex and West Hertfordshire.
Discussing prostate cancer treatment
If you have recently been diagnosed with prostate cancer, have been advised to consider radical prostatectomy, or would like a second opinion about your treatment options, I would be happy to review your case.
I can review your PSA results, MRI scans, prostate biopsy findings and staging investigations and discuss whether surgery or another treatment approach may be appropriate.
Appointments are available at The Clementine Churchill Hospital in Harrow and at my other private clinic locations.
Mr Neil Haldar is a UK Consultant Urological Surgeon specialising in prostate cancer, robotic surgery, uro-oncology and paediatric urology. He offers expert diagnosis, treatment and second opinions for complex urological conditions.