Dr. David Samadi, For many men facing prostate cancer surgery, cancer control isn’t the only concern. One of the biggest fears — and one that doesn’t always get talked about openly — is urinary leakage afterward.
Will I need pads?
Will this be permanent?
Will my life feel “normal” again?
These are reasonable questions. And they’ve existed for decades.
Urinary incontinence has been a known risk of prostate surgery since the earliest open prostatectomy procedures, long before robotic prostatectomy ever existed. Over time, surgeons learned that outcomes weren’t just about removing the prostate — they depended heavily on how carefully surrounding structures were handled.
Today, with modern robotic techniques and experienced surgeons, that risk looks very different than it once did. And technique matters more than ever.
This guide walks through what urinary incontinence after prostate cancer surgery really looks like, why it happens, and how Dr. David Samadi focuses on reducing that risk whenever it’s safely possible.
Why Urinary Incontinence Can Happen After Prostate Surgery
The prostate sits directly below the bladder and surrounds part of the urinary channel. When the prostate is removed, that system has to be carefully reconstructed.
Historically, incontinence was more common because surgery prioritized cancer removal above all else — understandably so. Over the decades, as survival rates improved, attention shifted toward preserving quality of life.
Today, we know that urinary control depends on:
- Preserving the urinary sphincter
- Maintaining supporting pelvic structures
- Precise reconstruction of the bladder and urethra
When those elements are respected, recovery tends to be smoother.
What “Incontinence” Actually Means (and What It Doesn’t)
This part often causes unnecessary fear.
Post-surgical urinary leakage is usually temporary, not permanent.
Many men experience:
- Mild leakage when standing, coughing, or exercising early on
- Gradual improvement over weeks to months
- Significant recovery within the first year
Permanent, severe incontinence is uncommon — especially in the hands of experienced surgeons.
Recovery timelines vary, but the majority of patients regain meaningful urinary control with time and proper guidance.
How Modern Techniques Reduce Risk
The foundations of prostate surgery were established decades ago. What’s changed is how precisely surgeons can operate.
Robotic platforms allow:
- Magnified, high-definition visualization
- More controlled movements
- Better preservation of delicate anatomy
- But technology alone isn’t enough.
What truly reduces risk is how that technology is used.
How Dr. Samadi Focuses on Urinary Control
Dr. David Samadi is internationally recognized for his technique-driven approach to robotic prostate cancer surgery. His methods build on decades of surgical knowledge, refined through years of experience and thousands of procedures.
His focus includes:
- Careful handling of the urinary sphincter
- Preservation of supporting pelvic structures
- Meticulous bladder-to-urethra reconstruction
- Avoiding unnecessary tissue disruption
- The goal isn’t just removing cancer.
- It’s setting the stage for recovery afterward.
Dr. Samadi is widely regarded as a world-renowned leader in robotic prostate cancer surgery and is frequently featured as a Key Opinion Leader on Fox News and Newsmax, where he educates patients and physicians alike on modern cancer treatment and recovery.
What Recovery Typically Looks Like
While every patient is different, many men experience a general pattern:
- First few weeks: some leakage, improving steadily
- First few months: increasing bladder control
- By 6–12 months: significant or complete continence for many patients
Pelvic floor exercises, follow-up care, and realistic expectations all play a role in recovery.
Importantly, improvement continues over time. Early leakage does not predict long-term failure.
Factors That Influence Urinary Recovery
Several things affect outcomes:
- Age
- Baseline urinary function
- Cancer stage and location
- Surgical technique
- Surgeon experience
This is why personalized evaluation matters. No two cases are exactly alike.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is urinary incontinence guaranteed after prostate surgery?
No. Some men experience minimal leakage, others more early on, but permanent incontinence is uncommon.
How long does leakage usually last?
Many patients see steady improvement over weeks to months. Full recovery can take up to a year.
Does robotic surgery lower the risk?
Robotic surgery allows greater precision, but outcomes depend more on surgeon skill than the robot itself.
Can anything be done if leakage persists?
Yes. Pelvic therapy, medications, and additional procedures are available if needed.
Does Dr. Samadi’s technique eliminate the risk completely?
No surgical technique can eliminate risk entirely, but careful anatomy-preserving methods can significantly reduce it.
What to Expect at a Consultation
A consultation with Dr. Samadi typically includes:
- Review of imaging and biopsy results
- Discussion of cancer treatment options
- Honest explanation of urinary and sexual recovery expectations
- Personalized risk assessment
- Time to ask questions without pressure
The goal is understanding — not rushing a decision.
Contact Dr. Samadi
If you’re concerned about urinary incontinence after prostate cancer surgery, a consultation can help clarify what’s realistic for your specific situation.
Dr. David Samadi
Website: https://roboticoncology.com
Address: 485 Madison Avenue, 21st Floor, New York, NY 10022
Phone: 212-365-5000
Understanding your options — and your surgeon’s experience — can make this process feel far less overwhelming.
212-365-5000