Is radiation therapy required after robotic prostatectomy?

Radiation therapy is sometimes suggested in place of surgery if the cancer is localized or if it has spread to the surrounding tissue. Radiation has its own set of side effects such as bowel dysfunction. In some cases, if surgery is unsuccessful, the physician may suggest radiation as a potential treatment choice. In the vast majority of robotic prostatectomies, however, the cancer is removed, the patient remains disease-free and radiation, with its harmful side effects, is avoided.