Prostate Cancer Surgeon in Melbourne
If you have been diagnosed with prostate cancer, choosing the right surgeon is one of the most important decisions you will make.
Mr Philip Dundee is a Melbourne-based urological surgeon specialising in prostate cancer surgery, including robotic prostatectomy and the management of complex and recurrent disease. His practice is focused on achieving excellent cancer control while preserving urinary continence and sexual function wherever possible.
to discuss your diagnosis and treatment options.
Experience in Prostate Cancer Surgery
- Over 15 years experience as a consultant urologist in Australia
- High-volume robotic prostatectomy practice
- Performs over 150 robotic procedures annually
- More than 1,800 robotic and laparoscopic procedures performed
- Director, Robotic Surgery Fellowship - Royal Melbourne Hospital
Focused on the diagnosis and treatment of prostate cancer, including active surveillance, Retzius-sparing robotic prostatectomy and advanced prostate cancer care.
Do I need surgery for prostate cancer?
Not all prostate cancers require immediate treatment. Some can be safely monitored, while others benefit from early intervention depending on how aggressive the cancer is.
Is robotic prostatectomy better?
Robotic prostatectomy allows enhanced visualisation and precision, which may improve outcomes when performed by an experienced surgeon. Compared to open surgery, robotic surgery results in less post-operative pain, less blood loss and fewer transfusions and earlier return to normal activity. Cancer outcomes and continence and erectile function rates are dependent on the experience of the surgeon and not intrinsically related to the robotic platform.
Who should I see for prostate cancer treatment?
Patients should seek a specialist with expertise in prostate cancer, experience in modern imaging such as MRI and PSMA PET, and a high-volume surgical practice.
Specialist Prostate Cancer Care
A focused, evidence-based approach
Modern prostate cancer treatment increasingly relies on MRI, PSMA PET imaging and individualised risk assessment. Treatment decisions are no longer based on PSA alone, allowing management to be tailored to the biology and extent of each patient’s cancer.
Mr Dundee’s practice is focused on:
- Active surveillance for appropriately selected patients with low-risk and favourable intermediate-risk prostate cancers
- Robotic-assisted radical prostatectomy utilising the Retzius-sparing approach
- Management of intermediate and high-risk prostate cancer
- Treatment of recurrent prostate cancer
- Integration of MRI and PSMA PET imaging into clinical decision-making
Treatment recommendations are individualised and may include active surveillance, surgery, radiotherapy or a combination of approaches.
Robotic Prostatectomy in Melbourne
Robotic prostate surgery
Mr Dundee has particular expertise in the Retzius-sparing robotic technique for prostatectomy and performs this approach routinely, including in patients with high risk and locally advanced prostate cancer.
Potential advantages include:
- Equivalent cancer control, but earlier return to full continence compared to conventional robotic prostatectomy
- As with other techniques, nerve sparing can be incorporated when appropriate for preservation of erectile function
- All robotic approaches offer reduced blood loss, less post-operative pain and earlier return to normal activities compared with open surgery
Mr Dundee has a subspecialist interest in the management of high-risk, locally advanced and complex prostate cancer.
Cancer Control and Quality of Life
Balancing outcomes
The goals of prostate cancer treatment include:
- Complete cancer removal where possible
- Preservation of urinary continence
- Preservation of erectile function where appropriate
Mr Dundee performs nerve-sparing surgery when clinically appropriate in order to maximise the chance of preserving erectile function. However, in patients with locally advanced prostate cancer, it may be necessary to sacrifice some or all of the nerves responsible for sexual function in order to achieve optimal cancer clearance.
Although involvement of the urinary sphincter is rare, patients with tumour extension into the sphincter are generally not suitable candidates for surgery.
Decisions regarding nerve sparing and other aspects of surgery are based on clinical assessment and investigations including MRI, biopsy and PSMA PET findings. Mr Dundee personally reviews MRI, biopsy and PSMA PET findings with patients to explain the likely cancer and functional outcomes of treatment.
Recurrent and Complex Prostate Cancer
Management of recurrence
In some cases, prostate cancer may recur after initial treatment.
Management options may include:
- Salvage radiotherapy
- Metastasis directed therapy
- Systemic therapies
- Further imaging with PSMA PET
Modern imaging techniques, including PSMA PET, play an important role in identifying recurrent disease
Do all prostate cancers need treatment?
No. Many low-risk prostate cancers can be safely monitored with active surveillance.
What is the recovery time after robotic prostatectomy?
After robotic surgery, most patients are discharged home the following day with a urinary catheter (tube to drain the bladder) that is removed approximately 1 week after surgery. Mr Dundee places a suprapubic catheter (through the abdominal wall directly into the bladder) rather than a urethral catheter (through the penis). Most patients return to normal activities within a few weeks, although recovery varies.
What happens if prostate cancer comes back?
Recurrence can often be treated effectively depending on location and extent.
Is PSMA PET necessary?
PSMA PET imaging is increasingly used to improve staging accuracy and guide treatment decisions.
Should I get a second opinion?
Yes. Many patients benefit from a second opinion before making a treatment decision.
Book a consultation
If you have been diagnosed with prostate cancer or are seeking a second opinion, a consultation can help clarify your options and determine the most appropriate treatment approach.
