Robotic surgey employs the Da Vinci Surgical S System, state-of-the-art technology which consists of an ergonomically designed surgeon's console and a patient-side cart with four robotic arms. In theory, the surgeon and patient don't need to be in the same room - the doctor is at a console viewing a 3D image of the area to be operated on. The robot translates the surgeon's hand, wrist and finger movements into precise real-time movements of surgical instruments inside the patient.

Using a robot allows the surgeon to do a more precise job with minimal blood loss and using very small incisions, which allows quicker recovery from surgery and a much better cosmetic result.

There's less pain, a smaller risk of infection and it spares the nerves behind the prostate which control erections, so sexually active men are more likely to remain potent. On average the length of a patient's hospital stay is halved.

Mr Khan is a recognised robotic surgeon by the Intuitive Surgical, the manufacturers of the Da Vinci Robotic Surgical System.