A man from Biggin Hill had a cancerous tumour removed from his prostate - as people watched online across the world.

Robert Begent, 62, was diagnosed with prostate cancer eight weeks ago.

He had the tumour removed as part of the Worldwide Robotic Surgery 24-Hour Event this week (November 27), which was watched as a training exercise by medical professionals from five different continents.

Mr Begent said: “I was happy for my operation to be filmed and it was good to know that it would help surgeons around the world and, therefore, the patients that they treat.

“I went to my GP on my wife’s advice after I started to notice symptoms. It was lucky I did because a blood test strongly indicated that I had prostate cancer.

“It’s been a rollercoaster because everything has happened very quickly since my diagnosis and I was referred to Guy’s for my procedure within weeks. I’ve had really good care from the NHS."

During the treatment surgeons made a 3D model of Mr Begent's prostate, which helped surgeons to pinpoint exactly where the cancer was in the gland.

Professor Prokar Dasgupta, consultant urological surgeon at Guy’s and St Thomas’ hospitals, led the robotic radical prostatectomy (prostate removal) which took place during the event.

He said: “The 3D model allowed me to decide how best to make sure that the cancer was removed successfully while vital nerves were kept intact, which is a fine balance.

“Having the model meant I could virtually hold Robert’s prostate in my hand before surgery.

“Through the model, I can feel the tumour and see how close it is to vital nerves and muscles, allowing me to plan the operation with detailed precision and accuracy.

“The 3D model restores the sense of touch that the surgeon loses by using robotic surgery.

“Robert’s procedure went very well - the tumour was removed successfully and he should make a good recovery. We are thankful to him for allowing us to share his surgery with the world.”