BackgroundThe occurrence of postoperative complications was associated with poor outcomes for patients undergoing robotic-assisted radical prostatectomy. A prediction model with easily accessible indices could provide valuable information for surgeons. This study aims to identify novel predictive circulating biomarkers significantly associated with surgical complications.MethodsWe consecutively assessed all multiport robotic-assisted radical prostatectomies performed between 2021 and 2022. The clinicopathological factors and perioperative levels of multiple circulating markers were retrospectively obtained from the included patients. The associations of these indices with Clavien-Dindo grade II or greater complications, and surgical site infection were assessed using univariable and multivariable logistic regression models. Further, the models were validated for the overall performance, discrimination, and calibration.ResultsIn total, 229 patients with prostate cancer were enrolled in this study. Prolonged operative time could independently predict surgical site infection (OR, 3.39; 95% CI, 1.09–10.54). Higher RBC (day 1-pre) implied lower risks of grade II or greater complications (OR, 0.24; 95% CI, 0.07–0.76) and surgical site infection (OR, 0.23; 95% CI, 0.07–0.78). Additionally, RBC (day 1-pre) independently predicted grade II or greater complications of obese patients (Pvalue = 0.005) as well as those in higher NCCN risk groups (Pvalue = 0.012). Regarding the inflammatory markers, NLR (day 1-pre) (OR, 3.56; 95% CI, 1.37–9.21) and CRP (day 1-pre) (OR, 4.16; 95% CI, 1.69–10.23) were significantly associated with the risk of grade II or greater complications, and both the indices were independent predictors in those with higher Gleason score, or in higher NCCN risk groups (Pvalue < 0.05). The NLR (day 0-pre) could also predict the occurrence of surgical site infection (OR, 5.04; 95% CI, 1.07–23.74).ConclusionsThe study successfully identified novel circulating markers to assess the risk of surgical complications. Postoperative increase of NLR and CRP were independent predictors for grade II or greater complications, especially in those with higher Gleason score, or in higher NCCN risk groups. Additionally, a marked decrease of RBC after the surgery also indicated a higher possibility of surgical complications, especially for the relatively difficult procedures.Supplementary InformationThe online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s12957-023-03049-y.