Prostate Cancer Surgery
Radical Prostatectomy for Prostate Cancer is a surgery where the whole prostate gland, seminal vesicles (glands that aid in the production of semen)
and also surrounding tissue is removed from the body.
As with any surgery, there are certain complications and side effects to consider. When undertaking surgery, the support staff is extremely important.
A second opinion should always be obtained to make sure that surgery is the appropriate course of action, especially with newer, less invasive treatments
available to treat prostate cancer.
The radical prostatectomy involves an incision into the belly. Sometimes a lymph node may also be removed during this procedure (lymph node biopsy).
The removal of the prostate can cause bladder and erectile problems, so it is wise to make sure that surgery is the correct choice or option before proceeding.
Preliminary tests are important, as if the cancer has spread beyond the prostate, then surgery alone will not cure the disease.
The two types of radical prostatectomy are retropubic prostatectomy or perineal prostatectomy. The first requires an incision in the abdomen while the second requires
the incision in the perineum or region between the anus and scrotum.
Another prostate cancer surgery is the pelvic lymphadenectomy where the surgeon takes out the lymph nodes for further study. If these lymph nodes contain cancer
cells, then the doctor will not remove the prostate but opt for different prostate cancer treatment methods instead.
Surgery inherently carries a small risk of death or incapacitation, but a larger number in the order of 20% or so may develop urinary problems or even incontinence.
The operation can also cause impotence and infertility. Doctors should discuss all of the risks and weight the decision to operate for each patient.
In the case the cancer returns after a prostatectomy (the removal of the prostate), then additional radiation treatment or radiotherapy may be used to combat
returning cancer cells.
Post Prostatectomy -
There may be pain and discomfort after this operation along with wounds at the point of incision. The inpatient length is usually about a week after the operation
before being able to return home.