Prostate Cancer Surgery

Prostate Cancer Surgery is often prescribed as the treatment, if it’s detected in its early stages. In surgery, the physician removes a portion of the prostate, or perhaps the whole gland, if it is entirely cancerous. Unfortunately, surgery often leads to permanent erectile dysfunction, because the nerves that control erection are either damaged or removed along with the cancerous tissue.

Nerve-Sparring Prostate Cancer Surgery

In some cases, a surgeon can employ nerve-sparing surgery. As long as the nerves that control erection are not too proximate to a tumor, this surgery is possible. Conversely, if there is a tumor near the nerves, this type surgery of cannot be performed, leading to a loss of sexual performance. In some cases, surgery can lead to permanent impotence. Once the prostate has been removed, semen will no longer be produced.

There are various types of surgery for prostate cancer. Each one has its own particular sets of advantages and disadvantages. A brief description of some of the procedures will be given here, but additional information, it is best to ask your doctor prior to you begin your chosen treatment. 

Prostate Cancer Surgery: Surgical Procedures

Below are some of the surgical procedures used on prostate cancer.

Transurethral Resection of the Prostate

In this prostate cancer surgery, the surgeon removes a portion of the prostate with a long, thin device that is inserted through the urethra. Cancerous cells will then be removed from the prostate. While this procedure may not be able to remove all the cancerous cells, it is able to remove tissue that hinders the flow of urine.

Radical Perineal Prostatectomy

In this prostate cancer surgery, the surgeon makes an opening in the abdomen, then proceeds to remove the whole prostate, along with any lymph nodes that are in the vicinity.

Radical Retropubic Prostatectomy

Like in radical perineal prostatectomy, this surgery for prostate cancer removes the entire prostate and nearby lymph nodes. The only difference is that in this procedure, the prostate is removed by means of an incision between the anus and the scrotum, while the lymph nodes are removed through a separate cut in the abdominal area. 

Laparoscopic Prostatectomy

In this Prostate Cancer Surgery, the entire prostate and any lymph nodes in close proximity are removed, albeit this time through multiple small incisions instead of a single long incision, as is the case in radical perineal prostatectomy. The procedure derives its name from a device called the laparoscope, which is a lighted tube used in this process to help remove the prostate.

Pelvic Lymphadenectomy

In this Prostate Cancer Surgery, for cancerous growth, the surgeon takes out the lymph nodes in the pelvis and checks them. If the lymph nodes display such growth, it may be an indication that the prostate cancer has spread to other parts of the body. If this is the case, the doctor will often prescribe further treatment.

Prostate Cancer Surgery: Side Affects

Short term problems are also caused due to the Surgery. After surgical treatment, some men lose control of their urine flow. This condition is called urinary incontinence. Fortunately, the majority of men regain full control of their bladders after a few weeks.

Because of the delicacy of the area involved, you must be prepared for the pain and discomfort that will come after treatment. For medicines that can help reduce the pain, ask your doctor or nurses. Have an after-treatment plan and adjust accordingly.