What is Prostate Cancer Surgery (Prostatectomy)?

Prostate cancer surgery, or prostatectomy, is a surgical procedure performed to remove all or part of the prostate gland. This surgery is one of the most effective methods used in the treatment of prostate cancer.

Prostatectomy aims to completely remove cancerous cells and reduce the risk of disease recurrence. The surgery can be performed alone or in combination with other treatments such as radiotherapy, hormone therapy, and chemotherapy.

Types of Prostate Cancer Surgery

Prostate cancer surgery can be performed using different techniques:

Radical Prostatectomy: Surgery performed to completely remove the prostate gland. It can be done using open, laparoscopic, or robotic methods.
Laparoscopic Prostatectomy: Surgery performed through small incisions in the abdominal area using a laparoscope (a thin tube with a camera and light source) and other surgical instruments to remove the prostate gland.
Robotic Prostatectomy: Similar to laparoscopic prostatectomy, but the surgeon controls a robotic arm to perform the surgery.

The choice of method depends on the patient’s condition, the surgeon’s experience, and the hospital’s facilities.

Recovery Process:

After the surgery, you may need to stay in the hospital for a few days. The recovery period varies from person to person, but generally lasts a few weeks. During this time, you can use painkillers and limit your activities according to your doctor’s recommendations.

Urinary Incontinence:

After prostate cancer surgery, temporary or permanent urinary incontinence may occur. This issue usually improves over time. Your doctor may recommend pelvic floor exercises and other treatments to reduce urinary incontinence.

Sexual Functions:

After prostate cancer surgery, sexual function problems such as erectile dysfunction or retrograde ejaculation (semen entering the bladder) may occur. These problems generally improve over time. Your doctor may suggest medications or other treatments to address sexual function issues.

Possible Complications:

Rare complications after prostate cancer surgery may include bleeding, infection, urinary tract strictures, lymphedema (swelling in the legs), and anesthesia-related complications.