Prostate cancer surgery is often recommended when the cancer has not spread outside the prostate. But there are times when you may undergo surgery even if the cancer has metastasized. In this case, you'd need additional treatments such as radiation therapy or hormone therapy.
Learn more about the most common types of prostate cancer surgery in this guide.
Radical Prostatectomy
There are two main types of radical prostatectomy –– open surgery and laparoscopic surgery. Open surgery is a traditional method where the surgeon makes an incision in the lower abdomen to access the prostate. The surgeon then removes the prostate, seminal vesicles and surrounding lymph nodes.
Laparoscopic surgery is a minimally invasive alternative to open surgery. Here, the surgeon makes several small incisions in the lower abdomen. A camera and surgical instruments are inserted through these incisions. The surgeon views a video monitor during the procedure and removes the prostate through these small incisions.
Radical prostatectomy is associated with several possible side effects, including urinary incontinence and erectile dysfunction. However, these side effects vary depending on the type of surgery performed.
If you are considering a radical prostatectomy, ask your doctor about the recovery period. That way, you can plan accordingly and make the necessary arrangements.
Transurethral Resection of the Prostate (TURP)
TURP is a surgery to remove pieces of the prostate through the urethra. The surgeon uses a resectoscope to see inside your body and remove tissue from the prostate gland.
A resectoscope is a thin, tube-like instrument with a light, and a camera on one end is inserted through the penis into the urethra. On the other end of the resectoscope is a machine that provides suction and irrigation (a constant flow of sterile water).
Just like any other surgery, this procedure may have several side effects, including:
- Infection
- Allergic reaction to anesthesia
- Retrograde ejaculation (ejaculating into the bladder instead of out the penis)
TURP usually takes about one hour. But you will likely have to stay in the hospital for one or two nights after the surgery. You may have a catheter (tube) in your bladder to help drain urine for one to two weeks.
Pelvic Lymphadenectomy
Pelvic lymphadenectomy is a surgery to remove the lymph nodes from the pelvis. This procedure is done if the cancer has spread to the lymph nodes. The surgeon will make an incision in your lower abdomen and remove the lymph nodes.
If you have a pelvic lymphadenectomy, you may have some side effects, such as:
- Blood clot
- Lymphedema, which is swelling of the leg or arm due to accumulation of fluid
Keep in mind that this surgery can be done with or without a prostatectomy (surgery to remove the prostate).
