A radical prostatectomy is an operation carried out to remove the prostate for patients who have prostate cancer. The prostate, seminal vesicles and surrounding tissues are removed to provide the best possible chance of removing all the cancer.
This treatment is an option for curing prostate cancer that has not spread beyond the prostate or has not spread very far.
What does the procedure involve?
During the operation, the surgeon will sometimes remove some lymph glands from the side of the prostate. The surgeon then proceeds with removal of your prostate and the two sacs behind the prostate (seminal vesicles). The bladder is then joined to the water pipe (urethra) which runs along the penis so that you can pass urine normally. A tube (catheter) is left in place for seven days to allow the join to heal.
The operation is very safe and will be performed by a surgeon who is skilled and experienced. Most patients having this type of surgery will be in hospital for 5-7 days. How long it takes you to recover from your surgery varies from person to person. It can take up to 12 weeks.
Like any operation, this surgery carries some risks, such as urinary incontinence and erectile dysfunction. After a radical prostatectomy, you’ll no longer ejaculate during sex. This means you will not be able to have a child through sexual intercourse.
References:
- https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/prostate-cancer/treatment/
- https://www.worcsacute.nhs.uk/publication-2/patient-information-leaflets/1851-radical-prostatectomy/file
- https://www.cuh.nhs.uk/patient-information/robotic-assisted-da-vinci-laparoscopic-radical-prostatectomy/