prostatectomies

A prostatectomy is a surgical procedure to remove all or part of the prostate gland. The prostate is a small gland in men located below the bladder that surrounds the urethra. Prostatectomies are most commonly performed to treat prostate cancer. They can also be performed to treat benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), a non-cancerous enlargement of the prostate that can cause urinary problems.

There are several types of prostatectomy. Radical prostatectomy involves the removal of the entire prostate gland, seminal vesicles, and sometimes nearby lymph nodes. This is typically done for prostate cancer. Simple prostatectomy, on the other hand, removes only the enlarged inner portion of the prostate gland that is blocking urine flow, often for BPH.

Prostatectomies can be performed using different surgical approaches. Open surgery involves a larger incision in the abdomen. Laparoscopic surgery uses several small incisions and a camera. Robotic-assisted laparoscopic surgery is a type of laparoscopic surgery where the surgeon controls robotic arms to perform the procedure with greater precision.

Potential side effects of a prostatectomy include urinary incontinence and erectile dysfunction. The likelihood and severity of these side effects can depend on the type of surgery, the patient's overall health, and the surgeon's skill. Recovery time varies depending on the surgical approach. Patients typically undergo follow-up examinations to monitor their recovery and, in the case of cancer, to check for recurrence.