Prostatectomy

What is Prostatectomy? 

Prostatectomy is the operation that removes the prostate gland that is located in the male pelvis. The operation is usually done to cure conditions related to the prostate, including prostate cancer.

How is Prostatectomy surgery done? 

There are multiple techniques that surgeons use during prostatectomy surgery. The first one is the robot-assisted radical prostatectomy, also known as the robotic prostatectomy. The operation is taking place through robot-like equipment that enables surgeons to control the surgical instruments from a distance as it provides a 3D view. This system enables the surgeon to make many precise cuts and operate a more detailed procedure in general. The second technique is open radical prostatectomy, during which the surgeon cuts the lower abdomen of the patient toward the above of the pubic bone. He/she scrutinizes the prostate gland from the area and removes it. After the removal, the incision is stitched back. The last technique is known as a simple prostatectomy. During this operation, the surgeon uses a cystoscope through the head of the penis to view the urethra’s inside, as well as the bladder and the prostate. Then, a tube, also known as a foley catheter, is inserted into the penis toward the balled to empty the urine. Then, the surgeon extracts the part of the prostate that are causing problems in the body.

The reasons for having Prostatectomy

There are multiple reasons for a patient to get a prostatectomy. Some of these reasons are the frequent need to urinate, prolonged urination, difficulty in starting urination, the feel of inability to drain the bladder completely, inability to urinate, and of course, prostate cancer.

Before the Prostatectomy operation

Ahead of the operation, the surgeon might demand from the patient to get a test known as cystoscopy that will give a visual look through the urethra and bladder. The patients are also usually required to stop consuming any foods or drinks a night before the operation. The patients may also be required to have a lavement to empty the bowels ahead of the procedure. 

After the Prostatectomy operation

Following the operation, the patient’s physical activities might be limited for a few weeks. That being said, the surgeon often orders the patient to have daily walking exercises. The patients often spend the night of the operation at the hospital but can go home the next day. It is common among men who have gone through prostatectomy to require a catheter for about a week after the surgery. The complete recovery might take approximately a year. Still, the patients are usually returning to their daily activities within six weeks. Sex after prostatectomy is possible after the recovery process, though there might be some erectile dysfunctions as well as ejaculation issues.

What are the risks of Prostatectomy?

Bleeding, urinary infection, inability to control urine, erectile dysfunction, and formation of cysts can be listed as some of the complications that can be seen after the prostatectomy.

Frequently Asked Questions

What happens to a man after his prostate is removed?

Urinary continence is one of the most common complications that is seen after the prostatectomy. That being said, the removal of the prostate often works as a life-saver since it enables the recovery from prostate cancer and/or avoiding getting it.

What is the life expectancy after prostate removal?

The life expectancy of prostate cancer patients after prostatectomy increases by 10 years on average according to the studies.

Is prostatectomy a difficult surgery?

Yes. Since the prostate’s location in the body is pretty tricky to get through and has a very sensitive structure, the operation is often considered a difficult one. 

What is the success rate of prostate surgery?

The prostatectomy’s success rate is considered to be very high, up to 90% according to some of the recent studies.

What does the prostate do for a man?

The prostates are the organ that produces the fluid which eventually gets together with the sperm and constitutes the semen.

How many hours does prostate surgery take?

Even though the longevity of the operation may differ according to the technique that is used, it usually takes about two hours.

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