Surgery for prostate cancer
Surgery for prostate cancer, which is called radical prostatectomy, involves the removal of the entire prostate gland and some surrounding tissues. The seminal vesicles, which produce fluid that is part of the makeup of semen, are also removed. Prostate removal through radical prostatectomy is an attempt to cure prostate cancer, and is generally presented as an option when the cancer is believed to be confined to the prostate gland. There are four main types that are performed today:
Are there risks? Every approach has certain risks and potential side effects. The main risks after any surgery, including radical prostatectomy, are complications from anesthesia, heart attack, stroke, blood clots, and infection. Bleeding is another risk, and some men may require a blood transfusion. Are there side effects?The two main side effects that can possibly occur are urinary incontinence (the inability for a man to control urination) and impotence (the inability for a man to get or maintain a natural erection for intercourse). These side effects can also occur with other treatments for prostate cancer. Other factors, such as the age of your loved one, whether he currently has any urinary or erectile problems, and the skill of the surgeon may also contribute to these side effects. We cannot stress enough that the skill and experience of the surgeon are paramount with any surgical approach for prostate cancer. Make sure you do your homework and find an excellent surgeon! Expect that your man will probably experience some level of incontinence right after radical prostatectomy. But this is expected to lessen within a few months, until it is hopefully no longer a problem. To learn more about what to expect, read the articles in our helpful tips section. Other problems that can occur following radical prostatectomy may include bladder irritation, bladder infection, and gastrointestinal (digestive) problems. Always discuss everything you read on this web site with a qualified medical professional. Updated 10/09  Bostwick DG, Crawford DE, Higano CS, Roach M, eds. American Cancer Society’s Complete Guide to Prostate Cancer. Atlanta, GA: American Cancer Society Health Promotions; 2005.
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