Prostatectomy: operations for prostate disorders
A prostatectomy involves the full or partial removal of the prostate. It is necessary in cases of benign prostate enlargement and prostate cancer. In men over the age of 50, the cells of the prostate multiply and press on the urethra. To ensure the urinary stream is able to flow without obstruction, the physician removes part of the prostate tissue through the urethra (partial prostatectomy). In cases of prostate cancer, the surgeon radically removes the prostate along with the seminal vesicle and the surrounding lymph nodes.
What is a transurethral prostatectomy?
The typical symptom encountered in cases of benign prostate enlargement (benign prostatic hyperplasia) is frequent release of small amounts of urine. Urination is laborious, and the urge to urinate returns after a short time. In TURP (transurethral resection of the prostate), an instrument is inserted through the urethra to scrape away the overgrown tissue. The urethra is no longer blocked, and the symptoms disappear.
What is a radical prostatectomy?
Radical prostatectomy is the most common operation for prostate cancer. If prostate cancer is still in its early stages, this therapy has a good chance of success. The prostate is removed either through an abdominal incision or microsurgically using the Da Vinci surgical robot. The surgeon inserts several instruments through incisions in the abdomen, then controls the operation from a console.
After the prostate operation
Patients are given a urinary catheter for two to three days after the procedure. They spend up to three days recovering in hospital. As with any surgery, complications can arise as a result of a prostatectomy. The most common complications are:
- Bleeding
- Nerve damage
- Infections
- Urinary incontinence
- Erectile dysfunction
The chances of success of a prostate operation
An operation can easily eliminate the symptoms of benign prostatic hyperplasia. After the procedure, the doctor will check the prostate at regular intervals. The prognosis in cases of prostate cancer depends on the stage at which the tumour is discovered. If it has not spread or grown into the surrounding tissue, the chances of recovery are good.
Related medical specialities
| Benign prostate enlargement |
| Bladder tumors / testicular tumors / kidney tumors |
| Erectile dysfunction |
| Kidney stones / bladder stones |
| Neuro-Urology |
| Prostate cancer |
| Urinary incontinence |