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Health Conditions
Surgery
There are several types of prostate surgeries, primarily used to treat the disease in younger men:
- Radical retropubic prostatectomy is the removal of the entire prostate gland and nearby lymph nodes through an incision made in the abdomen.
- Radical perineal prostatectomy is the removal of the entire prostate gland through an incision made between the scrotum and the anus.
- Transurethral resection of the prostate (TURP) is the removal of part of the prostate gland with an instrument that is inserted through the urethra. This method is used to remove tissue that blocks urine flow.
- Orchiectomy is a surgery used to completely remove the testicles so that cancer cells are deprived of the male hormone (testosterone) they need to grow.
As with any surgery, there are always risks, such as infection and bleeding. Another consideration is recovery time. A patient may be somewhat uncomfortable and weak while recovering from surgery. Long-term problems that can be associated with prostate surgery include rectal injury, inability to control urination, permanent impotence, and the inability to produce sperm. Sexual dysfunction was a common side effect of surgery in previous years; however, recent surgical procedures have been developed that protect sexual nerves and allow the patient to function normally. Before surgery is selected as a treatment option, the risks versus benefits should be discussed in detail with a doctor.
Note: The above information is intended to supplement, not substitute for, the expertise and judgment of your physician, pharmacist, or other healthcare professional. It is not intended to diagnose a health condition, but it can be used as a guide to help you decide if you should seek professional treatment or to help you learn more about your condition once it has been diagnosed.
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