Prostate Cancer Surgery

The surgical procedure to remove the prostate gland and nearby lymph nodes is called radical prostatectomy and is performed under general anesthesia. After the patient's prostate is removed, a catheter, or thin tube, is inserted into the bladder via the penis. The catheter will act as a passage for the urine from the bladder until the area heals.

Men in general good health should experience no ill side effects and the risks are very limited. Following the procedure, the patient should expect a two to three day hospital stay for observation and rest. A month's leave from work should also be expected. During that month, the catheter will remain in place for two to three weeks. The average male should regain complete bladder control, but the time length varies from a couple of weeks to many months.

The primary benefit of surgery is the certainty of treatment. Removing all affected areas should leave the patient without concern of developing prostate cancer again. Further, physicians will have an accurate view of the extent to which the cancer has spread by testing the removed prostate and lymph nodes.

However, the patient should be warned of possible risks. Patients undergoing this surgery may experience a lot of blood loss. It may be suggested to provide the hospital with two units of your blood prior to surgery in case a transfusion is necessary. Also, patients may experience a complete lack of bladder control and possibly impotence. Still, men under the age of 50 are likely to regain full erectile capability. Men who are over 70 are less likely to regain full erectile functionality, but this can be remedied through medications.