Prostate cancer is among the leading cancers in males throughout the world. If discovered early, prostate cancer can effectively be treated and one of the most effective methods of treatment is removal surgery of the prostate gland or radical prostatectomy. It is removal surgery of the prostate gland along with covering tissues by a removal cancer surgery which also halts the spread.
Our goal at PROSPERO MEDICAL is to provide patients undergoing prostate removal operation with comprehensive treatment and assistance. Our professionals are committed to making sure that patients and their families always feel informed and ready.
Prostate Removal Surgery: What Is It?
A prostatectomy, often known as prostate removal, is a surgical technique used to treat prostate cancer locally. It involves the removal of the whole prostate gland, seminal vesicles, and also the surrounding lymph nodes, in some cases, to eliminate entirely cancerous tissues. The optimal moment to utilize the treatment is when the tumor exists only in the prostate and nowhere else in the body.
Types of Prostatectomy Surgery
There are a few different surgical approaches to removing the prostate, each with their own benefits:
- Open Radical Prostatectomy: This is the traditional way in which one large cut in the lower belly is made to go around to the back and access the prostate and remove it
- Laparoscopic Radical Prostatectomy: Less aggressive with multiple small incisions and new instruments to remove the prostate. This operation tends to be less painful following surgery and with faster recovery.
- Robotic-Assisted Laparoscopic Prostatectomy: Another newer version of laparoscopic surgery whereby the physician makes use of the robotic arms in order to gain more precision. The surgery is more visual, and possibly less complications.
Dependent on numerous factors such as the patient’s state, cancer size, and surgeon proficiency.
Preparation for Surgery
Planning is essential in achieving a success. Patients may have a couple of preoperative workups, i.e., tests, imaging workups, as well as visitation with members of the operating team. Ensure to give your doctor information about any drug taken, allergies, or health condition.
Lifestyle modifications, such as quitting smoking and maintaining a healthy diet, can also contribute to better surgical outcomes. Your medical team will provide specific instructions tailored to your needs.
The Surgical Procedure
With general anesthesia, the patient is given under the treatment. The procedure is performed while the patient is under anesthesia. The selected procedure is then utilized to excise the prostate gland and, as necessary, tissue around it. The length of the procedure varies but is usually two to four hours.
The patients are afterwards observed in a recovery room before being moved to the hospital ward following surgery. The majority of patients are hospitalized for one or two days based on the nature of recovery.
Recovery and Postoperative Care
The recovery process for surgery to have the prostate gland removed is a step-by-step process:
- Hospital Stay: Patients are instructed to initiate slow movement right after surgery for circulation purposes as well as for avoiding complications.
- Use of Catheter: During surgery, a catheter is usually placed and left in place for a time of about one to two weeks to facilitate healing.
- Pain Control: Medications are employed in pain control, and patients are instructed to adhere to their regimen to maximize comfort.
- Activity Limitation: Avoid heavy work and weight lifting for several weeks. Limited ambulation will promote healing.
- Follow-Up Visits: These are required to be done regularly in order to track healing, catheter removal, and trouble-shooting.
Side Effects and How They’re Handled
Prostate cancer removal surgery is safe, but there are some patients who will experience side effects:
- Urinary Incontinence: Loss of bladder control is normal initially but should usually improve with treatment and pelvic floor exercises.
- Erectile Dysfunction: Nerve injury during the procedure can impact sexual function. There are a number of treatments, ranging from drugs to devices, that can reverse it.
- Infection and Bleeding: There is a risk of bleeding and infection with any operation, and this is minimized by operative technique and postoperative care.
- Careful and open communication with your health care team is necessary in order to effectively manage and prevent these side effects.
Long-Term Outlook
Prognosis after surgery to remove the prostate is usually excellent, particularly if cancer is found early. Routine PSA tests and examinations follow-up ensures recurrence is found early.
Changes in lifestyle, like a balanced diet, exercise, and not smoking, can improve overall health and lower the risk of recurrence of cancer.
Care of Patients and Families
Prostate surgery is a life-changing experience, and emotional recovery is just as important as rehabilitation. PROSPERO MEDICAL provides counseling, support groups, and patient and family education to assist patients in healing.
Our experts work together to create personalized care plans that consider each patient’s individual needs with care and expertise.
Conclusion
Prostate removal surgery is an effective procedure in the fight against prostate cancer. With current advances in surgical techniques and enhanced postoperative care, patients can expect positive outcomes and an improved rate of life.
For more details regarding prostate removal surgery and to see our services, do come to our Pediatry & Orthopaedy Department. PROSPERO MEDICAL will guide your hand step by step.