Prostate Surgery (Prostatectomy)

The medical tourism industry in Turkey has experienced remarkable growth over the last two decades, driven by cutting-edge healthcare facilities, highly qualified medical professionals, and competitive pricing. Among the advanced procedures drawing international patients to Turkey is Prostate Surgery (Prostatectomy)—a surgical intervention aimed at treating various prostate-related conditions. With its blend of high-quality care and cost efficiency, Turkey has solidified its reputation as a premier destination for medical treatments, particularly for those seeking expert solutions for complex surgeries.

At Prospero Medical, we connect patients with top urology specialists in Turkey who have extensive experience and expertise in prostate treatments. Our personalized approach ensures that you receive the highest standard of care while eliminating the other challenges of seeking treatment abroad. With our support, you can focus solely on your recovery, knowing that every aspect of your journey is managed seamlessly.

A prostatectomy is a surgical procedure that involves removing part or all of the prostate gland, which is located just below the bladder in men. The prostate, about the size of a walnut, plays a crucial role in producing seminal fluid. This surgery is commonly performed to treat conditions such as prostate cancer or severe benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), a non-cancerous enlargement of the prostate.

BPH can lead to discomfort, urinary retention, frequent urination, and other complications. When these conditions are severe or unresponsive to other treatments, a prostatectomy may be recommended to alleviate symptoms, prevent further health issues, and improve the patient’s quality of life. The procedure can be done through traditional or minimally invasive techniques, depending on the condition and the patient’s health.

How many types of prostatectomy are there?

Prostatectomy is classified based on the extent of tissue removal and the medical condition being addressed. There are two primary types of prostatectomy:

1. Simple Prostatectomy
   This procedure is performed to treat benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), a non-cancerous enlargement of the prostate. In a simple prostatectomy, only the obstructive portion of the prostate causing urinary issues is removed, leaving the rest of the gland intact.
2. Radical Prostatectomy
   Radical prostatectomy is performed for the treatment of localized prostate cancer. It involves the complete removal of the prostate gland, along with some surrounding tissues and lymph nodes, to prevent the spread of cancer.

Prostate surgery is typically recommended for individuals suffering from symptoms related to prostate enlargement, a condition that commonly develops with age. Below are key conditions and symptoms that may make someone an eligible candidate for surgery:

• Age-related prostate enlargement: As men age, the prostate gland often increases in size. This enlargement can compress the urethra (urinary canal), obstructing the normal flow of urine and leading to discomfort and complications.
• Painful urination: Individuals may experience pain or a burning sensation during urination, which can be a sign of prostate issues like inflammation or infection, and may indicate the need for surgical intervention.
• Bleeding during urination: Blood in the urine can be a concerning symptom, often linked to prostate conditions like benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) or prostate cancer. This symptom typically requires medical attention, and surgery may be necessary to resolve the underlying issue.
• Intermittent or scanty urination: Difficulty starting or stopping urination, or the sensation of having to strain to urinate, are common signs of an enlarged prostate. This can be frustrating and may require surgical intervention to restore normal urinary function.
• Increased nighttime urination (Nocturia): Frequent urination during the night disrupts sleep and affects quality of life. When this symptom is persistent and significantly impacts daily functioning, surgery may be recommended as a solution.
• Urinary incontinence: This refers to the inability to control urination, leading to leakage. It can occur when the prostate presses against the bladder or urethra, affecting its ability to hold urine. Surgical treatment can often resolve this problem and restore bladder control.
• Persistent feeling of needing to urinate: Even after emptying the bladder, some individuals experience the constant sensation of needing to urinate. This can be due to pressure from an enlarged prostate and may be alleviated through surgery.
• Sexual dysfunction: Problems such as erectile dysfunction or reduced sexual desire may occur due to prostate issues like BPH or prostate cancer. These issues can significantly impact a person’s quality of life and may improve following prostate surgery.

If these symptoms are present and significantly affect daily living, a thorough medical examination and diagnosis are required to determine if prostate surgery is the best treatment option. Surgery can help relieve these symptoms, improve overall health, and enhance quality of life

• Medical Evaluation: Before surgery, your doctor will assess your medical history and conduct a physical exam. Common pre-operative tests include blood work, chest X-rays, ECG, and PSA tests to evaluate your overall health and prostate condition. Additional tests, like ultrasounds or uroflowmetry, may be needed to assess risks and ensure you’re fit for surgery.
• Pre-Operative Preparations: You may need to stop taking certain medications, especially blood thinners, and follow fasting instructions the night before surgery. In some cases, a bowel preparation may be recommended. These steps are crucial for minimizing complications and ensuring your body is ready for surgery.
• Counseling and Anesthesia Consultation: You’ll meet with the surgical team to discuss the procedure and anesthesia. Prostatectomy is typically performed under general anesthesia, which keeps you asleep and pain-free during the operation.
• Preparation for Surgery: A thorough physical exam will guide the surgeon in planning the surgery. Pre-operative tests help evaluate your health and identify potential risks. Common tests include blood work, X-rays, and ultrasounds.
• Anesthesia: The surgery is performed under general anesthesia, ensuring you are fully asleep and pain-free throughout the procedure.

Following prostate surgery in Turkey, most patients are required to stay in the hospital for 1 to 3 days. During this time, a catheter is used to help with urination and is typically removed after 3 days, once the patient has successfully urinated on their own. Afterward, patients are usually discharged, but it’s important to rest and avoid heavy physical activity during recovery.

It is normal to experience temporary urinary incontinence and some bleeding when coughing or sneezing during the recovery period. Staying hydrated helps cleanse the urinary tract, and patients should also follow their doctor’s guidance on exercises to strengthen the urinary muscles. Recovery time for minimally invasive (closed) surgery is typically 7 to 10 days, while for open surgery, it may take around 6 weeks, with full recovery potentially taking up to 6 months.

• Take medications as prescribed
• Avoid wearing tight clothing that pressures the groin area
• Drink plenty of water and eat a balanced diet
• Refrain from strenuous activities for up to 6 weeks
• Avoid sexual activity for 6 weeks
• Limit stair climbing unless absolutely necessary
• Keep the genital area and surgical sites clean and dry.

The cost of a prostatectomy in Turkey is significantly lower compared to countries like the United States or Western Europe, without compromising on quality. Factors influencing the cost include:

• The type of prostatectomy (simple or radical).
• The chosen hospital and surgeon.
• Additional services like accommodation, pre-operative tests, and post-operative care.

Many medical tourism packages include hospital fees, accommodation, and transportation, making it a cost-effective option for international patients.

1. What is a prostatectomy?

A prostatectomy is a surgery where the doctor removes part or all of the prostate gland to treat problems such as prostate cancer or severe prostate enlargement.

2. Why is prostatectomy done?

This surgery is usually recommended when the prostate becomes too large, causes urinary problems or when cancer is found in the prostate. It helps reduce symptoms and improves quality.

3. What are the main types of prostatectomy?

There are two main types; Simple prostatectomy which removes only the part blocking urine flow (usually for BPH) and Radical prostatectomy which removes the whole prostate to treat prostate cancer.

4. Who is a good candidate for prostatectomy?

Men who have strong urinary symptoms, difficulty urinating, blood in the urine, frequent nighttime urination or prostate cancer may be candidates. A full medical evaluation is needed to decide.

5. What symptoms may indicate the need for surgery?

Symptoms include weak urine flow, pain during urination, urinary leakage, constant urge to urinate or sexual problems caused by prostate enlargement.

6. How is the surgery performed?

The surgery can be done through a traditional open incision or with minimally invasive robotic techniques. The choice depends on the patient’s condition and protate size.

7. What is robotic prostatectomy?

Robotic prostatectomy uses small cuts and robotic arms controlled by the surgeon. This method offers high precision, less bleeding and faster recovery.

8. What tests are needed before surgery?

Patients usually have blood tests, imaging, ECG and prostate-specific tests like PSA. These help doctors check overall health and plan the surgery safely.

9. What should I do before the operation?

You may need to stop certain medications, avoid eating the night before and follow your doctor’s instructions about preparation.

10. How long is the hospital stay?

Most patients stay in the hospital for 1 to 3 days. A urinary catheter is usually kept for about 3 days until normal urination returns.

11. What is the recovery like after prostatectomy?

It is normal to have temporary leakage of urine and mild bleeding when coughing or sneezing. Recovery is faster after minimally invasive surgery and longer after open surgery.

12. What should I avoid during recovery?

Patients should avoid heavy lifting, sexual activity and strenuous exercise for several weeks. Wearing loose clothing and drinking plenty of water is also recommended.

13. What are the benefits of prostatectomy?

The surgery can relieve urinary problems, improve sexual function in some cases, and remove cancer when it is localized. It can greatly improve daily comfort and long-term health.

14. Why do many patients choose Turkey for prostatectomy?

Turkey offers modern hospitals, experienced surgeons, advanced robotic systems and more affordable prices compared to many other countries.

15. How much does prostatecomy cost in Turkey?

The price depends on the type of surgery, hospital, surgeon and additional services like accommodation and tests.

Prospero Medical offers a seamless, patient-centered experience for individuals seeking prostatectomy and other medical treatments in Turkey. With a team of dedicated professionals, we guide you through every step of the process, from initial consultation to post-surgery recovery, ensuring the highest standard of care.

Our network includes internationally trained surgeons and medical experts who specialize in advanced prostate surgery, including both traditional and robotic techniques. We connect you with top-tier healthcare providers in Turkey, where cutting-edge technology and expert care meet affordable pricing.

With us, you can trust that we’ll handle the logistics, appointments, and medical coordination, leaving you to focus on your health and recovery. We prioritize your safety, comfort, and well-being throughout the treatment journey. Our commitment is to ensure a smooth, stress-free experience so you can regain your health and quality of life with confidence. For further queries, you can easily reach out to us here:

• Phone: +44 20 3885 2029
• WhatsApp: 0532 425 73 88
• Email: [email protected]