Prostatectomy |
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DESCRIPTION
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A prostatectomy (PRAH-stuh-TEK-tuh-mee) is an operation to remove all or part of the prostate---the walnut-sized gland in the groin that produces the fluid in male semen. Because the prostate completely surrounds the urethra---the tube that drains urine from the bladder out through the penis---any enlargement or tumor can restrict the normal flow, causing symptoms such as difficult, painful, or frequent urination. If the condition becomes serious, or a tumor threatens to spread, your doctor may recommend surgery. There are several types he can perform: Transurethral (TRANS-yew-REETH-rull) Prostatectomy: In this operation, the doctor advances a cystoscope (a long metal tube with a magnifying glass and a light on the end) up the urethra to the prostate, where he uses tiny surgical tools to snip away the surrounding prostate tissue. This surgery takes about 30 to 60 minutes. Although it's less invasive than other types, you may still need to stay in the hospital for several days after surgery. Perineal (PAIR-uh-NEE-ull) Prostatectomy: In this operation, the prostate is removed through an incision between the rectum and the scrotum. Potentially cancerous lymph nodes in the area may also require removal. To reach them, the doctor will insert a thin metal tube called a laparoscope (LAP-er-uh-scope) through 3 or 4 small incisions in the lower abdomen. All told, the surgery lasts 2 to 3 hours. You'll remain in the hospital for 4 to 6 days. Retropubic and Suprapubic Prostatectomy: These operations require a larger incision in the lower abdomen, through which the prostate and nearby lymph nodes can be removed. Like perineal surgery, the operation takes 2 to 3 hours and is followed by a 4 to 6 day stay in the hospital.
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CARE
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Immediately If... You have sudden trouble breathing or develop chest pains. You have shaking chills. Return to top
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COMPLICATIONS
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s Temporary or even permanent impotence often follows a complete prostatectomy, and up to 15 per cent of those undergoing the operation will have at least temporary difficulty holding urine. (Both problems are less likely following a transurethral operation.) In addition, there are the risks that accompany any type of surgery, such as the danger of heavy bleeding or infection. However, if a cancerous prostate is left in place, the disease can spread to other parts of the body and eventually prove fatal. And even if the problem is only benign enlargement, it usually gets worse.
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