Surgery For Prostate Cancer
Surgery is one treatment option for prostate cancer. The type of surgery depends on the stage and grade of the cancer. Surgery for prostate cancer carries a risk of complications, such as urinary incontinence and erectile dysfunction. These risks are higher in older men and men with other health conditions.
There are a few different types of surgeries that can be used to treat prostate cancer. These include;
Radical prostatectomy
Radical prostatectomy is a surgery to remove the prostate gland and surrounding tissues. This treatment option is usually only considered for men with localized prostate cancer. The surgeon will make an incision in the lower abdomen and remove the prostate gland. The surrounding lymph nodes may also be removed. Radical prostatectomy can be done as open surgery or laparoscopic surgery.
Open surgery is the most common type of radical prostatectomy. The surgeon will make an incision in the lower abdomen and remove the prostate gland. The surrounding lymph nodes may also be removed. The entire operation usually takes about 3 hours.
Laparoscopic surgery is a newer type of radical prostatectomy that has some advantages over open surgery.
Transurethral resection of the prostate
Transurethral resection of the prostate (TURP) is a surgical procedure to remove part of the prostate gland. This surgery is less invasive than a radical prostatectomy and only removes part of the prostate gland. It is often used for men with larger prostates or who have cancer that has spread beyond the prostate gland.
TURP is a minimally invasive surgery that can be performed under general or local anesthesia. It usually takes about 60-90 minutes to complete. Recovery time is usually short, and most people can go home the same day or the next day after surgery.
Cryosurgery
Cryosurgery is an effective treatment option for prostate cancer. It uses extreme cold to destroy cancer cells. It is less invasive than radical prostatectomy and has a shorter recovery time.
The side effects of cryosurgery include urinary incontinence and erectile dysfunction. Cryosurgery is not a cure for prostate cancer, but it can improve the quality of life for men with the disease. More research is needed to determine the long-term efficacy of cryosurgery.