When you are diagnosed with prostate cancer, your doctor will discuss treatment with you. For some men, prostate cancer can be cured with a surgical procedure known as a radical prostatectomy. This procedure may be suitable if your doctor is sure no cancer cells have spread to other parts of your body.
It involves the complete removal of your prostate, and your seminal vesicles will also be removed. This means that after the surgery you will be able to have intercourse as normal, but you will no longer be able to ejaculate. If you think you may want to have a child in the future, discuss the options open to you with your doctor.
Your doctor will recommend either an open radical prostatectomy or a laparoscopic radical prostatectomy once they have reviewed your overall health thoroughly. Both types of the procedure have the same end results, but the surgical techniques used differ. Read on to learn about the differences between the open and laparoscopic methods.
Open Prostatectomy
An open prostatectomy may be recommended if your doctor has concerns about easily accessing your prostate using laparoscopic surgical techniques. Existing scar tissue and a high percentage of body fat could hinder access to your prostate and increase your risk of developing complications if laparoscopic surgery was carried out. During an open prostatectomy, you will have a long vertical incision made below your belly button, and this will allow your doctor to gain access to your prostate. Once the prostate is removed, the incision will be closed with stitches or staples, and you will be observed in the hospital for a couple of days to ensure you are healing as expected.
Laparoscopic Prostatectomy
Keyhole surgical techniques are used for a laparoscopic prostatectomy. This surgical method of removing the prostate minimises scarring and requires less recovery time than an open prostatectomy. Your surgeon will make a few very small incisions in your lower abdomen and will use a small camera on the end of a flexible tube to view your prostate. Surgical tools will be inserted through the incisions, and your prostate will be removed in sections by your doctor as they use the camera to guide the tools during the procedure. The small incisions required for a laparoscopic prostatectomy can be closed with dissolvable sutures, and you may not have to stay in the hospital for observation if the procedure goes smoothly.
Prompt treatment can prevent cancerous cells from spreading to other parts of your body, so if you've been diagnosed with prostate cancer and are putting off making a decision about treatment, discuss your concerns with your doctor. They can help you make a decision and get the ball rolling before your situation worsens.
For more information on prostate cancer surgery, contact a professional near you.
