Prostatectomy Overview

Click here to view an animated version of this procedure.

A prostatectomy is a surgery to remove the prostate gland. The prostate gland is part of the male reproductive system. It makes and stores seminal fluid (a milky fluid that forms part of semen). The gland is below the bladder and in front of the rectum. The urethra (tube that urine flows out through) runs through the prostate.

The procedure may be:

• Simple prostatectomy—removal of prostate only
• Radical prostatectomy—removal of prostate and some surrounding tissue

Anatomy of the Prostate © 2009 Nucleus Medical Media, Inc.

Prior to Procedure

Your doctor may do the following:

• Physical exam
• Blood and urine tests
• Chest x-ray
• Electrocardiogram (ECG, EKG)—a test that records the heart's activity by measuring electrical currents through the heart muscle
• Ultrasound —a test that uses sound waves to visualize the inside of the body
• Bone scan or CT scan , if your doctor is concerned about a spreading cancer

Leading up to the procedure:

• Talk to your doctor about your medicines. You may be asked to stop taking some medicines up to one week before the procedure, like:

• Aspirin or other anti-inflammatory drugs
• Blood thinners, such as clopidogrel (Plavix) or warfarin (Coumadin)
• The night before, have a light meal. Do not eat or drink anything after midnight.

Anesthesia

General or spinal anesthesia will be used. With general anesthesia, you will be asleep. Spinal anesthesia will make a section of your body numb.

Description of Procedure

The procedure can be done as an open, laparoscopic , or robot-assisted surgery.

Simple Prostatectomy

Simple (Open) Prostatectomy

The doctor makes an incision in the lower abdomen to access the prostate. The doctor removes the inner part of your prostate gland. This procedure is not as common in the United States. It is considered when you have a non-cancerous enlargement of the prostate.

Radical Prostatectomy

Radical Retropubic Prostatectomy

The doctor makes a cut in the lower abdomen between the navel and pubic bone. This allows him to access the prostate and pelvic lymph nodes. The doctor detaches the prostate from the bladder and urethra. The urethra is then re-attached to the bladder. The doctor will try to preserve nerve function related to bladder function and erections. In some cases, the doctor will remove lymph node tissue for testing before deciding to continue with surgery.

Perineal Radical Prostatectomy

The doctor makes a cut in the skin between your anus and your scrotum. He then removes your prostate. This type of surgery is less common since it does not allow access to the lymph nodes. There is a higher risk of nerve damage with this procedure.

Robot-assisted Laparoscopic Radical Prostatectomy (RALRP)

The doctor makes five small, keyhole incisions in the abdomen for robotic arms, including one with a small camera (laparoscope). This gives him a wider and more flexible range of motion. A doctor sits at a console and guides the robotic arms during the surgery. With these arms, he can cut out the prostate and other tissue. Benefits include less scarring.

After Procedure

A catheter tube will be inserted to drain your bladder. Water may be flushed through the catheter to reduce blood in the urine. The catheter may be left in place for up to 3 weeks. This will let you urinate more easily during the healing period. After a radical prostatectomy, a drain may be left in place to help fluid drain from the surgery site.

How Long Will It Take?

• Simple prostatectomy—2-4 hours

• Radical prostatectomy—2-4 hours

Will It Hurt?

Anesthesia prevents pain during the procedure. You can expect some pain and discomfort for:

• 7-10 days after open surgery
• 3-4 days after laparoscopic surgery

Average Hospital Stay

The usual length of stay is 2-3 days. Your doctor may choose to keep you longer if complications arise.

Post-procedure Care

When you return home, do the following to help ensure a smooth recovery:

• Take medicines as directed.

• Your doctor may give you antibiotics to prevent infection and/or stool softeners to prevent constipation .
• You may need to take a medicine for several weeks to normalize your bladder function.
• For a while, you may need prescription pain medicines. You will then be switched to non-prescription pain relievers (eg, acetaminophen ) as needed. Avoid taking aspirin or aspirin-containing products.
• When resting in bed, keep legs elevated and moving. This will help to prevent blood clots from forming in your legs.
• To promote healing, resume normal activities as soon as possible.
• Drink plenty of liquids. It will help to clear your bladder of urine and blood.
• Shower as usual. Avoid baths until the incision has healed completely.
• Wash the incision gently with mild soap and water.
• Do not drive unless your doctor has given you permission to do so. You may need to wait up to one month.
• Avoid vigorous exercise for six weeks after surgery.
• Resume sexual activity when able.
• Avoid caffeine, alcohol, spicy foods, or any other food or drink that might aggravate your stomach, intestines, bladder, or urinary tract.
• Be sure to follow your doctor’s instructions .

Complete healing from surgery usually occurs within six weeks.

RESOURCES:

American Urological Association
http://www.urologyhealth.org/

Center for Prostate Disease Research
US Department of Defense
http://www.cpdr.org/

National Kidney and Urologic Diseases Information Clearinghouse
National Institutes of Health
http://kidney.niddk.nih.gov/

CANADIAN RESOURCES:

Canadian Prostate Cancer Network
http://www.cpcn.org/

Men's Health Centre
http://www.menshealthcentre.net/

The Prostate Centre
http://www.prostatecentre.ca/

Urology Resource Center Canada
http://urologyresourcecentre.org/

References:

Griffith HW, Moore S, Yoder K. Complete Guide to Symptoms, Illness & Surgery. New York, NY: Putnam Publishing Group; 2000.

Le CQ, Gettman MT. Laparoscopic and robotic radical prostatectomy. Exper Rev Anticancer Ther. 2006;6:1003-1011.

Mitchell RE, Lee BT, Cookson MS, Barocas DA, Herrell SD, Clark PE, Smith Jr JA, Chang SS. Immediate surgical outcomes for radical prostatectomy in the University HealthSystem Consortium Clinical Data Base: the impact of hospital case volume, hospital size and geographical region on 48 000 patients. BJU Int. 2009 Aug 13. [Epub ahead of print].

Prostate cancer. Mayo Clinic website. Available at: http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/prostate-cancer/DS00043/DSECTION=8 . Accessed October 13, 2009.

Prostate gland enlargement. Mayo Clinic website. Available at: http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/prostate-gland-enlargement/DS00027 . Accessed October 13, 2009.

Prostate cancer treatment. National Cancer Institute website. Available at: http://www.cancer.gov/cancertopics/types/prostate . Accessed October 13, 2009.