A prostatectomy is the surgical removal of all or part of the prostate gland. The primary reason why a prostatectomy might be performed is to remove cancer cells from the prostrate. A prostatectomy requires anesthesia and a short hospital stay and once released, a catheter will need to be worn at home while you are recuperating. Because the nerves that control a man’s erection reside next to the prostate gland, it is important to understand, before a prostatectomy is performed, that they are sometimes damaged or removed during the surgical procedure. This can affect a man’s ability to have an erection; however, for most men, the ability to obtain an erection eventually is regained. Incontinence—which is treatable—can also be a side effect of a prostatectomy. It is important to discuss all of the risks and benefits associated with a prostatectomy prior to undergoing the surgical procedure. There are a variety of prostatectomy procedures performed today depending on the severity of the cancer and the overall condition of the prostate:
|
Patient Resources
Prostatectomy: Surgical removal of the prostate.
|
Urology Treatment and Terms © 2011 – eMedical Media – http://emedicalmedia.com