Prostatectomy

Prostatectomy surgery

        There are several types of prostatectomy surgery: open radical prostatectomy, laparoscopic prostatectomy, laser prostatectomy, robotic prostatectomy. Each type of prostatectomy has its own time of recovery and implies another type of procedure. But they also have common points. They have to be performed on men, who have a good general condition, who do not have heat problems and who can withstand a long anesthesia.

        ...read more about prostatectomy surgery: Prostatectomy surgery

Robotic prostatectomy

        Robotic prostatectomy is the gentlest type of prostatectomy. It is performed by a highly trained surgeon who is using a da Vinci platform. In this case the incisions are very small, they are made in to the abdomen, there is no bleeding, no need for transfusion, the risk of developing infections is very low and the sutures are also very small. After the surgery the patient recovers very fast and does not have to spend more than 2 days in the hospital. Because of its results, robotic prostatectomy is the first option for those who need a prostatectomy surgery.

        ...detailed description of robotic prostatectomy: Robotic prostatectomy

Radical prostatectomy

        Radical prostatectomy is a very complicated surgery, used in treating the prostate cancer. There are 2 types of radical prostatectomy: open radical prostatectomy and laparoscopic prostatectomy. For radical prostatectomy the anesthesia has to be general and the period of hospitalization varies although the patient is likely to stay in hospital for a period of 3 weeks. The surgery has a lot of risks; the most important one is death. Other risks are impotence, incontinence, sterility, severe bleeding and strokes.

        ...more information about radical prostatectomy: Radical prostatectomy

Laser prostatectomy

        It is used to treat prostate enlargement which makes the patient urinate very often. In laser prostatectomy only a part of the prostate gland is removed and not the entire prostate as in for example in radical prostatectomy. For this type of prostatectomy there are available 2 types of anesthesia: a general anesthesia and a spinal anesthesia. Also the doctor inserts a catheter just like in the other types of prostatectomy surgery but in this case the patient has to wear it for 24 hours. The surgery has some major advantages: firstly during the operation there is no bleeding o there is no need for a transfusion and secondly the patient can have a normal sexual life.

        ...read a complete description of laser prostatectomy: Laser prostatectomy

Prostatectomy pictures

Laparoscopic prostatectomy

        In case of laparoscopic prostatectomy the prostate gland is removed with the use of a laparoscope. The surgery does not imply large cuts; the laparoscope is inserted throw a small incision at the belly button. Also for this type of prostatectomy the patient must not suffer from any heart disease must have a good general condition. The recovery is faster than in any other type of prostatectomy but the patient may develop complications.

        ...find out more about laparoscopic prostatectomy: Laparoscopic prostatectomy

Prostatectomy recovery

        Recovery in case of prostatectomy surgery depends on what type of prostatectomy was performed. The patient recovers faster in case of robotic prostatectomy whereas the most difficult recovery is in case of open radical prostatectomy. Usually the recovery takes a long period, period in which the patient must not make any kind of effort, must take antibiotics in order to not develop infections, must keep a strict hygiene, must wear a catheter, and must abstain from sexual intercourse.

        For a good recovery it is essential that the patient communicates with the doctor. He must report the doctor any slight change that he observes, concerning his general state, the place of the incision, unusual bleedings, and displaced catheter.

Prostatectomy complications and pain

        The most frequent complications are in the case of open radical prostatectomy. The risk that the wound gets infected is very high. Also other complication is hernia at the site of incision. Blood clots can also be a problem, as they can lead to heart attacks and strokes. For this reason it is very important that the patient walks. The patient experiences more pain in case of open radical prostatectomy than in any other type of prostatectomy. Also a complication that is possible to happen is hernia for this reason is important for the patient to not make any effort. Other complications are due to infections. The patient should ask the doctor which is the best way to avoid infections.

Prostatectomy side effects

        Because it is a very complicated surgery, prostatectomy has a lot of side effects. The most frequent are the inability to control urination, sterility and impotence. The inability to control urination and the inability to achieve erection can be improved with the help of treatment. Another side effect is that the person may become sterile or impotent due to nerve damage. Also infections are very frequent so the patient has to be very careful with his hygiene. Most of the side effects do not need medical intervention for example incontinence is considered to be a normal thing after prostatectomy and it is expected to pass by its own.

Prostatectomy facts

        The most important prostatectomy fact is that the prostate cancer can be healed with this prostatectomy surgery. The surgery is very complex, takes a lot of time, in some cases up to 8 hours and implies a lot of risks. Another thing that one should know is that there are several types of prostatectomy surgeries, each with its own specific procedure and with different periods of recovery.