Prostate Removal Surgery: What It Is and What to Expect
Medically reviewed by Sumiran Racherla, MD, Internal Medicine. Last reviewed: October 23, 2026.
What kind of doctor provides Prostate Removal Surgery?
A urologist, a doctor who treats the urinary tract and the prostate, usually performs prostate removal surgery. A direct primary care or concierge doctor can be a first stop for an evaluation and can refer you to a specialist when needed.
What it is
Doctors use more than one kind of prostate removal surgery. Radical prostatectomy removes all of the prostate gland and some of the tissue around it. Simple prostate removal takes out only the inner part of the prostate gland. The outer part is left behind. In radical surgery, the seminal vesicles are also removed.
Why a doctor might recommend it
Radical surgery is done to treat prostate cancer. It is most often done when cancer has not spread beyond the prostate gland. Simple prostate removal is for an enlarged prostate, which can cause problems with urinating. It does not treat prostate cancer.
How to prepare
Common preparation steps include the following.
- Tell your provider about all medicines, vitamins, and supplements you take, even ones you bought without a prescription.
- If you smoke, ask your provider for help quitting. Smoking can slow healing and increase the risk for blood clots.
- You may be asked to stop blood thinners or other medicines that make it hard for your blood to clot. Ask which medicines you should still take on the day of your surgery.
- Follow instructions about when to stop eating and drinking.
What happens during it
You may have general anesthesia so that you are asleep and pain free. Radical surgery can be done in 4 main ways. In laparoscopic surgery, your surgeon makes several small cuts instead of one big cut. Robotic surgery is laparoscopic surgery that is performed using a robotic system. Not every hospital offers robotic surgery. The surgeon takes care to cause as little damage as possible to the nerves and blood vessels in the area. The surgeon may also remove lymph nodes in the pelvis to check them for cancer. A tube called a catheter is left in your urethra and bladder to drain urine. Radical surgery takes about 2 to 4 hours. Simple prostate removal also takes about 2 to 4 hours.
Recovery
After radical surgery, most people stay in the hospital for 1 to 4 days. After simple prostate removal, you will stay in the hospital for about 2 to 4 days. After radical surgery, you will go home with a catheter to drain urine from your bladder. The catheter will be removed after 1 to 3 weeks. Do not drive for the first 3 weeks after you come home. Do not lift anything heavier than a 1-gallon (4 liters) milk jug for the first 6 weeks. After the catheter is removed, you may have some urine leakage. This should improve over time. You should have almost normal bladder control within 3 to 6 months.
Contact your surgeon if:
- You have pain in your belly that does not go away when you take your pain medicines.
- You cannot drink or eat.
- You have signs of infection (burning sensation when you urinate, fever, or chills).
- Your urine stream is not as strong or you cannot pee at all.
- You have pain, redness, or swelling in your legs.
Call 911 or go to the emergency room if you have:
- Bleeding that will not stop.
- Trouble breathing.
- Chest pain or discomfort lasting for two minutes or more.
- Fainting.
Risks and side effects
Risks of radical surgery include:
- Problems controlling urine (urinary incontinence).
- Erection problems.
- Injury to the rectum.
- Urethral stricture (tightening of the urinary opening due to scar tissue).
Who performs it
A urologist, a surgeon who treats the urinary tract and the prostate, performs prostate removal surgery.
Common questions
Will I need more treatment after radical prostatectomy?
You may, depending on your test results after surgery. Your provider may discuss radiation therapy or hormone therapy with you.
Does simple prostate removal treat prostate cancer?
No, simple prostate removal does not treat prostate cancer. Radical surgery may be needed for cancer.
How does a direct primary care or concierge doctor fit in?
A direct primary care doctor charges a flat monthly fee instead of billing insurance, while a concierge doctor usually charges more and often works alongside insurance.
Sources
- MedlinePlus - Radical prostatectomy
- MedlinePlus - Simple prostatectomy
- MedlinePlus - Radical prostatectomy - discharge
Medical Disclaimer
This content is for general educational and informational purposes only and is not medical advice. It is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment, and reading it does not create a doctor-patient relationship. Always seek the advice of your physician or another qualified health provider with any questions about a medical condition, and never disregard or delay seeking professional advice because of something you read here. If you think you may have a medical emergency, call 911 (or your local emergency number) immediately.
