Prostatectomy: Overview, Preparation, Procedure, Recovery, Risks, and Aftercare
It is a surgical procedure that removes all or part of the prostate gland. Prostate cancer, benign prostatic hyperplasia, and other prostate-related conditions are often treated with prostateectomy. Various techniques are available for performing prostate surgery, including open surgery, laparoscopic surgery, and robotic-assisted surgery.
Preparation
Patients may need to prepare for a prostatectomy by following these steps:
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In addition to blood tests, imaging scans, and a digital rectal exam (DRE), patients will undergo a thorough medical evaluation.
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Surgeon consultation: Patients will meet with their surgeon to discuss the details of the procedure, including risks, benefits, and expected outcomes. They may also receive instructions on how to prepare for surgery, such as fasting.
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Before surgery, patients should inform their healthcare provider about any medications they are taking, as some medications may need to be adjusted or temporarily stopped.
Procedure
Prostatectomy typically involves the following steps:
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During the procedure, patients receive general anesthesia, which puts them into a deep sleep and prevents them from feeling any pain.
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Prostatectomy may be performed openly, laparoscopically, or with robotic assistance, depending on the patient's condition and the surgeon's preference.
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A surgeon carefully removes the prostate gland, maintaining nearby nerves and tissues to minimize the risk of complications such as erectile dysfunction or urinary incontinence.
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As soon as the prostate gland has been removed, the surgeon closes the incisions with sutures or staples and applies dressings.
Recovery
Following a prostatectomy, patients may experience the following symptoms:
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Patient Stay: Following surgery, patients may need to stay in the hospital for a few days depending on the surgical approach and their recovery progress.
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In addition to pain medication prescribed by their healthcare provider, patients may experience discomfort or pain at the surgical site after surgery.
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For a period of time after surgery, patients may have a urinary catheter in place to drain urine and allow the surgical site to heal.
Risks
There are certain risks and potential complications associated with prostatectomy, including:
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During or after surgery, there is a risk of bleeding, which may require additional medical intervention.
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After prostatectomy, there is a slight risk of infection at the surgical site or in the urinary tract.
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In the immediate postoperative period, some patients may experience temporary or permanent urinary incontinence.
Aftercare
In the aftermath of a prostatectomy, patients may be advised to:
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In order to monitor their recovery progress and assess any potential complications, patients should schedule regular follow-up appointments with their healthcare provider.
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After surgery, pelvic floor exercises, such as Kegel exercises, can improve bladder control by strengthening muscles that control urinary function.
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To allow the surgical site to heal properly, patients should avoid heavy lifting and strenuous activities after surgery.
After undergoing a prostatectomy, patients can reduce their risk of complications by following the recommended aftercare instructions and attending follow-up appointments.
