Prostatectomy Surgery

A radical prostatectomy is a surgery done to treat cancer by removing the prostate.

The prostate is a small, walnut-shaped organ that sits under the bladder and wraps around the urethra.

The urethra is the tube that carries urine out of the body through the penis.

To get ready for the surgery, follow your care provider's instructions, including what you can eat or drink and which medicines to take.

You'll get medicine to make you sleep and keep you from feeling pain.

The surgery can be done in two ways: open surgery or laparoscopic surgery.

In open surgery, the doctor makes a cut, an incision, below your belly button.

In laparoscopic surgery, the doctor makes several small cuts and uses a lighted tube, special tools, and robotic arms to guide the surgery.

With either method, the goal of the surgery is to remove the prostate and all the cancer cells.

During the surgery, your doctor will try to protect the nerves around the prostate.

These nerves affect a man's ability to have an erection.

Being able to use this nerve-sparing technique will depend on the size and location of the cancer.

During surgery you'll have a thin, flexible tube called a catheter placed in your bladder.

It lets urine flow from your bladder into a bag outside your body, and it helps the area heal.

You may have the catheter for 1 to 2 weeks after your surgery.

You will probably stay in the hospital for 1 to 3 days after surgery.

Most men can go back to work or their usual routine in about 3 to 5 weeks.

But it can take longer to fully recover.

So, now you know a bit more about a radical prostatectomy.

Having a prostatectomy can be stressful.

But knowing what to expect and how to prepare can help.

Recovery and healing takes time, but if you have any questions or concerns, you can always call your care provider.