Prostate problems can impact daily life in ways that are both uncomfortable and disruptive. Many men do well with medication or non-invasive treatments. But sometimes, surgery is the best option. Understanding when it’s appropriate can help you make an informed decision about your care.
A surgical procedure is considered when:
- Prostate cancer requires removal.
If prostate cancer is confined to the gland and has not spread, surgery may offer the best chance for a cure. A radical prostatectomy means fully removing the prostate. Doctors may suggest this for men with localized prostate cancer. - Benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) is severe.
BPH is a non-cancerous enlargement of the prostate. It can cause difficulty urinating, frequent nighttime urination, or even complete urinary retention. If medications and less invasive procedures do not provide relief, surgery may be needed to restore normal urine flow. - Urinary retention or infections recur repeatedly.
If the prostate gets too big, it can lead to repeated urinary retention, infections, or bladder stones. In this case, surgery might be needed to avoid complications. - The bladder or kidneys are at risk.
Struggling to empty the bladder for a long time can cause problems. It may lead to overdistension, weaken bladder muscles, and even harm the kidneys. Surgery can help prevent permanent damage to the urinary system.
Types of Prostate Surgery
The type of prostate surgery your doctor recommends will depend on the underlying condition as well as the severity of your symptoms. There are two primary types of prostate surgery:
Simple prostatectomy
A simple prostatectomy fixes urine flow problems caused by an enlarged prostate. Unlike a radical prostatectomy, this procedure only removes the inner portion of the prostate. It leaves the outer structure intact.
This surgery is done for BPH symptom relief and can be performed using different techniques:
- Traditional open surgery- the surgeon makes an incision in the lower abdomen to access and remove the prostate tissue
- Laparoscopic or robotic-assisted surgery- a minimally invasive approach with tiny incisions and using robotic instruments for precise removal of the prostate tissue
Radical prostatectomy
A radical prostatectomy is a more extensive procedure used to treat prostate cancer. It involves the removal of:
- The entire prostate gland
- Surrounding tissue
- Seminal vesicles
Sometimes, nearby lymph nodes are also removed. This procedure aims to eliminate cancer while preserving urinary and sexual function as much as possible.
Surgical techniques for performing a radical prostatectomy are:
- Open, which involves a large incision in the lower abdomen for direct removal of the prostate.
- Laparoscopic, which uses small incisions and a camera-guided approach for less invasive removal.
- Robotic-assisted, where your surgeon operates using robotic arms, enhancing precision and minimizing complications.
- Single-port, where instruments are inserted through one small incision, minimizing scarring and recovery time.
Prostate Surgery Benefits
For men facing significant prostate conditions, surgery offers several benefits. A radical prostatectomy provides a high chance of long-term remission or cure for localized prostate cancer.
For men with BPH, surgery can dramatically enhance their quality of life. It can improve symptoms such as weak urine flow, frequent urination, and the need to wake up multiple times at night. It can also prevent severe complications like:
- Kidney damage
- Bladder stones
- Recurrent infections
Men who undergo successful prostate surgery often report:
- An improved ability to urinate normally
- Less discomfort
- A return to activities without a constant concern over urinary issues
While prostate surgery is generally safe, it does carry some side effects and risks, including:
- Reduced ejaculation
- Temporary or permanent loss of bladder control
- Bleeding or infection
See a Urologist About Prostate Surgery
Choosing prostate surgery is a significant decision that should be made with the guidance of a urologist. If you have been diagnosed with prostate cancer or suffer from severe BPH, it’s time to schedule an appointment to discuss your options.
Don’t continue to live with prostate problems – call 843.347.2450 to schedule an appointment today!