What is Radical Prostatectomy?
Radical prostatectomy is a surgical procedure involving the complete removal of the prostate gland, seminal vesicles, and often nearby lymph nodes. This procedure is primarily used in the treatment of prostate cancer, but it may also be considered for certain other conditions.
Key Differences Between Radical and Simple Prostatectomy:
Radical Prostatectomy: Removes the entire prostate gland, seminal vesicles, and potentially lymph nodes. Typically used for prostate cancer.
Simple Prostatectomy: Removes only the enlarged portion of the prostate gland (adenoma). Primarily used for benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH).
In summary, radical prostatectomy is a more extensive surgical procedure that is typically reserved for treating prostate cancer, while simple prostatectomy is a less invasive option used for benign enlargement of the prostate.
Radical prostatectomy: diverse techniques and considerations for surgical success
Technological advancements in medicine have revolutionized prostate surgery. Today, a range of techniques offers tailored solutions for patients.
Open radical prostatectomy is the traditional, but less common, approach. It involves a large abdominal incision for direct access to the prostate.
Laparoscopic and robotic radical prostatectomy employ smaller incisions and use minimally invasive techniques. Laparoscopic surgery uses a camera and instruments inserted through small holes. Robotic surgery provides even greater precision with robotic arms controlled by the surgeon.
Nerve-sparing radical prostatectomy is available for both open and minimally invasive approaches. This technique aims to preserve nerves responsible for erectile function.
The choice of procedure depends on the patient’s individual circumstances, including overall health and preferences. Surgery typically lasts from 90 minutes to several hours and is performed under general anesthesia.
What it’s for
In most cases, a radical prostatectomy is performed to remove a prostate tumor, especially if the tumor has been diagnosed at an early stage and is therefore small in size.
During the operation, if the spread of tumour metastases to neighbouring organs is suspected or certain, the seminal vesicles and obturator hiatus lymph nodes are also removed.
How to prepare
For radical prostatic urology treatment in Turkey, several clinical checks are essential to ensure the suitability of the operation. The patient undergoes a thorough evaluation of his or her medical history, accompanied by comprehensive blood tests. Instrumental examinations such as electrocardiogram and cystoscopy are also carried out. In line with medical recommendations, it is crucial to discontinue all treatment with antiplatelet agents, anticoagulants and anti-inflammatory drugs prior to the operation.
Typically, the patient is admitted the morning of the operation and must report to the appointment on a full fast as of midnight the night before, unless otherwise directed by the medical staff. In the hours and days following the operation, assistance from a relative or acquaintance is advisable.
Turquie Santé helps you treat radical prostatic urology in Turkey by providing access to experienced specialists and state-of-the-art healthcare facilities in Turkey. We’re with you every step of the way, from initial assessment to surgery and post-operative follow-up, ensuring you receive the best care tailored to your needs. Thanks to our network of modern clinics and competitive rates, we make your health a priority, while guaranteeing you a serene and comprehensive experience.
After treatment
Post-operative progress varies according to the technique chosen. In all cases, at the end of the radical prostatectomy, surgeons place a bladder drain to facilitate urine flow. This drain is removed around three weeks after the operation, and may cause some discomfort for the patient.
The hospital stay is shorter: if no complications arise, and if the evaluation tests confirm the success of the operation, the patient is discharged from hospital within 2 to 4 days. Depending on the state of health and characteristics of the prostate cancer, further monitoring and treatment, such as radiotherapy, may be prescribed.
Once discharged, patients can gradually resume their normal activities of daily living. It is advisable to observe a rest period of a few days, and to avoid strenuous physical exertion.
In the weeks that follow, urinary incontinence and erectile problems may occur. In most patients, these problems disappear with time, but they may persist for a long time. Whenever possible, a nerve-sparing radical prostatectomy is performed to limit erectile dysfunction.