Prostate Cancer Surgery: Your Questions Answered
Posted on: 24 February 2022
Prostate cancer surgery is a big decision. You likely have many questions about this procedure and what to expect. This post will answer some of the most common questions about prostate cancer surgery. Read on to find out more!
1. What is prostate cancer surgery?
Doctors typically remove either all of the gland or just part, depending on how far along they think the cancer has spread and its stage when diagnosed. A radical prostatectomy is the most common type of surgery for prostate cancer. This procedure removes the prostate gland in its entirety and some surrounding tissue to treat the cancer cells. An alternative to this is a transurethral resection (TURP), which typically only removes the inner part of the prostate gland that makes semen.
2. What are the risks and benefits of each type of surgery for prostate cancer patients?
Both types of prostate surgery carry risks. One of the most significant risks is damage to surrounding organs, especially the bladder and rectum. Injury to these organs can lead to bowel problems when you visit the toilet. In rare cases, death can occur from complications related to surgery for prostate cancer. However, in most cases, the benefits outweigh the risks.
3. How can you prepare for prostate cancer surgery?
There are some ways to prepare for prostate cancer surgery. First, most doctors recommend getting in shape physically by losing weight, quitting smoking, and maintaining a healthy diet and exercise regimen before surgery. Doing so can reduce the chances of post-surgical complications due to damaged tissues caused by excess weight or slowed blood flow from poor overall health before prostate cancer treatment.
4. Are there any long-term side effects associated with prostate cancer surgery that patients should be aware of before deciding between treatment options?
Some possible side effects include erectile dysfunction and urinary incontinence. Erectile dysfunction is the inability to develop and maintain an erection for sexual intercourse. Urinary incontinence involves uncontrolled leaking of urine, which can occur while coughing, sneezing, laughing, lifting heavy objects or doing other activities that put pressure on the bladder. These side effects sometimes resolve themselves as time passes after surgery but may last longer or even be permanent in some cases.
If you would like to discover more about prostate surgery, you should speak to your doctor or surgeon today. They will be happy to discuss the different treatment options available to you during your next consultation.
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