A radical prostatectomy was an operation which was done to remove the prostate gland & some of the tissue surrounding it. Lymph nodes near the prostate will also removed at the same time it was done to remove prostate cancer. Once the prostate was removed it will be studied by a pathologist to provide an exact assessment of the extent & grade of the cancer. Radical prostatectomy was one of the treatment option for the men with localized prostate cancer. If cancer returns after when you received radiation therapy, best with a type of surgery known as salvage radical prostatectomy.
This operation may be performed either by open surgery (or) it may be performed by laparoscopic surgery through a small incisions.
OPEN RADICAL PROSTATECTOMY:
-
In open surgery, the doctor makes a cut or incision to reach the prostate gland. Based on the case, the cut or incision was made either in the perineum between the scrotum or anus or in the lower belly.
-
When the incision was done in the lower belly, it is know as the retropubic approach. The doctor may also remove lymph nodes in this area so that they will be tested for cancer.
-
When the incision or cut was made in the perineum, it was called as the perineal approach. After this surgery the recovery time will be shorter than with the retropubic approach.
-
If the doctor desires to remove the lymph nodes for the further investigation and testing, he or she needs to make a separate incision. If the lymph nodes were believed to be free of cancer depends on the grade of the cancer & results of the PSA test, the doctor will not remove lymph nodes.
LAPROSCOPY RADICAL PROSTATECTOMY:
-
For laparoscopic operation, the doctor will make several small cuts or incisions in the belly.
-
A lighted viewing instrument known as a laparoscope which was inserted into one of the incision. The doctor will uses some special instruments to reach & remove the prostate by the other incisions.
Radical prostatectomy was usually effective in treating prostate cancer which was not spread. This was called as early-stage cancer.
