A doctor may suggest you to get prostate surgery done if you have prostate cancer, an enlarged prostate or benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH). The surgery may involve partial or complete removal of the prostate, depending on your diagnosis.

Prostate surgery, also known as prostatectomy, can be performed in multiple ways based on the condition of the patient. It can be a minimally invasive surgery, performed with robotic assistance; or it can be a traditional open surgery.

Dr. Nishith Reddy, one of the best urologists in Hyderabad, has several years of experience in conducting prostate surgeries on patients. You can book an appointment with him at Hyderabad Multi-speciality Hospital and get the right consultation regarding your prostate health.

Why Is Prostate Surgery Performed?

As mentioned, prostate surgery is performed on a patient when he has prostate cancer, enlarged prostate or BPH. However, there are some specific goals for this surgery.

Prostate surgery is performed to:

  • Cure the condition you are suffering from
  • Help you maintain the ability to have erections
  • Maintain urinary continence
  • Reduce the probability of side effects
  • Minimize pain during and after the surgery

During a patient consultation, Dr. Nishith Reddy offers a clear picture of what to expect from the surgery and how the recovery phase will go. Based on your condition, the doctor will also create a treatment plan, so that your journey to recovery is absolutely smooth.

What are the Different Types of Prostate Surgery?

Once your condition is diagnosed, the doctor will select particular a prostate surgery that is right for you. For instance, if you have prostate cancer, surgery will be done to remove cancerous tissue. In the case of BPH, the surgery will focus on removing prostate tissue and restoring the normal flow of urine.

Here are the major types of prostate surgery:

i. Open prostatectomy:

The traditional way of performing an open prostate surgery is referred to as an open prostatectomy. During this procedure, the surgeon makes an incision through your skin to remove the prostate and/or nearby tissues.

There are two different approaches to this open prostatectomy:

  • Radical retropubic approach: In this procedure, the surgeon makes a cut from your belly button to your pubic bone. In most cases, the surgeon removes only the prostate. However, if the doctor suspects that cancer has spread, he/she may remove some lymph nodes for testing.
  • Radical perineal approach: In this method, the surgeon makes a cut in the space between the patient’s scrotum and rectum. This approach is generally chosen for people who have other medical conditions that may complicate the retropubic approach. This procedure takes less time than the retropubic approach. However, there is a higher risk of developing erectile dysfunction.

ii. Laparoscopic Surgery:

This is a minimally invasive approach to performing prostate surgery. In today's date, such surgery can be performed in two major ways.

  • Laparoscopic radical prostatectomy: In this surgery, the surgeon makes tiny cuts in the patient’s body to insert small surgical instruments. Generally, the surgeon uses a thin tube with a camera to investigate the affected area.
  • Robotic-assisted laparoscopic radical prostatectomy: In this type of prostate surgery, the surgeon sits in an operating room and gives directions to a robotic arm while monitoring the patient on a computer screen. A robotic arm offers more precision than other procedures.

Dr. Nishith Reddy is one of the finest urologists in Hyderabad who has the expertise to successfully perform prostate surgery. Consult with Dr. Reddy and get the right treatment for your problem.

What to Expect after the Surgery?

Once the surgery is performed, the surgeon will place a catheter into your penis to help you drain your bladder. You will have to live with the catheter for one to two weeks. You will also have to remain in the hospital for a few days after the surgery. However, in most cases, the patients are discharged after 24 hours of the surgery.

The nurse or the doctor will also give you a few instructions regarding how to take care of the area where the surgery is performed. A healthcare worker will remove the catheter once your tests come normal. Then you will be able to urinate on your own.

Based on the type of surgery you have gone through, the site of surgery is most likely to remain sore for several days.

You are also likely to experience:

  • Difficulty holding your urine
  • Irritation in the urinary system
  • Blood in your urine
  • Inflammation of the prostate
  • Urinary tract infection

These symptoms are quite normal after the surgery. However, if any of these symptoms last longer than a few days, it is important that you consult the doctor. Your doctor may advise you to reduce your activity levels, which include sex.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What does prostate surgery do to a man?

A: The side effects of prostate surgery often depend on the approach of the surgery. The common side effects include losing the ability to bladder control and erectile dysfunction. These symptoms can also occur with other forms of treatment for prostate cancer.

Q: What is the average recovery time for prostate surgery?

A: Generally, it takes about four to six weeks to completely recover from the surgery. You will have to visit your doctor several times during the recovery phase to ensure everything is fine with you.

Q: Can you still get an erection if the prostate is removed?

A: Erectile dysfunction is a potential complication of prostate surgery. However, it is possible to recover from erectile dysfunction with the advent of the nerve-sparing radical prostatectomy technique.

Q: Can you have a normal life after prostate surgery?

A: It may time some time to adjust to life after prostate cancer treatment. If you are able to work through the physical side effects, you may be able to get back to the old life. However, in most cases, patients are emotionally exhausted after going through the treatment.