Prostate Gland Surgery: What to Expect

Prostate gland surgery is sometimes needed for the treatment of prostate cancer. Knowing what to expect during and after the procedure can help you feel more confident and relaxed.

According to the American Cancer Society, the most common type of surgery used for prostate cancer is the radical prostatectomy in which the entire prostate gland, including some surrounding tissue, is removed.

SPECIAL: The One Thing You Should Do for Your Prostate Every Morning

The surgery can either be performed by making one long incision in the skin, either in the lower abdomen or in the area between the scrotum and the anus, to remove the prostate gland. This method, called an open surgery, is becoming less common now that laparoscopic procedures are gaining popularity. These procedures use several small incisions and sometimes robotic instruments and tiny video cameras to precisely gain access to the prostate and remove it.

The Seattle Cancer Care Alliance says most men will need to stay in the hospital overnight following prostate gland surgery. It may take up to two weeks of recovery time at home before returning to work and as many as six weeks to resume all normal activity.

ALERT: Prostate Size Can Greatly Affect Quality of Life and Sleep. What Size Is Yours? See This Photo.

Most of the pain following surgery is adequately managed by taking ibuprofen or acetaminophen, SCCA says. There may also be some temporary swelling in the scrotum, legs, and abdomen. Men waking up from prostate surgery will also have a catheter in place to drain urine into a bag. This will need to be managed at home for a week or two following surgery.

While prostate gland surgery is effective at removing prostate cancer that has not spread, WebMD says there are some significant side effects and risks of having the surgery. Among the most serious risks are those related to sexual function. Because the nerves that control erectile function lie close to the prostate gland, they can be damaged during surgery resulting in erectile dysfunction that could be permanent for some. There is also the risk of urinary incontinence for as many as half the men who undergo surgery.

Prostate surgery is a serious undertaking, and it is an option that should be weighed carefully with the help of a physician.

EDITOR'S NOTE: How One Household Plant Has Been Shown to Improve Prostate Function

Related Stories:

• Prostate Gland Surgery: Is It Really Necessary?
  
• Prostate Removal: What to Expect After It’s Done