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What Is The Procedure For Prostate Surgery

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Risks Of The Procedure

Radical prostatectomy surgery: What to expect

As with any surgical procedure, certain complications can occur. Somepossible complications of both the retropubic and perineal approaches to RPmay include:

Some risks associated with surgery and anesthesia in general include:

  • Reactions to medications, such as anesthesia

  • Difficulty with breathing

  • Bleeding

  • Infection

One risk associated with the retropubic approach is the potential forrectal injury, causing fecal incontinence or urgency.

There may be other risks depending on your specific medical condition. Besure to discuss any concerns with your doctor prior to the procedure.

Common Side Effects Of Turp

Common side effects after surgery include:

  • bleeding after the operation this usually reduces over time and should stop after four weeks
  • retrograde ejaculation most men are able to have erections and orgasms after surgery to treat an enlarged prostate. However, they may not ejaculate because the bladder neck is removed along with prostate tissue. This causes the ejaculate to collect with urine and pass out of the body in the next urination.

Surgery May Be Required To Treat A Range Of Conditions That Affect The Prostate Here We Take A Look At The Three Most Common Types Of Prostate Surgery

Prostate surgery is a very effective treatment for a number of conditions, the two most common being prostate cancer and benign prostatic hypertrophy .

In the case of cancer, these procedures are performed to stop the spread of malignant cells. For BPH, surgery may be required to relieve symptoms that are making it difficult to urinate, which can have a significant impact on quality of life.

Recommended Reading: How To Reduce Prostate Inflamation

Common Side Effects Often Observed After Surgeries

The type and severity of these adverse effects will depend on the exact intervention you receive.

Typically, minimally invasive techniques have fewer and less severe side effects compared to their invasive counterparts.

Some side effects are short-lived, while others persist for many years after surgery. Discuss with your doctor to help you identify the best treatment for your specific prostate condition.

How Bad Is The Pain After Prostate Surgery

Latest and Painless Surgery for Enlarged Prostate with ...

The level of pain is lower than that of open prostatectomy, due to smaller incisions. However, you will be administered pain medication both orally and intravenously, through an IV. Make sure you have someone to pick you up from the hospital, as you wont be able to drive right away. Ask your doctor to recommend some pain medication and dosages that you can take from home most common ones are Tylenol or Ibuprofen. Even though the recovery is fast, you should get plenty of rest and not force yourself with lifting weights or exercises in the first few weeks.

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Why Turp Is Carried Out

TURP is;often;recommended;when;prostate enlargement causes troublesome symptoms and fails to respond to treatment with medication.

Symptoms that may improve after TURP include:

  • problems starting to urinate
  • a weak urine flow or stopping and starting
  • having to strain to pass urine
  • a frequent need to urinate
  • waking up frequently during the night to urinate
  • a sudden urge to urinate
  • being unable to empty your bladder fully

When It Would Be Performed

Your urologist will initially try to control your lower urinary tract symptoms with oral medications.;In most cases, prostate enlargement symptoms will improve.

However, you might have a very large prostate gland that does not respond to conventional treatments. If that is the case, your doctor might consider laser treatment as an option.;

It all depends on your health, the size of your prostate in imaging tests, and whether the equipment is available and the doctor is trained in this technique .

Read Also: How To Massage Your Own Prostate Gland

Are There Differences Between Orp Lrp And Ralrp

According to a 2010 of different surgery types for prostate cancer, the outcomes for open radical prostatectomy , laparoscopic , and robotic-assisted prostatectomy are not significantly different.

But people who choose LRP and RALRP may experience:

  • less blood loss
  • shorter hospital stay
  • faster recovery time

Also, people who choose RALRP report faster recovery in continence and decreased hospital stay, in comparison to LRP. But the overall outcomes still depend on the surgeons experience and skill.

Where Can I Find Prostate Cancer Support Groups

Prostate Surgery: Prostatectomy

Even though once you complete the surgery you most likely will find yourself cancer-free, the anxiety and stress may never totally go away. The support of your friends and family is essential in these moments, but the most relief you will find is among people that have gone through the same experience.

We advise you to search locally for prostate cancer or cancer survivors support groups and discuss your journey in beating this. You will find there plenty of people that lived through the same emotions and painful experiences and you will gather your strength to overcome this and not let it define the rest of your life.

If physical presence is not an option for you, there are plenty of forums and online communities that gather around this subject. You can find people that share their experiences and advice below:

  • https://www.cancerforums.net/forums/14-Prostate-Cancer-Forum
  • http://community.prostatecanceruk.org/
  • http://www.topix.com/forum/health/prostate-cancer

Prostate cancer surgery is not as severe of a surgery as other ones. The recovery, especially after robotic surgery, usually lasts up to 2 to 3 weeks and patients can return to work and to living their normal lives.

Also Check: What Is The Va Disability Rating For Prostate Cancer

Types Of Radical Prostatectomy

There are three main types of radical prostatectomy:

  • Retropubic. In this procedure, the surgeon uses an incision in the lower abdomen to remove the prostate and the lymph nodes for examination. This procedure allows for a nerve-sparing approach, which can lower but not totally eliminate the risk of impotence following surgery. In the nerve-sparing approach, the surgeon tries to preserve one or both of the small nerve bundles needed for unassisted erections. However, if the cancer has spread to the nerves, this approach may not be advised.
  • Laparoscopic. In this recently developed procedure, the prostate is removed in a fashion similar to a retropubic prostatectomy, but the procedure is performed through five very small incisions using lighted, magnified scopes and cameras. The prostate specimen is then removed in a small bag through one of the incisions, which is expanded to 2 to 3 cm to allow specimen removal.Potential benefits of this procedure are less pain and earlier return to full activities. Nerve-sparing methods and lymph node dissections can be performed with this technique as well.
  • Perineal. In this procedure, the prostate is removed through an incision in the skin between the scrotum and anus. The lymph nodes can’t be removed through this incision. If the lymph nodes need to be examined, removal can be done through a small abdominal incision or by a laparoscopic procedure. A nerve-sparing approach can be performed perineally.

Minimally Invasive Prostate Surgery

The problem with almost all of procedures is that they damage the prostate and therefore cause short or even long-term consequences euphemistically referred to as side effects.

The only difference between them is that they use different technologies but it doesnt matter how you damage the prostate, it is damage. Exceptions to this are uro lift since it just relieves pressure on the urethra but even that is still invasive.

Of all the procedures that cause damage to the prostate probably rezum causes the least amount of damage.

The only truly minimally invasive procedure which does not damage the prostate is prostate artery embolization.

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Lower Risk Of Bladder Neck Contracture

When the prostate gland is removed , the urinary tract must be put back together by sewing the urethra to the bladder. As this junction heals, it tends to narrow, which can lead to significant problems urinating. This condition is called bladder neck contracture . According to the medical literature, as many as 1 in 5 men develop BNC following prostate surgery. William A. See, MD, Medical College of Wisconsin urologic surgeon, has pioneered a new technique for urinary tract reconstruction called intussuscepted vesico-urethral anastomosis .;

Based on data from hundreds of surgeries at Froedtert & the Medical College, this technique appears to reduce significantly the risk of developing BNC. For well-selected patients, the risk is approximately 1 in 400. IVUA can be performed in an open prostatectomy, but at this time it cannot be performed robotically.

Risks Of Prostate Surgery

Laparoscopic prostate surgery

The risks with any type of radical prostatectomy are much like those of any major surgery. Problems during or shortly after the operation can include:

  • Reactions to anesthesia
  • Blood clots in the legs or lungs
  • Damage to nearby organs
  • Infections at the surgery site.

Rarely, part of the intestine might be injured during surgery, which could lead to infections in the abdomen and might require more surgery to fix. Injuries to the intestines are more common with laparoscopic and robotic surgeries than with the open approach.

If lymph nodes are removed, a collection of lymph fluid can form and may need to be drained.

In extremely rare cases, a man can die because of complications of this operation. Your risk depends, in part, on your overall health, your age, and the skill of your surgical team.

Also Check: How Large Is An Enlarged Prostate

What Is The Prostate Gland

The prostate gland is about the size of a walnut and surrounds the neck ofa man’s bladder and urethrathe tube that carries urine from the bladder.It’s partly muscular and partly glandular, with ducts opening into theprostatic portion of the urethra. It’s made up of three lobes, a centerlobe with one lobe on each side.

As part of the male reproductive system, the prostate gland’s primaryfunction is to secrete a slightly alkaline fluid that forms part of theseminal fluid , a fluid that carries sperm. During male climax, the muscular glands of the prostate help to propel the prostatefluid, in addition to sperm that was produced in the testicles, into theurethra. The semen then travels through the tip of the penis duringejaculation.

Researchers don’t know all the functions of the prostate gland. However,the prostate gland plays an important role in both sexual and urinaryfunction. It’s common for the prostate gland to become enlarged as a manages, and it’s also likely for a man to encounter some type of prostateproblem in his lifetime.

Many common problems that don’t require a radical prostatectomy areassociated with the prostate gland. These problems may occur in men of allages and include:

Cancer of the prostate is a common and serious health concern. According tothe American Cancer Society, prostate cancer is the most common form ofcancer in men older than age 50, and the third leading cause of death fromcancer.

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Other Forms Of Treatment For Benign Prostate Disease

Other forms of treatment may include:

  • monitor symptoms the condition is monitored closely. Treatment only begins once the condition has progressed and is causing problems
  • medical treatment symptoms of benign enlargement can be treated by medications that relax the muscles around the bladder or that shrink the prostate and delay the need for surgery.

Read Also: How Far In Is Your Prostate

What Are The Risks And Potential Complications Of A Turp

As with all surgeries, a TURP involves risks and possible complications. Most TURP procedures are successful, but complications may become serious and life threatening in some cases. Complications can develop during surgery or recovery.

General risks of surgery;

The general risks of surgery include:;

  • Anesthesia reaction, such as an and problems with breathing

  • Bleeding, which can lead to shock

  • , in particular a that develops in the leg or pelvis. A DVT can travel to your lungs and cause a .

  • Infection;
  • Abnormal flow of semen into the bladder instead of out the urethra

  • Damage to nearby organs and tissues including the urethra, bladder or rectum

  • Damage to tissue around the prostate due to buildup of fluid

  • , which is problems having or keeping an erection

  • Infertility

  • Scar tissue on the urethra, which could tighten the urethra and cause a urethral narrowing, or stricture, making it difficult to urinate

  • Urinary or bowel incontinence

Reducing your risk of complications

You can reduce the risk of certain complications by following your treatment plan and:

  • Following activity, dietary and lifestyle restrictions and recommendations before surgery and during recovery

  • Notifying your doctor immediately of any concerns, such as bleeding, , fever, increase in pain, or decreased urination

  • Seeing your doctor as instructed before and after surgery

  • Taking your medications exactly as directed

  • Telling all members of your care team if you have any allergies

Prostatectomy: What To Expect

Radical Prostatectomy (Prostate Cancer Surgery)

Many prostate cancer patients dont need surgery. But for young patients with prostate cancer that hasnt spread, a surgery called a prostatectomy can help them become cancer-free and put prostate cancer treatment behind them. John Davis, M.D., a urologist who performs hundreds of prostatectomies each year, explains what patients undergoing this procedure can expect, including prostatectomy side effects and risks.

What is a prostatectomy?

A prostatectomy is the surgical removal of all or part of the prostate gland. Prostate cancer surgery types include:

  • Robotic prostate cancer surgery: In this procedure, called robotic radical prostatectomy, a surgeon makes several small incisions in the lower abdomen and uses a robotic device to remove the prostate.
  • Open radical prostatectomy: The surgeon makes one large incision in the lower abdomen to remove the prostate.

Robotic radical prostatectomies have become increasingly common over the years, and most surgeons prefer to conduct the procedure this way because its a little easier on them. But its important to know that both methods are safe.

Who needs a prostatectomy?

For some patients, prostatectomies will be the only treatment they undergo. Others who may have a difficult time recovering from surgery or have more advanced cancer may also have chemotherapy or hormone therapy treatment as well.;

How long does it take to recover from a prostatectomy?

What side effects do patients experience following prostate removal?

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Preparing For The Procedure

Your doctor will recommend you stop taking medications that might increase the risk of bleeding after surgery. These medications include:

  • Nonprescription pain relievers such as naproxen sodium or ibuprofen
  • Blood thinners such as clopidogrel or warfarin

Also, you may have to take prescription antibiotics to prevent any infections in the urinary tract.

Due to a catheter in your bladder and the impact of anesthesia, you wont be able to drive back home after surgery. Therefore, be sure to arrange transportation beforehand.

You may not be able to go back to work or engage in strenuous physical activities for about six weeks after surgery. Generally, it is best to discuss recovery with your doctor.

Why The Procedure Is Performed

An enlarged prostate can make it hard for you to urinate. You may also get urinary tract infections. Removing all, or part, of the prostate gland can make these symptoms better. Before you have surgery, your doctor may tell you changes you can make in how you eat or drink. You may also try some medicines.

Prostate removal may be recommended if you:

  • Cannot completely empty your bladder
  • Have repeat urinary tract infections
  • Have bleeding from your prostate
  • Have bladder stones with your enlarged prostate
  • Urinate very slowly
  • Took medicines, and they did not help your symptoms or you no longer want to take them

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How Do I Prepare For A Simple Prostatectomy

Your doctor will do a thorough check of your health. If you have health conditions such as diabetes, heart disease, lung problems, or high blood pressure, they need to be under control before surgery. If youre in poor health and cant undergo anesthesia or surgery, a simple prostatectomy is probably not your best option.

Your doctor will order many tests and scans before your surgery to learn as much as possible about your condition. These will likely include:

  • blood tests to check for other health conditions
  • an ultrasound to get images of your prostate gland and nearby organs
  • a biopsy of the prostate, to obtain a small sample for analysis
  • a CT scan or MRI of your abdomen and pelvis

Be sure to tell your doctor if you take any drugs or vitamins, especially any medicines that thin your blood. Blood-thinning medications can cause complications and excessive bleeding during surgery. Examples of these drugs and vitamins include:

  • warfarin
  • vitamin E
  • newer blood thinners, such as eliquis, pradaxa, and xarelto

Do not eat or drink after midnight on the night before surgery. This will ensure you avoid complications with the anesthesia. You may need to drink only clear liquids and take a laxative the day before surgery to clear your digestive system.

Reasons For The Procedure

Prostate surgery

The goal of radical prostatectomy is to remove all prostate cancer. RP isused when the cancer is believed to be confined to the prostate gland.During the procedure, the prostate gland and some tissue around the gland,including the seminal vesicles, are removed. The seminal vesicles are thetwo sacs that connect to the vas deferens , and secrete semen.Other less common reasons for radical prostatectomy include:

  • Inability to completely empty the bladder

  • Recurrent bleeding from the prostate

  • Bladder stones with prostate enlargement

  • Very slow urination

  • Increased pressure on the ureters and kidneys from urinary retention

There may be other reasons for your doctor to recommend a prostatectomy.

Read Also: Does Enlarged Prostate Cause Constipation

Prostate Surgery: Is There An Alternative To Turp

Mayfair May 02, 2018

As men age, their prostate grows; its a fact of life. It’s usually not a serious problem, but over 30 percent of men aged 50 and over require treatment for an enlarged prostate and for some of them that means surgery.

The prostate gland sits underneath the bladder and surrounds part of the urethra, the tube that carries urine and semen out of your penis. Normally, its the size and shape of a walnut, but as men age it can sometimes get too big and start to squeeze the urethra. This is called benign prostatic hyperplasia . It can disturb sleep with frequent urination overnight, or cause a hard time urinating or a weak stream when you do start.

BPH is not prostate cancer, nor does it make you more likely to get it. Its a common condition with a number of treatment options, ranging from lifestyle changes to medication to surgery. Your health care practitioner can help you determine the best option for you based on your age, health, and current symptoms.

In cases of surgery, the most commonly performed procedure is a transurethral resection of the prostate . Very large prostates are not effectively treated with TURP, so an open surgery is usually performed to completely or partially remove the enlarged prostate. These are not the only options however. Mayfair Diagnostics radiologists have been successfully performing prostate artery embolization procedures as an alternative to surgery in Calgary hospitals since 2012.

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