Radical prostatectomy refers to the surgical removal of the entire prostate. It may also require the removal of the surrounding tissues, a portion of the urethra, and the seminal vesicles. It is a very delicate process that can be performed only by a highly-skilled and experienced urologist or a high-precision robot because one wrong move and the patient will have urination and erection problems for the rest of his life.
Robot-assisted radical prostatectomy
In a normal setting, no man would ever want to have his prostate gland removed. It is, after all, related to his sexual organ and there alternative treatments available that they can try first. Only in the following cases would urologists strongly advise their patients to have their prostate gland removed:
1. Severe case of benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) — Prostate enlargement is as natural as the graying of hair in men. However, urologists advice their patients to get prostate removal if the prostate is greatly enlarged and, as a result, caused considerable damage to the wall bladder. Patients who are suffering from obesity are more likely to be advised to have their prostate removed than normal, healthy patients.
2. Cancer is limited to the prostate gland — If your urologist has determined that your cancer is confined to your prostate gland and has not spread to the nearby areas, then radical prostatectomy is the most effective form of treatment currently available. Your urologist will use the TNM (Tumor, Node, Metastasis) staging system to determine whether you are a suitable candidate for this operation along with other exams in his arsenal. Before you agree to it, get informed and find out the pros and cons of radical prostatectomy.
