Radical Prostatectomy

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Radical prostatectomy is major surgery that attempts to cure prostate cancer by surgically removing the entire prostate gland plus some of the tissue around it, including the seminal vesicles. There are two primary surgical techniques the radical (open) prostatectomy or laparoscopic. Laparoscopic prostatectomy or LRP has some advantages over the open radical prostatectomy. Some surgeons perform the LRP procedure using a robotic interface. Surgeon's experience, commitment, and focus are the most important factors in determining the clinical success of LRP. Procedure time is typically 2-6 hours. After surgery you will stay in the hospital about 3 days and will probably be away from work for about 3 to 5 weeks.

Benefits and advantages:

• Immediately removes all cancer within the prostate gland
• Long clinical history

Possible risks and side effects:

• Infection
• Urinary incontinence (Stress , Overflow, Urge) up to 36% of men
• Impotence up to 80% of men
• Sterility (the inability to produce children)
• Lymphedema, rare but possible
• Change in penis length up to 15%