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Prostatectomy

Procedure

What is Radical Prostatectomy?

Radical prostatectomy is a surgical procedure to completely remove the prostate gland in order to remove the entire prostate cancer. It is chosen as an option to treat prostate cancer in men whose cancer is limited to the prostate.

What happens before Radical Prostatectomy?

  • Prior to the procedure, Dr. Raghunath will explain you regarding the operation and its risks. Doctor will take a detailed medical history and perform a physical exam to gauge your fitness. You’ll be asked to stop smoking prior to the procedure. You need to inform the doctor regarding any previous known allergies to any medication. He will also suggest some blood and diagnostic tests. You will need to fast eight hours before the procedure.

 

What happens during the procedure?

  • Dr. Raghunath may choose to perform the procedure under general or regional anesthesia. The surgical site will be prepared by the nurse. Your vitals will be monitored during the surgery. A breathing tube will be inserted through your throat for breathing through ventilator. A catheter will be inserted into your bladder to drain urine.
  • During the procedure, the prostate gland and some tissue around the gland are removed. The seminal vesicles may also be removed, if necessary. A drain will be inserted, usually in the right lower area of the incision.
  • Dr. Raghunath recommends laparoscopic or robotic surgery.

 

What happens after the procedure?

  • After the procedure, you will be in the recovery room where your heartbeat, blood pressure and oxygen rate, etc. will be closely monitored. You’ll be given pain medications through IV. Once you’re awake and stable, you’ll be given liquids to drink, slowly advancing to solids. The drain will generally be removed the day after surgery. The urinary catheter will stay in place upon discharge and for about one to three weeks after surgery. Dr. Raghunath will prescribe you pain relievers and tell you about wound and catheter care at home and give you a follow-up schedule.

 

What are the risk of surgery?

Certain complications, like with any surgical procedure, may occur. These may include:

  • Urinary incontinence
  • Urinary leakage or dribbling
  • Impotency (may take up to two years to recover)
  • Sterility
  • Lymphedema (or swelling of soft tissues)
  • Decrease in penis length

If you notice any fever, bleeding, pain or swelling near the incision, obstructed bowel movement or urination, inform Dr. Raghunath immediately.

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Frequently Asked Questions

  • Dummy
    Most patients can resume normal activities within one week, including driving, walking up stairs, light lifting, and work. You are encouraged to engage in light activity while at home after surgery. Speak to your doctor before carrying out any strenuous work.
  • What are the advantages of laparoscopic adrenal gland removal?
    Laparoscopic adrenal gland removal is minimally invasive and more commonly followed these days. Common advantages are:
    • Smaller incisions
    • Shorter hospital stay
    • Les postoperative pain
    • Better cosmesis
    • Reduced risk of herniation or wound separation
    • Faster recovery & return to normal activity
  • Why is my surgeon not choosing laparoscopic method of adrenalectomy for me?
    In a small number of patients the laparoscopic method cannot be performed. In that situation, the operation is converted to an open procedure. The decision to perform the open procedure is a judgment decision made by Dr. Raghunath either before or during the actual operation. When the surgeon feels that it is safest to convert the laparoscopic procedure to an open one, this is not a complication, but rather sound surgical judgment. The decision to convert to an open procedure is strictly based on patient safety.
  • I’m not feeling well after surgery. When should I call my surgeon?
    Contact Dr. Raghunath and his team right away if you experience any of the following post discharge:
    • Persistent fever over 101 degrees F
    • Bleeding
    • Increasing abdominal swelling
    • Pain that is not relieved by your medications
    • Persistent nausea or vomiting
    • Chills
    • Persistent cough or shortness of breath
    • Pus from any incision
    • Redness surrounding any of your incisions that is worsening or getting bigger
    • You are unable to eat or drink liquids