SURGERY

 

Radical Prostatectomy

Treatment with this type of surgery is done in healthy men, usually under the age of 75, with early stages of prostate cancer.  It removes the entire prostate gland, and seminal vesicles (these are just above the prostate and store semen).  It is usually done through an incision in the lower abdomen and is called a radical retropubic prostatectomy.

 

Transurethral resection of the prostate (TURP) or Transurethral prostatectomy

This type of surgery does not remove the whole prostate and it not a cure.  It is often done to help problems caused by the cancer, such as a difficult urine flow.  Tissue is removed from the prostate through an instrument that is passed through the urethra (the tube that carries urine from your bladder, out of your body).  It is most commonly used to relieve symptoms of noncancerous growth of the prostate.

 

Possible Side Effects of Surgery    

The major side effects of prostate surgery include erectile dysfunction and incontinence.  Other complications such as infection and problems with the wound are common to any surgery.