Is prostate surgery a major?

A radical prostatectomy is a major operation with some possible side effects. You may not need this type of surgery if you're an older man with a slow growing prostate cancer. This is because your cancer might grow so slowly that you're more likely to die of old age or other causes than from prostate cancer.

What does prostate surgery do to a man?

Prostate surgery removes not only your entire prostate gland, but it also removes some tissue surrounding your prostate, including the seminal vesicles. These small glands produce the fluid which carries the semen. Some pelvic lymph nodes are usually removed.

How long does it take to recover from prostate surgery?

You should be back to your normal routine in about four to six weeks. You'll need to see your doctor a few times to make sure everything is OK. Most men see their doctors after about six weeks and then again every three months for the first year, and twice in the second year after surgery.

What are the two types of prostate surgery?

1. Retropubic prostatectomy : A surgeon removes the prostate through an incision in the wall of the abdomen. ...

2. Perineal prostatectomy : A surgeon removes the prostate through an incision in the region between the testicles and anus.

Can you still get an erection if prostate is removed?

Erectile dysfunction following radical prostatectomy for clinically localized prostate cancer is a known potential complication of the surgery. With the advent of the nerve-sparing radical prostatectomy technique, many men can expect to recover erectile function in the current era.

What is the downside of having your prostate removed?

The major possible side effects of radical prostatectomy are urinary incontinence (being unable to control urine) and erectile dysfunction (impotence; problems getting or keeping erections). These side effects can also occur with other forms of prostate cancer treatment.

Can a man live without his prostate?

So if we remove the prostate, what is starting stopping urinary flow? The answer is nothing! If there is urine in the bladder (and there always is), it will flow right through to the outside. Men without a prostate need another way to gain control over urination.