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The Role of Surgery in Treating Prostate Cancer

Surgery is a common and effective treatment option for prostate cancer, especially for patients with localized disease where the cancer is confined to the prostate gland. The primary surgical procedure is a radical prostatectomy, which involves removing the entire prostate gland along with some surrounding tissues.

Types of Prostate Cancer Surgery

Radical Prostatectomy

This surgery aims to remove the prostate and the cancer contained within. It provides a potential cure for many men by completely excising the tumor.

There are several approaches to radical prostatectomy:

  • Open prostatectomy: Traditional surgery through a single large incision in the lower abdomen or perineum (area between scrotum and anus).
  • Laparoscopic prostatectomy: Minimally invasive surgery using several small incisions with instruments to remove the prostate, resulting in less blood loss and quicker recovery.
  • Robotic-assisted prostatectomy: A surgeon controls robotic arms through small incisions for highly precise prostate removal. This is the current standard approach due to better visualization and nerve-sparing capabilities, which can improve outcomes related to urinary continence and erectile function.

Additional Procedures

  • Pelvic lymph node dissection: Removal of nearby lymph nodes to check for cancer spread, often done along with radical prostatectomy depending on cancer risk.
  • Transurethral resection of the prostate (TURP): Not a curative procedure, TURP helps relieve urinary symptoms caused by prostate enlargement or blocked urethra.

Benefits of Surgery

  • Provides definitive cancer control and potential cure, especially when cancer is localized.
  • Robotic surgery offers less blood loss, less postoperative pain, shorter hospital stays, and faster return to normal activities.
  • Nerve-sparing techniques during surgery aim to preserve sexual function and urinary control, enhancing quality of life after treatment.

Risks and Side Effects

  • Urinary incontinence: Leakage or loss of bladder control is common initially but often improves over time; some patients may require long-term management.
  • Erectile dysfunction: Damage to nerves controlling erections may occur despite nerve-sparing efforts, affecting sexual function.
  • Surgical risks: Bleeding, infection, blood clots, and injury to nearby organs are possible complications.
  • Fertility loss: Removal of the prostate affects semen production, leading to dry orgasms and infertility.
  • Some men choose sperm banking prior to surgery if they wish to have children later.

What to Expect Before and After Surgery

  • Preoperative assessment includes imaging, PSA tests, and consultation with the surgical team.
  • Surgery usually takes 2–3 hours under general anesthesia.
  • A urinary catheter is placed after surgery to aid bladder drainage during recovery, typically removed within 1–2 weeks.
  • Hospital stay is often 1–3 days with gradual return to normal activities over several weeks.

Surgery, particularly radical prostatectomy, remains a cornerstone in prostate cancer treatment that offers high cure rates for localized disease. Discuss with your doctor about surgical options, including robotic-assisted approaches, to determine the best individualized treatment plan based on your cancer stage, health, and personal priorities. With skilled surgeons and modern techniques available in Singapore, many men achieve excellent outcomes and maintain quality of life after prostate cancer surgery.

 

Disclaimer: The content for this article is for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult your oncologist with any questions regarding a medical condition. Do not disregard medical advice or delay seeking it based on information from this site.

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