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What is Prostatectomy?
Prostatectomy is a surgical procedure that is performed to remove a diseased prostate gland. Prostatectomy can also be done to remove an enlarged prostate gland. This is known as simple prostatectomy. When a prostatectomy is performed to treat prostate cancer, it is known as radical prostatectomy.
Prostatectomy may be performed by an open surgery method or by laparoscopy. Laparoscopic prostatectomy may be performed either manually or by using robotic approach. This type of laparoscopy is known as robot-assisted prostatectomy.
What are the different methods of Prostatectomy?
How to Prepare for Prostatectomy?
- Radical Retropubic Prostatectomy
In radical retropubic prostatectomy, an incision is made in the abdomen, below the navel extending up to the pubic bone. The duration of this type of prostatectomy can take up to four hours.
- Laparoscopic Radical Prostatectomy
In laparoscopic radical prostatectomy, several small incisions are made in the patient’s abdomen. A laparoscope, which is an endoscopic tube with a camera attached to it, is inserted through one of these cuts. This helps the surgeon to view the insides of the patient’s abdomen. Other surgical tools are also inserted and the surgery is performed.
- Robot-Assisted Laparoscopic Prostatectomy
Occasionally, laparoscopic surgery may be performed using a robotic system. The surgeon uses a computer to move the robotic arms that performs the surgery.
- Radical Perineal Prostatectomy
In radical perineal prostatectomy, an incision is made on the skin that is between the perineum, which is the scrotum, and the anus. Compilations include nerve damage and difficulty in removing lymph nodes.
- The patient is physically examined to ensure that the patient is in a good condition to undergo surgery.
- The patient may need to give some tests like blood and urine analysis, transrectal ultrasound, prostate biopsy, bone scan, CT scan and MRI.
- The doctor should be informed about any medication that the patient is taking with or without a prescription. These may include supplements or herbs or drugs.
- Certain medication that the patient is taking may be stopped two weeks before the surgery.
- The doctor should be informed if the patient has any ailments or medical conditions.
- The patient must stop smoking to ensure a quick recovery.
- The patient may be required to take laxative medicine on the evening ahead of the surgery if the patient’s intestine needs to be cleaned.
Duration of procedure/surgery : 3 to 4 hours
Days admitted : 2 to 3 days
Anesthesia : Spinal, epidural or general anesthesia
Recovery : - The dressing is frequently changed for a proper drainage.
- If drainage tubes are used, they will be removed in two days after the surgery.
- A urinary catheter will be attached for five to 14 days after the patient’s discharge.
- After the surgery, the patient’s penis and scrotum will be swollen for four to seven days.
- Pain medication may be provided, which is delivered by an epidural or an intravenous method. Oral pain medication will be prescribed after the patient is discharged.
Risks : Risks of anesthesia include:
- Breathing difficulty
- Allergic reaction to medication
Risks of any surgery include:
- Blood clotting
Risks of prostatectomy include:
- Urinary Incontinence
- Rectal injury
- Bowel incontinence
- Urethral stricture, in which the urinary outlet is tightened due to scar tissue
After care : - To prevent pneumonia, the patient may be required to use an incentive spirometer that helps in deep breathing.
- To prevent blood clots the patient needs to walk and do some leg exercises.
- The patient may be allowed to take liquid diet after the surgery and later solid food is allowed.
- The patient can take sponge baths before the dressings are removed.
- After the dressings are removed, the patient may start taking showers.
- The incision area should not be scrubbed while bathing.
- The patient should avoid lifting heavy objects for three weeks after the surgery.
- The patient can do some light physical exercises such as walking and jogging.
- Abdominal exercises and cycling should not be done for six weeks after the surgery.
- Once the catheter is removed, the patient can start driving.
- The catheter should be cleaned twice a day and the urine bag should be emptied frequently. The bag should be placed in a level that is lower than the patients’ bladder.
- The doctor will teach the patient how to do some exercises to strengthen the bladder muscles, which helps in managing incontinence. If the patient is not able to regain control by six months, the doctor should be consulted.
- Skin rashes may occur due to urinary incontinence. The patient needs to consult the doctor and use some skin barrier or ointments to ease the symptoms.
- The patient is required to take high amounts of water and include roughage in the diet to manage constipation.
- The patient can consult the doctor to manage impotence.
The doctor should be consulted immediately if the following symptoms are detected:
- pain while urinating
- swelling of feet or legs
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