Radical prostatectomy

Radical prostatectomy is a surgical procedure performed to remove the prostate gland, which is a walnut-sized gland located below the bladder in men. It is commonly used as a treatment option for localized prostate cancer, where the cancer is confined to the prostate gland and has not spread to other parts of the body. Radical prostatectomy aims to remove the entire prostate gland along with nearby lymph nodes, if necessary, to effectively treat the cancer 

Indications for Radical Prostatectomy at Sterling Hospitals: 

  • Prostate cancer: Radical prostatectomy is a common treatment option for localized prostate cancer, where the cancer is confined to the prostate gland and has not spread to other parts of the body. 
  • High-risk prostate cancer: Radical prostatectomy may be recommended for patients with high-risk prostate cancer, which includes aggressive or advanced tumors, based on the evaluation of various factors such as Gleason score, PSA levels, and clinical stage. 

Types of Radical Prostatectomy at Sterling Hospitals: 

  • Open radical prostatectomy: This is the traditional approach where a long incision is made in the lower abdomen to access and remove the prostate gland. It allows for a comprehensive removal of the prostate and nearby lymph nodes if necessary. 
  • Laparoscopic radical prostatectomy: This is a minimally invasive approach where several small incisions are made in the abdomen to insert a laparoscope and other surgical instruments to remove the prostate gland. It offers smaller incisions, less blood loss, and quicker recovery compared to open surgery. 
  • Robot-assisted radical prostatectomy: This is a type of laparoscopic surgery where a robotic system is used to assist the surgeon in performing the procedure with greater precision and control. It allows for enhanced visualization and maneuverability, resulting in faster recovery and less postoperative pain. 

Recovery after Radical Prostatectomy at Sterling Hospitals: 

  • Hospital stay: The length of hospital stay may vary depending on the type of surgery and individual patient factors, but it typically ranges from 1-3 days for minimally invasive approaches and slightly longer for open surgery. 
  • Pain management: Pain medication will be provided to manage postoperative pain, and patients are encouraged to follow the prescribed pain management plan. 
  • Catheterization: A urinary catheter may be placed to drain urine from the bladder after surgery. It is usually removed within a few days to weeks, depending on the individual's recovery progress. 
  • Activity and diet: Patients are encouraged to gradually resume normal activities, including walking and light exercises, as guided by their surgical team. A healthy diet and adequate hydration are important for recovery. 
  • Follow-up appointments: Regular follow-up appointments will be scheduled to monitor the recovery progress, assess urinary and sexual function, and monitor for any potential complications. 
  • Rehabilitation: In some cases, patients may require pelvic floor exercises or other forms of rehabilitation to restore urinary continence and sexual function after surgery. 

It's important to note that recovery timelines may vary for each individual, and it's essential to follow the postoperative care instructions provided by the surgical team for optimal recovery after radical prostatectomy.