Understanding The Fine Nuances Of Radical Prostatectomy – Part II

Robotic-aided laparoscopic radical prostatectomy

The surgery is conducted through small incisions made in the abdomen that act as access points for the robotic arms that decipher the surgeon’s every hand movement into fine and highly accurate action. This surgery requires an extremely agile and specifically trained doctor to carry out the procedure.

The key objective of open or laparoscopic surgery is the overall removal of all the cancer present that at times would translate to removal of the prostate along with the tissues that surround it. This course of action includes the removal of the cluster of nerves that are interconnected to the penis that has an adverse bearing on the man’s ability in achieving erection. Certain tumors could be eliminated by a nerve-sparing procedure that involves cautiously incising in the area surrounding the nerves without causing any damage to them. The nerve sparing method at times helps in preserving the ability of getting an erection.

Post-Surgery What to Anticipate

Prostatectomy generally needs to be carried under general anesthesia and subsequently, the patient would need to stay hospitalised for nearly two to four days. A fine, pliable tube known as catheter is generally left in the bladder for facilitating urine drainage for a time period of one to three weeks. The doctor would provide information on the independent usage and maintenance of the catheter when one goes back home. Bladder control could be hampered during the initial few months following catheter removal.

Though prostatectomy mostly eradicates all cancerous growths, it is crucial to follow up with the doctor as that could help in timely diagnosis and treatment if the cancer relapses. The regular follow-up routine might comprise of:

• Physical examinations.
• PSA or Prostate-specific antigen tests for keeping track of the PSA levels and measuring the rate of any alterations in those levels. Men in good health exhibit low levels of PSA in the blood. The PSA in the blood usually surges due to prostate enlargement that is directly proportional to age. At times occurrence of a wound, undergoing a digital rectal examination or ejaculation following sexual activity also temporarily increases PSA levels.
• DRE or Digital (finger) Rectal Examination is carried out to diagnose for problems in the organs of the pelvic region and lower abdomen to check for prostate cancer in men.
• A prostate gland biopsy is a test done to check for lumps in the prostate gland or to detect the cause of the elevated PSA levels in the blood.

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