Does prostate removal surgery treat prostate cancer?

A prostatectomy removes the prostate gland and may also remove nearby tissues or lymph nodes, depending on the cancer assessment. It is generally considered when the cancer is confined to an area that surgery can address. The choice depends on the cancer's grade and stage, your general health, urinary function, sexual function, and personal preferences.

The operation can be performed through open or minimally invasive techniques. Possible effects include temporary or ongoing changes in urine control and erections, and recovery differs between people. Your team will explain whether other treatments may be needed before or after surgery.

Ask your urology and oncology team to explain the aim of surgery, alternatives, expected recovery, and how treatment may affect daily life. Bring a list of medicines and existing health conditions. Before consenting, make sure you understand the planned procedure, follow-up, and warning signs after discharge.

After surgery, contact your care team promptly for fever, worsening wound redness or drainage, inability to pass urine, heavy bleeding, chest pain, or sudden shortness of breath. Seek emergency help for severe breathing difficulty, collapse, or sudden one-sided weakness.

Ask whether your cancer is localized, what the operation would remove, and whether lymph-node assessment is planned. Discuss urinary and sexual side effects, rehabilitation, alternatives such as radiotherapy or monitoring, and how recurrence would be checked.