What Should You Know About an Operation to Remove Prostate Cancer?

A surgeon removes the prostate and seminal vesicles, and may examine or remove nearby lymph nodes. The operation can be performed through an open incision or with keyhole techniques, including robotic assistance. The choice depends on the cancer's grade and stage, your general health, previous treatment, and the team's experience. The urethra is reconnected to the bladder, and a catheter supports healing while that connection settles.

Because the prostate sits close to the bladder, bowel, and nerves involved in erections, urinary leakage and changes in sexual function can occur after surgery. Recovery differs between people, and improvement may continue over time. A pathology report after surgery helps the team decide whether monitoring or additional treatment is needed.

Before the operation, review medicines that affect bleeding, arrange transport, and plan practical help for washing, meals, and shopping. Learn how to care for the catheter and incision before leaving hospital. Short walks, prescribed exercises, hydration, and avoiding heavy lifting can support recovery; follow your own discharge plan for timing. Pelvic-floor exercises are often taught to help regain urinary control, but they should be started as advised by your clinician.

Follow-up usually covers catheter removal, wound healing, urinary control, sexual wellbeing, and the pathology result. If you have difficulty passing urine before treatment, mention it clearly because it may affect assessment and planning.

Contact your care team for fever, worsening wound redness or discharge, increasing pain, persistent vomiting, or a catheter that stops draining. Seek urgent help for sudden breathlessness, chest pain, fainting, or a painful swollen leg. New heavy bleeding, severe abdominal pain, or inability to pass urine after the catheter is removed needs prompt assessment. Keep your hospital's emergency contact details accessible during recovery.

Ask whether surgery is suitable for the stage and grade of your cancer, which approach is proposed, and whether lymph nodes will be assessed. Discuss expected urinary and sexual effects, nerve-sparing options, catheter care, pelvic-floor support, and the plan if cancer remains at the edges of the removed tissue. Ask how surgery compares with radiotherapy, brachytherapy, or other treatments for your circumstances.