Surgical Procedure for Prostate Cancer: What to Know

The operation may also include removing nearby lymph nodes when the cancer team needs more information or believes they may contain cancer cells. Your urologist and oncology team will weigh the cancer's grade and stage, your urinary and sexual health, medicines, and other conditions before recommending a plan.

A prostatectomy removes the prostate gland and may remove the seminal vesicles and nearby lymph nodes. The surgeon can reach the prostate through an open incision or through several small openings using keyhole instruments. Robotic assistance is one way a keyhole operation may be performed; it does not change the need for careful cancer planning.

Because the prostate sits close to the bladder outlet, urethra, nerves, and muscles that control urine, recovery can include temporary urinary leakage or changes in erections. These effects vary, and your team can discuss treatments, pelvic-floor exercises, continence products, and sexual-health support.

Before surgery, bring a complete medicines and supplement list, follow instructions about eating and drinking, and ask when to stop medicines that affect bleeding. Arrange transport and practical help at home. A urinary catheter is commonly used for a period after the operation; the team will explain how to care for it and when it will be removed.

During recovery, walk as advised, drink according to your team's instructions, keep the wound clean, and avoid strenuous lifting until cleared. Keep follow-up appointments so the surgical result, urine control, sexual function, and any need for further treatment can be reviewed.

Contact your surgical team promptly for fever, worsening wound redness or drainage, increasing pain, persistent vomiting, new calf swelling, or difficulty breathing. Seek urgent help for severe breathlessness, chest pain, fainting, or sudden confusion. If the catheter stops draining, produces large clots, or causes severe bladder pain, contact the team promptly rather than removing it yourself.

Ask which surgical approach fits your cancer, whether lymph nodes should be sampled, and what alternatives such as radiotherapy or active monitoring mean for you. Ask how the operation may affect urine control, erections, fertility, and orgasm; what support is available; how long the catheter may stay; and which symptoms should trigger a same-day call.