When is prostate removal surgery recommended for prostate cancer?

A prostatectomy removes the prostate and may also involve removal of nearby structures or lymph nodes, depending on the cancer assessment. The team reviews PSA, biopsy findings, scans, tumour grade, cancer stage, urinary function, sexual function, other health conditions, and your preferences.

Surgery is one possible approach. Radiotherapy, active surveillance, hormone treatment, or combinations may be considered instead or alongside it, depending on whether the cancer is localised, locally advanced, or has spread. A surgeon can explain whether an open, laparoscopic, or robot-assisted approach is suitable.

Ask for a clear explanation of the intended benefit, possible effects on urine control and erections, recovery needs, and what follow-up will involve. Tell the team about medicines that affect bleeding, previous abdominal surgery, heart or lung conditions, and your baseline urinary and sexual function.

Before deciding, compare the proposed operation with other reasonable options and ask whether a second specialist opinion would help. If surgery is chosen, follow instructions about medicines, eating, movement, and catheter care.

After prostatectomy, contact the surgical team for fever, worsening wound redness or drainage, inability to pass urine through the catheter, increasing pain, or blood that does not settle as advised. Seek urgent help for heavy bleeding, severe breathlessness, chest pain, or sudden leg swelling.

Ask: Is my cancer confined enough for surgery? What are my other treatment choices? Which urinary and sexual effects are possible? How long might catheter and activity restrictions last? How will PSA be monitored afterward?