The prostate is a large gland that is part of the male reproductive system. It manufactures some of the fluid excreted along with semen during sexual intercourse. Prostate cancer usually affects older men and causes an enlarging of the prostate, which can cause problems with urination and sexual ability. Strategies for treating prostate cancer include removal of the prostate.
Radical Prostatectomy
If the prostate cancer is severe, the prostate gland and surrounding lymph nodes may need to be surgically removed in a procedure called radical prostatectomy. There are two surgical methods to remove the prostate.
Retropubic Surgery
In retropubic surgery, the prostate is removed via a small incision in the lower abdominal area. The incision is made between the navel to right above the penis. This is the more common method as it is possible to remove the pelvic lymph nodes via this incision. There are also fewer side effects with this surgery.
Parineal Surgery
In parineal surgery, an incision is made between the anus and the scrotum. Recovery time is faster than with retropubic surgery, but the surgeon is unable to remove lymph nodes.
Side Effects
Side effects can be quite severe depending on the surgery method. Bladder control problems are the most common side effect. Incontinence can last for a period of weeks to several months. Bladder control is usually recovered after a period of rehabilitation and drug therapy. Incontinence due to prostate removal can sometimes take form as stress-related loss of bladder control. A male will not be able to hold his urine due to laughter, sneezing or during heavy lifting.
Another possible side effect is erectile dysfunction. This is a common side effect due to the prevalence of nerve endings on either side of the prostate. It is possible nerve endings that control erections can be damaged or removed along with the prostate. Men who have problems with erectile dysfunction before surgery are more likely to see this side effect after surgery.
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