A prostatectomy is any number of surgical treatments for prostate cancer, all of which involve the removal of all or part of the prostate gland and surrounding tissue.
Some of the major types of prostatectomy include:
- Radical Prostatectomy – Surgical removal of the entire prostate gland and the surrounding lymph tissue. This method is the most common treatment for localized (limited to location where it started) prostate cancer.
A radical prostatectomy can be achieved through a number of methods:
- Robotic-assisted prostatectomy – The surgeon uses a precision robotic device to enter through abdominal incisions.
- Open radical prostatectomy – The surgeon manually enters through lower abdominal incisions to remove the prostate.
- Laparoscopic radical prostatectomy – The surgeon uses a laparoscope and special tools to complete a minimally invasive operation; this method typically results in quicker post-operation discharge.
- Open simple prostatectomy – The recommended method for men with benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), this procedure only removes the obstructive portion of the prostate currently blocking urine flow.
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