Prostatectomy

1. What is Prostatectomy?

A prostatectomy involves surgical removal of part or all of the prostate gland.

The type of prostatectomy depends on the underlying condition:

• Simple prostatectomy: Removes part of the prostate tissue, usually for severe benign enlargement.
• Radical prostatectomy: Removes the entire prostate and usually the seminal vesicles, commonly for prostate cancer.
• Open, laparoscopic or robotic-assisted approaches may be used depending on the patient's condition.

2. When Is Prostatectomy Recommended?

Prostatectomy may be recommended for:

• Localised or selected locally advanced prostate cancer
• Severe benign prostatic enlargement causing significant urinary obstruction
• Persistent urinary retention
• Recurrent urinary tract complications related to prostate enlargement
• Bladder stones or kidney problems caused by severe obstruction
• Other selected prostate conditions

The appropriate procedure depends on the diagnosis and severity of the condition.

3. How Is the Patient Evaluated Before Surgery?

Evaluation may include:

• Urology or uro-oncology consultation
• PSA blood test
• Digital rectal examination
• Prostate MRI
• Ultrasound where appropriate
• Prostate biopsy for suspected or confirmed cancer
• CT, PSMA PET-CT or bone scan where cancer staging is required
• Blood and urine tests
• General medical and anaesthesia assessment

These investigations help determine the most appropriate surgical approach.

4. What Does the Procedure Involve?

The general treatment pathway includes:

Urology evaluation → PSA and diagnostic assessment → MRI/imaging → Biopsy where required → Diagnosis confirmation → Surgical planning → Preoperative assessment → Anaesthesia → Prostatectomy → Postoperative monitoring → Catheter care → Recovery → Pathology review and follow-up

The exact procedure depends on whether the surgery is performed for cancer or benign prostate enlargement.

5. What Types of Prostatectomy Are Available?

Depending on the patient's condition, options may include:

• Simple prostatectomy
• Radical prostatectomy
• Open prostatectomy
• Laparoscopic prostatectomy
• Robotic-assisted prostatectomy

The surgeon recommends the most suitable procedure based on the diagnosis, prostate size, cancer characteristics and overall health.

6. How Long Does Surgery and Recovery Take?

The duration varies according to the type and complexity of surgery.

Typical considerations include:

• Surgery: approximately 2–5 hours
• Hospital stay: approximately 2–7 days
• Urinary catheter: may remain temporarily after surgery
• Initial recovery: several weeks
• Return to routine activities: may take approximately 4–8 weeks

Recovery can vary depending on the surgical approach and individual health.

7. What Are the Expected Benefits and Outcomes?

Depending on the condition, prostatectomy may:

• Remove localised prostate cancer
• Relieve significant urinary obstruction
• Improve urine flow
• Reduce urinary retention
• Prevent complications caused by severe prostate enlargement
• Provide definitive pathological information after surgery

Outcomes depend on the underlying condition and the type of procedure performed.

8. What Are the Risks or Considerations?

Potential risks include:

• Bleeding
• Infection
• Blood clots
• Urinary leakage
• Urinary incontinence
• Erectile dysfunction
• Narrowing of the urinary passage
• Injury to nearby organs
• Fertility and ejaculation changes
• Need for additional treatment or surgery

The risks differ significantly between simple and radical prostatectomy.

9. Why Consider Prostatectomy in India?

India has specialised urology and uro-oncology centres offering:

• Experienced urologists and uro-oncologists
• Advanced prostate imaging and diagnostics
• Open, laparoscopic and robotic surgery
• Comprehensive prostate cancer management
• Modern anaesthesia and critical-care support
• Postoperative rehabilitation and follow-up

10. How Can Medavelle Help and What Should the Patient Do Next?

Medavelle can assist with:

Medical-record review → Urology/uro-oncology specialist coordination → Hospital selection → Surgical evaluation → Treatment planning → Cost estimation → International patient arrangements.

Next step: Share PSA, imaging & urology reports → Specialist evaluation → Diagnosis confirmation → Assessment for appropriate prostatectomy → Personalised surgical planning → Surgery → Recovery → Pathology review and follow-up.