Radical Prostatectomy Surgery

The goal of radical prostatectomy is to prevent the spread of cancer to other parts of the body. Radical prostatectomy is usually the preferred method when the cancer is limited to the prostate gland only.

Radical Prostatectomy Surgery

Radical prostatectomy surgery can be performed using several different techniques:

1. Open Radical Prostatectomy: The surgeon makes an incision in the lower abdomen (lower abdomen or perineal area) and removes the prostate gland through this opening. This method allows the surgeon to have better visibility of the area, but the healing process is often longer and may be associated with more pain.
2. Laparoscopic Radical Prostatectomy: The surgeon makes several small incisions in the abdominal area and inserts special instruments and a camera through these incisions. The camera allows the surgeon to view the prostate and surrounding tissue on a large screen. Using these instruments, the surgeon removes the prostate. The laparoscopic method has the advantages of less pain and faster recovery time compared to open surgery.
3. Robotic Assisted Laparoscopic Radical Prostatectomy: This method is similar to laparoscopic prostatectomy, but instead of using the surgical instruments directly, the surgeon controls them through a robotic system. This method allows the surgeon to make more precise movements and better maneuver in difficult-to-reach areas. Robotic-assisted surgeries often result in shorter hospital stays and faster recovery.

When deciding how to perform the surgery, the patient's general health condition, the stage of prostate cancer and his preferences are taken into consideration. Each surgical method has its own advantages and risks. Therefore, it is important for patients to talk in detail with their doctors about their surgical options and expectations. Radical prostatectomy is usually one of the most effective treatments when prostate cancer is in its early stage and the cancer has not spread beyond the prostate.

How is Radical Prostatectomy Surgery Performed?

Radical prostatectomy surgery is a complex surgical procedure that involves removing the prostate gland and some surrounding tissues. This surgery is used to treat prostate cancer and is usually recommended when the cancer is confined within the prostate. The procedure can be performed by different methods, including open surgery, laparoscopic surgery or robotic-assisted laparoscopic surgery. Here's an overview of how these methods are done:

1. Open Radical Prostatectomy

Stage 1: The patient is put under general anesthesia.

Stage 2: The surgeon makes a large incision in the patient's lower abdomen. This incision is made either just above the pubic bone (retropubic approach) or behind the scrotum (perineal approach).

Stage 3: The surgeon carefully removes the prostate gland and, if necessary, surrounding lymph nodes. Meanwhile, it tries to maintain the connection between the urinary bladder and the urethra (the channel through which urine is excreted from the body).

Stage 4: The surgeon reattaches the cut parts of the bladder and urethra.

Stage 5: The incision is stitched and the healing process begins.

2. Laparoscopic Radical Prostatectomy

Stage 1: The patient is put under general anesthesia.

Stage 2: The surgeon makes several small incisions in the abdominal area and inserts special instruments and a camera (laparoscope) through these incisions.

Stage 3: The camera and instruments allow the surgeon to view the prostate and its surroundings in detail on a large screen.

Stage 4: Using laparoscopic instruments, the surgeon removes the prostate and, if necessary, surrounding lymph nodes.

Stage 5: The urinary bladder and urethra are rejoined.

Stage 6: The incisions are stitched and the healing process begins.

3. Robotically Assisted Laparoscopic Radical Prostatectomy

Stage 1: The patient is put under general anesthesia.

Stage 2: The surgeon makes several small incisions in the abdominal area.

Stage 3: The instruments and camera of the robotic surgery system are inserted through these incisions.

Stage 4: The surgeon manipulates the instruments and camera using the surgical robot's control panel. This method provides the surgeon with a high degree of precision and flexibility.

Stage 5: Using robotic tools, the prostate and, if necessary, the surrounding lymph nodes are removed.

Stage 6: The urinary bladder and urethra are reconnected.

Stage 7: The incisions are stitched and the healing process begins.

All three methods have their own advantages and risks. The method chosen depends on factors such as the patient's health condition, the stage of the cancer, and the surgeon's experience.