For men with localized prostate cancer, surgery may be an effective treatment option. This video explains radical prostatectomy and explores minimally invasive approaches, including laparoscopic and robotic-assisted surgery.
Learn which factors may influence the choice of surgical approach, what to expect during recovery, and important questions to ask the healthcare team when considering prostate cancer surgery.
Related Resources
Transcript
For men with localized prostate cancer, surgery may be recommended to remove the prostate gland and seminal vesicles. This procedure is called a radical prostatectomy, and the goals are to remove the cancer, help determine the cancer’s stage, and preserve function and quality of life.
Today, there are minimally invasive surgical options. One approach is called a laparoscopic prostatectomy, where the surgeon performs the procedure through several small incisions using long, specialized instruments and a tiny high-definition camera.
Another option is robotic-assisted prostatectomy. During robotic-assisted surgery, the surgeon controls robotic instruments with precision from a nearby console. The robot does not operate by itself—the movements are all directed by the surgeon.
Minimally invasive surgery may offer benefits such as:
- Smaller incisions.
- Less blood loss.
- Less postoperative pain.
- Shorter hospital stays.
- And, faster recovery.
It’s important to remember that the best surgical approach for a patient depends on several factors, including:
- The stage and aggressiveness of the cancer.
- The patient’s overall health and anatomy.
- And, the surgeon’s training and experience.
Before making a treatment decision, consider asking your doctor:
- What are the benefits and risks of surgery in my situation?
- Am I a candidate for minimally invasive surgery?
- How much experience do you have performing prostate cancer surgery?
- What side effects should I expect, both short-term and long-term?
- How long will recovery take?
- Will I need additional treatments after surgery?
- What follow-up testing will I need after treatment?
Since every prostate cancer diagnosis is unique, asking questions can help ensure each patient’s treatment plan is tailored to their individual needs and goals.
Visit powerfulpatients.org to learn more.