Prostatectomy

A Prostatectomy is the surgical removal of all or part of the prostate gland. Abnormalities of the prostate, such as a tumour, or if the gland itself becomes enlarged for any reason, can restrict the normal flow of urine along the urethra.

There are several forms of the operation:

• Transurethral resection of the prostate (TURP): a cystoscope is passed up the urethra to the prostate, where the surrounding prostate tissue is excised. This is a common operation for Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia (BPH) and outcomes are excellent for a high percentage of these patients (80-90%).
• Laparoscopic: a laparoscopic or four small incisions are made in the abdomen, and the entire prostate is removed sparing nerves more easily damaged by a retropubic or suprapubic approach. This procedure is performed by a robot manipulated by a doctor. This is often preferred for men in early stages of prostate cancer.
• Radical perineal prostatectomy: an incision is made in the perineum, midway between rectum and scrotum, and the prostate is removed. Radical prostatectomy is one of the key treatments for prostate cancer.
• Radical retropubic prostatectomy: an incision is made in the lower abdomen, and the prostate removed, by going behind the pubic bone (retropubic). Radical prostatectomy is one of the key treatments for prostate cancer.

• Transurethral Plasmakinetic Vaporization Prostatectomy (TUPVP).