The prostate plays a pivotal role in the male reproductive system for producing sperm-containing fluids. It is located right in front of the rectum, underneath the bladder. Sometimes, patients diagnosed with prostate cancer might have to undergo a partial or complete removal of the prostate. This procedure of removing a prostate is called a prostatectomy.
It is essential to obtain pretreatment education before making decisions regarding prostate treatment. Remember that each variant of prostate surgery can be performed with general anaesthesia, where the patient is asleep. Besides, performing spinal anaesthesia typically numbs the lower half of the patient’s body.
Why is Prostate Surgery Performed?
Prostate surgery is performed due to various reasons. Some of them include:
- Prostate enlargement
- Prostate cancer
- BHP or Benign prostatic hyperplasia
So the primary goal of prostate surgery is to:
- Maintain the urinary continence of patients
- Help in curing the condition
- Considerably reduce side effects
- Improve the ability to obtain erections
- Eliminate pain during or before and after the surgery
What are the Types of Prostate Surgery?
There are various types of prostate surgery that are usually performed by determining the condition of the patients. In the case of prostate cancer, surgery is performed to remove the cancerous tissue. And for BPH, the prostate tissue is usually drawn to restore normal urine flow.
The most popular types of prostate surgery include:
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Open Prostatectomy
The traditional open surgery which follows an open approach is known as open prostatectomy. Here, surgeons usually make an incision through the skin to remove the prostate along with the nearby tissues.
There are two approaches to open prostatectomy: radical perineal and radical retropubic. Both procedures can be done under general anaesthesia and epidural or spinal anaesthesia.
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Laparoscopic Radical Prostatectomy
The minimally invasive approach for prostate surgery is laparoscopic surgery. This surgical method requires numerous tiny prostate cuts to insert small surgical instruments. Also, a thin tube with a miniature camera is inserted to inspect the area.
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Robotic-Assisted Laparoscopic Radical Prostatectomy
For prostate treatment, there are certain surgeries that include robotic interference. Here, the surgeon directs the robotic arm while watching it through a computer monitor. It might sometimes offer more extensive precision and manoeuvrability than any other procedure.
Patients undergoing LRP and RALRP are likely to experience:
- A reduced stay at the hospital
- Reduced blood loss
- Speedy recovery
- A considerably lower pain
Thus, patients experience fast recovery in controlling the bowels and bladder. However, the overall outcome entirely depends on the surgeon’s skills and experience.
How to Recover From Prostate Surgery?
While prostate surgery is immensely critical, it requires substantial recovery time. The recovery period depends on the complexity of the surgery and overall health. So, the key to successful recovery is patience and keeping an eye on the outcome. Thus it is crucial to adhere to a well-knit plan while recovering from prostate removal.
Listed here are the top five tips to recover from prostate surgery:
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Formulate an Exquisite Plan
It is not reasonably possible for patients to commence driving soon after the prostatectomy. So it is essential to arrange rides to and from the hospital. We recommend you consult your doctor and learn the restrictions you must adhere to. Also enquire about the kind of assistance you will require at home, work and other places.
Nevertheless, obtaining driving assistance and some time off from work after the surgery is best.
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Don’t Stress Out
Stressing out is a common thing experienced by most patients right after surgery. So you need to get plenty of rest but never overdo it. As body movement is equally important, you must walk around at least six times a day. It will help you recover immensely fast, and you can resume your regular activities within ten days.
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Get in Touch with Your Doctor
Sometimes, it is likely for patients to experience certain complications post-surgery. So if you ever experience any significant trouble or notice something unusual, consult your doctor immediately. Thus, you will be able to recover fast and feel much better.
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Protect Yourself by Eliminating Accidents
Prostate surgery is associated with specific undesirable side effects. Since prostatectomy damages some muscles, it might lead to urinary incontinence. So it is essential to wear protective pads to prevent leaks and other significant accidents.
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Acquire Additional Therapy
After prostatectomy, the surrounding tissues are usually tested for signs of cancer. And according to the results, you might have to undergo specific other therapies, including radiation therapy, hormone therapy, etc.
To Conclude
After your prostate surgery, it is likely for your scrotum to start swelling. So, to prevent or reduce the swelling, you can make a sling by rolling a small towel. But if the issue persists, it is advised to get in touch with your doctor and book an appointments.
