Side effects of surgery to remove prostate cancer

You are offered surgery to remove prostate cancer? Then must keep in mind several factors that will help assess whether it is needed in your case. On the one hand, if the tumor has not spread beyond the prostate, then in 90% of cases with surgical cancer cured.

However, any operation associated with the risk of blood loss, infection and complications from anesthesia. Operations on the prostate gland has other specific side effects.

The method of surgical intervention

Method of surgical intervention is chosen depending on the size and location of the tumor. Discuss everything with your doctor: this information will help you make the right decision.

The most common operation is possible if the cancer has not spread beyond the prostate gland. In this case, the surgeon removes the prostate and the tissue around it.

* Radical prostatectomy. Removed prostate gland with seminal vesicles (glands involved in the development of sperm). The operation is performed through an incision in the lower abdomen or in the perineum between the scrotum and the anus. In both cases, taking steps to inflict minimal damage to the nerves responsible for erections. This is possible only if the tumor does not extend to the trunks of nerves. But even after such an operation does not exclude the development of impotence.
* Laparoscopic prostatectomy. This is the latest method of operation using the most modern technology. Instead of a large incision in the abdomen make only small incisions through which the abdominal cavity is entered with a lighted optical instrument (laparoscope), video camera and miniature surgical instruments. On the screen the surgeon sees what is happening inside the abdominal cavity. Sometimes surgery is performed using the robotic system. When laparoscopic prostatectomy also trying to keep sex nerves. But because the method is relatively new, to do such an operation should be an experienced physician.

Side effects after surgery for prostate

You've heard about the major side effects of such an operation - is impotence and incontinence. Knowing this, difficult to accept the operation. But try to take into account all factors. Perhaps what is said below affect your decision.

* Impotence (or erectile dysfunction) - is the inability to achieve erection. Two of the nerve responsible for the occurrence of sexual arousal, located next to the prostate gland. During the operation, they may damage or removal.

Postoperative impotence may be temporary, because often after a while the nerves regenerate. If at least one nerve was spared, erections should return. Recovery process can take from four months to several years, but an erection may be weaker and shorter than before surgery.

The younger the patient, the higher the chance to keep the previous ability to erection. If before the operation had already been problems likely to recur after treatment.

Even if the operation would lead to impotence, the penis will still retain sensitivity. The patient will be able to experience orgasm, but most likely, an orgasm is not accompanied by the ejection of sperm. Now there are many devices and medicines to help restore erections.

* Urinary incontinence. Loss of control over the functions of the bladder can cause:
o Involuntary dribbling of urine (stress urinary)
o Difficulties with the start of urination and dribbling of urine due to the feeling of overcrowding in the bladder
o Sudden urge to urinate.

Urinary incontinence - a common but often temporary postoperative complication, which passes within a few weeks or months after treatment. However, approximately one-third of men observed stress incontinence and a small leak urine when coughing, sneezing, laughing and exercise.

Help may be different ways of treatment, including - surgical and medical. Also recommended a set of Kegel exercises to strengthen the muscles of the bladder.

Discuss with your doctor the possible consequences of surgery on the prostate gland. Learn what you can do to avoid or reduce side effects.
Rx Wyoming