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Overview
What is Prostate Cancer?
Prostate cancer is a type of cancer which develops in a small, walnut-shaped gland below the bladder. It is a common form of cancer in males. The exact cause is not yet known.
Risk Factors
- Age over 50
- Family history of prostate cancer
- African or Caribbean ethnic background
- Obesity or physical inactivity
- Unhealthy diet high in fats
Treatment Options
- Regular check-up of your prostate gland (active surveillance)
- Medicines
- Surgery (prostatectomy)
What is a Prostatectomy?
A prostatectomy is a surgical procedure to remove part or all of the prostate gland.
Types of Prostatectomy
Radical prostatectomy: Removes the entire prostate gland.
Simple prostatectomy: Removes only part of the gland (for benign enlarged prostate).
| Feature | Open | Laparoscopic (Keyhole) | Robotic (Robot-Assisted) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cut | Large | Small | Very small |
| Blood Loss | Higher | Moderate | Lowest |
| Healing | Slow | Faster | Fastest |
| Pain | High level | Moderate discomfort | Minimal pain |
Who Needs It?
- Patients with localised prostate cancer (cancer limited to the prostate)
- Selected patients with enlarged prostate (Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia)
Procedure Details
Instructions Before the Procedure
- Patients may need blood tests, imaging, and medical clearance before surgery
- Doctors may advise stopping certain medications (e.g., blood thinners)
- Fasting is typically required for several hours before surgery
Step-by-Step Overview
- 1.The patient is given general anaesthesia for comfort during the procedure.
- 2.The surgeon removes the prostate gland through a cut (or small cuts in the abdomen).
- 3.One or two drainage tubes are placed — one going to the bladder and the other to the prostate area.
- 4.These tubes can be removed after a few weeks.
Risks and Complications
Common Risks
- Not being able to control urine (urinary leakage)
- Trouble getting or keeping an erection (erectile dysfunction)
- Feeling low or sad for a prolonged period
Rare but Serious Complications
- Blood clots
- Infection
- Fluid collection in the body (lymphoedema)
Benefits and Outcomes
Expected Results
- Removes cancer when it is only in the prostate
- Helps improve urine problems caused by an enlarged prostate
How it Improves Quality of Life
- Helps reduce worry about cancer
- Many patients regain good control of urination and adjust well after surgery
Hospital Stay & Recovery
Day of Procedure
- Do not eat or drink for a few hours before coming; follow the hospital's instructions
- You will give your consent for the surgery and be prepared before the procedure
Post-Procedure Monitoring
- The team will check your heart rate, blood pressure, urine output, and any bleeding
- You will be given medicine for pain and helped to start moving early
Hospital Stay
Typically 1–2 days for minimally invasive (keyhole) surgery; longer for open surgery.
Recovery Timeline
- The urine tube is usually removed after about 1–2 weeks
- Most people return to their normal activities in about 4–6 weeks
Activity Restrictions
- Avoid lifting heavy things or doing hard physical activity for a few weeks
- Keep the cut area clean and dry
- Watch for signs of infection such as redness, swelling, or discharge
Lifestyle and Prevention
Diet
- Have liquids for 1–2 days after surgery, then slowly start eating solid foods
- Try to avoid fatty and processed foods
- Eat more fruits and vegetables
Exercise
Light walking is encouraged as it helps improve blood flow and healing.
Long-Term Care
- Regular blood testing for prostate-specific antigen (PSA) to look for any recurrence
- Follow-up care and monitoring are essential
- Additional treatments (if needed) depend on PSA levels
When to Contact a Doctor
- Fever (≥100°F / 37.8°C)
- Heavy bleeding at the site of surgery
- Severe pain or swelling
- Bad smell around the surgical site
- Signs of skin separation at the surgical site
Myths vs Facts
Surgery always causes permanent loss of bladder control.
Surgery does not always cause permanent loss of bladder control. Some people may have leakage at first, but many improve over time.
After the surgery, people always have trouble getting or keeping an erection.
Trouble getting or keeping an erection is common after prostate surgery, but it can improve over time in many patients.
Frequently Asked Questions
How will my life change after the surgery?
Temporary urinary leakage is expected for a few weeks after the surgery. It usually resolves after around 12 weeks. Erectile function resumes around 6 months after surgery. If any issues continue, they can be managed through various medicines and devices.
When can I go back to work?
You should be able to return to work about two to three weeks after a prostatectomy. If you have a more physical job, you may need to take up to four to six weeks off.
References
- 1. Cleveland Clinic. Prostate cancer. Available from https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/8634-prostate-cancer
- 2. Mayo Clinic. Prostatectomy. Available from https://www.mayoclinic.org/tests-procedures/prostatectomy/about/pac-20385198
- 3. Sobchynskyi M, et al. Comparative Outcomes of Open, Laparoscopic, and Robotic-Assisted Radical Prostatectomy. Med Sci. 2025;29.
- 4. Cleveland Clinic. Prostatectomy. https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/treatments/24294-prostatectomy
- 5. Babakhanlou R, Gowin K. The impact of diet and nutrition on prostate cancer. Curr Oncol Rep. 2025;27(3):278–89.
- 6. Saranchuk JW, Kattan MW, et al. Achieving optimal outcomes after radical prostatectomy. J Clin Oncol. 2005;23(18):4146–51.