The location of the prostate gland is underneath the bladder and in front of the rectum. It has an important role in the part of the male reproductive system that produces fluids that carry sperms. Prostatectomy is the name of the surgery for the complete removal of the prostate. There can be the need for prostate surgery for various reasons including prostate cancer and an enlarged prostate or benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH). There is the use of general anaesthesia or spinal anaesthesia during all prostate surgeries. Based on the situation, the doctor will recommend the type of anaesthesia suitable for you. The goal of prostate surgery is to:

  • Cure your condition
  • Maintain the ability to have erections
  • Maintain urinary continence
  • Minimize side effects
  • Minimize pain before, during and after surgery

Online doctor consultation in India is common before going for prostate surgery.

Types of prostate surgery

Open Prostatectomy

It is also known as traditional open surgery. The surgeon will remove the prostate including nearby tissues by making an incision through your skin. The following are the two main approaches to this procedure:

  • Radical retropubic: The cut made will be from your belly button to your pubic bone. The surgeon will remove only the prostate in most cases. If cancer spreads to other areas, the surgeon may also have to remove some lymph nodes.

  • Radical perineal approach: The cut will be made in the space between the rectum and scrotum. If you have some medical conditions that complicate retropubic surgery, the surgeon prefers this approach.

Laparoscopic Approach

A minimally invasive approach to prostate surgery is laparoscopic surgery. This procedure is also possible through two approaches. They are:

  • Laparoscopic radical prostatectomy: The surgeon inserts small surgical instruments through multiple tiny cuts in this surgery. The surgeon will see the area with the help of a camera attached to a thin tube.

  • Robotic-assisted laparoscopic radical prostatectomy: The surgeon directs a robotic arm while sitting in an operating room and viewing a computer monitor. In comparison to the other procedures, a robotic arm provides more precision.

You can have online doctor consultation in Kolkata to discuss the procedures.

Types of prostate surgery to ensure a smooth urine flow

Prostate laser surgery

This procedure helps to treat BPH. There are no cuts outside of your body during this procedure. Through the tip of your penis, the doctor will insert a fibre-optic scope to make it reach into your urethra and remove the prostate tissue that’s blocking urine flow.

Endoscopic surgery

This surgery also doesn’t require any incisions like laser surgery. In order to remove parts of the prostate gland, the doctor inserts a flexible tube with a light and lens through the tip of the penis.

Widening the urethra

  • Transurethral resection of the prostate (TURP) for BPH: With the help of a wire loop, the doctor will cut pieces of your enlarged prostate tissue and the pieces will flush out through the bladder at the end of the procedure.

  • Transurethral incision of the prostate (TUIP): In order to widen the urethra, a few cuts are made in the prostate and bladder neck.