What is Prostatectomy

What is the Prostate Gland?

The prostate gland, roughly the size of a walnut, is an accessory male reproductive organ located below the urinary bladder, surrounding the top portion of the urethra, and lying in front of the rectum. Its primary function is to secrete the fluid that nourishes and transports the sperm. The three most common problems of the prostate are inflammation, enlarged prostate, and prostate cancer.

 

What is Prostatectomy?

Prostatectomy is a surgical procedure that removes all or a portion of the prostate gland. It is a common treatment for prostate-related conditions such as prostate cancer and benign prostatic hyperplasia or enlarged prostate.

 

What are the Different Types of Prostatectomy?

• Simple prostatectomy is a surgical technique for the removal of benign prostatic hyperplasia or enlarged prostate. This involves the removal of a portion of the prostate to relieve urinary bladder outlet obstruction due to an enlarged prostate.

• Radical prostatectomy is a surgical procedure used for the treatment of resectable prostate cancer. It includes resection of the entire prostate gland and the seminal vesicles with or without dissection of the lymph nodes adjacent to the prostate.
  This surgery may be performed by either open, laparoscopic, or robot-assisted technique.

• Robot-assisted laparoscopic radical prostatectomy is a minimally invasive surgical approach that utilizes small key-hole incisions and a specialized state-of-the-art robotic system controlled by a urologist to treat prostate cancer.

 

Why is Prostatectomy Needed?

In most cases, a prostatectomy is recommended to treat localized prostate cancer. It can be performed as a standalone treatment or in conjunction with radiation and chemotherapy, depending on the nature of the case. Aside from cancer, this procedure may be necessary for men who experience symptoms, such as urinary retention or difficulty urinating due to an enlarged prostate, that have not responded to medication and other treatment options.

 

What are the Advantages of Robot-Assisted Laparoscopic Radical Prostatectomy (RALP)?

RALP, the gold standard radical prostatectomy, offers the following advantages:

• Intramural Fibroids - Intramural fibroids are the most common type of uterine fibroid. These fibroids take root within the muscular wall of the uterus, potentially leading to organ enlargement. These fibroids may cause heavy menstrual bleeding, pelvic pain, and frequent urination.

• Subserosal Fibroids - Subserosal fibroids grow outside the uterus and can be felt during a physical exam. These fibroids may cause pain in the lower back or legs and dysmenorrhea.

• Submucosal Fibroids - Submucosal fibroids bulge into the uterine cavity, interfering with fertility and resulting in heavy menstrual bleeding. They may also cause pain during sexual intercourse due to their uterine location.

• Pedunculated Fibroids - Pedunculated fibroids grow on a stalk or stem-like structure attached to the outside of the uterus. These types of fibroids may cause pelvic pain or dysmenorrhea.

 

What Causes Uterine Fibroids?

The exact cause of uterine fibroids is not completely understood, but researchers believe that genetic, hormonal, and environmental factors contribute to their development. Some of the factors that may play a role in the formation of this condition include:

• Better urinary continence

• Better preservation of erectile function

• Shorter hospital stay

• Faster return to normal activities

• Less surgical site infection

• Less blood loss

• Small incisions, hence better cosmetic outcome

 

What are the Risks of Prostate Surgery?

Like any surgery, prostate surgery entails risks. Therefore, patients must have a thorough discussion with their urologist regarding the benefits and potential adverse effects before undergoing the procedure.

The possible adverse effects of radical prostatectomy include:

• Bleeding

• Surgical site infection

• Injury to surrounding organs

• Adverse reaction to anesthesia

• Urinary incontinence

• Erectile dysfunction

• Urethral stricture

• Infertility

 

At St. Luke's Medical Center, our experienced team of healthcare professionals is dedicated to providing exceptional care for patients undergoing prostatectomy. We understand the importance of personalized treatment plans and strive to ensure the best possible outcomes for our patients. St. Luke’s is well-equipped with advanced prostate cancer care technology, including the Da Vinci Robot-assisted Laparoscopic Prostatectomy (RALP) and the KOELIS MRI Ultrasound Prostate Fusion Biopsy, which provides improved patient comfort and safety.

The Da Vinci Robot-assisted technique may also be used in the surgery of the kidneys, ureter, urinary bladder, and adrenal glands.

To schedule a consultation or learn more about prostate surgery at St. Luke's Medical Center, visit our website or call +63-2-8723-0101 or +63-2-8789-7700.

 

 

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