A prostatectomy is a surgical procedure for the partial or complete removal of the prostate. It may be performed to treat prostate cancer or benign prostatic hyperplasia. A common surgical approach to prostatectomy includes making a surgical incision and removing the prostate gland (or part of it).
Open prostatectomy is the surgical removal of the prostate gland. It is done under a general or spinal anesthetic. Usually, an incision is made through the lower abdomen, although sometimes the incision is made between the rectum and the base of the penis.
Side effects of prostate surgery. The major possible side effects of radical prostatectomy are urinary incontinence (being unable to control urine) and erectile dysfunction. These side effects can also occur with other forms of prostate cancer treatment.
You should be back to your normal routine in about four to six weeks. You'll need to see your doctor a few times to make sure everything is OK. Most men see their doctors after about six weeks and then again every three months for the first year, and twice in the second year after surgery.