Radical Prostatectomy

Overview

Radical prostatectomy is a surgical procedure primarily used to treat prostate cancer. It involves the removal of the entire prostate gland along with some of the surrounding tissue, including seminal vesicles and, in some cases, lymph nodes. The procedure aims to eliminate cancer and prevent its spread to other parts of the body. It is typically recommended for men who have localized prostate cancer that has not spread beyond the prostate gland.

Components of the Radical Prostatectomy

1. Prostate Gland
   • The prostate gland is a small, walnut-sized structure that sits at the base of the bladder in men. It produces seminal fluid, which nourishes and transports sperm.
2. Seminal Vesicles
   • These are paired glands located behind the prostate that produce a significant portion of the fluid for semen.
3. Lymph Nodes
   • In some cases, nearby lymph nodes may also be removed during a radical prostatectomy to prevent the spread of cancer.

Functions of the Radical Prostatectomy

The main function of a radical prostatectomy is to treat prostate cancer. It achieves this through:

1. Cancer Removal: The primary function of a radical prostatectomy is to remove the prostate gland and any surrounding tissue that may be affected by cancer. This helps to prevent the spread of cancer to other parts of the body.
2. Prevention of Recurrence: By removing the entire prostate gland and potentially affected tissues, the procedure aims to prevent the recurrence of cancer.
3. Pathological Examination: The removed prostate can be examined in a laboratory to determine the extent of the cancer and the likelihood of its recurrence.

Diseases and Disorders Associated with Radical Prostatectomy

The radical prostatectomy procedure is primarily associated with prostate cancer. However, the procedure itself can lead to certain complications, such as:

1. Erectile Dysfunction: This is a common side effect of radical prostatectomy due to the proximity of nerves that control erections to the prostate gland. These nerves can be damaged during surgery, leading to erectile dysfunction.
2. Urinary Incontinence: Some men may experience issues with bladder control after the procedure. This can range from minor leaking when coughing or exercising to complete inability to control urination.
3. Narrowing of the Urethra (Stricture): In some cases, scar tissue can form in the area where the urethra is reattached to the bladder, causing a narrowing of the urethra that can lead to difficulty urinating.

¹ American Cancer Society. (2020). Surgery for Prostate Cancer. Retrieved from https://www.cancer.org/cancer/prostate-cancer/treating/surgery.html ↩