Radical perineal prostatectomy

Radical Perineal Prostatectomy is a surgical procedure used to treat prostate cancer. It involves the removal of the entire prostate gland and some surrounding tissue. This procedure is less commonly used than the radical retropubic prostatectomy, but it may be an option for certain patients.

Procedure

The patient is placed under general or spinal anesthesia. The surgeon makes an incision in the perineum, the area between the scrotum and the anus. The prostate gland is then removed through this incision. The surgeon may also remove the seminal vesicles and nearby lymph nodes.

Advantages and Disadvantages

The main advantage of a radical perineal prostatectomy is that it causes less blood loss than other types of prostatectomy. It also has a shorter recovery time. However, it may not be suitable for all patients. For example, it may not be possible to perform this procedure on men with large prostates or those who are obese. In addition, this procedure may not be as effective at controlling cancer as other types of prostatectomy.

Risks and Complications

As with any surgical procedure, there are risks associated with a radical perineal prostatectomy. These include infection, bleeding, and damage to nearby organs. There is also a risk of sexual dysfunction and urinary incontinity.

Recovery

Recovery from a radical perineal prostatectomy typically takes a few weeks. Patients may need to use a catheter to drain urine for a short time after the surgery. They may also need to take medications to manage pain and prevent infection.

See Also

• Prostate cancer
• Prostatectomy
• Radical retropubic prostatectomy

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  Radical perineal prostatectomy
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  Diagram showing before and after a radical prostatectomy