Q. When can surgery help treat prostate cancer?
Doctor Answer is medically reviewed by SecondMedic medical review team.
Surgery can be a useful treatment for prostate cancer when it is localized and confined to the prostate. If the tumor has not spread outside of the gland, there are several surgical options that can help treat prostate cancer, such as:
Open Radical Prostatectomy - This surgery involves removing the entire prostate gland to effectively remove the tumor. It’s considered a standard procedure for treating early-stage prostate cancers and may help prevent recurrence in some cases.
Robotic or Laparoscopic Radical Prostatectomy - This type of surgery also removes the entire prostate; however, it’s done with robotic assistance or laparoscopy instead of traditional open surgery techniques. It is associated with less bleeding, shorter hospital stays and fewer post-operative complications than open radical prostaectomy, making it another great option for treating localized cancers.
Transurethral Resection of The Prostate (TURP) - This technique works by removing pieces of tissue from within an enlarged prostrate using an instrument known as a resectoscope inserted through your urethra during this minimally invasive procedure that does not involve external incisions or stitches in your abdomen wall.. Although TURP isn't often used as a primary treatment for cancerous tumors because only part of the gland is removed, it may be used to prepare patients for radiation therapy when their tumors are too big to be treated by other methods alone or if their tumors have spread beyond the confines of their glands.
Regardless which surgical method is chosen, you should always consult your doctor about all possible risks and benefits associated before proceeding with any form treatment plan so that you can make an informed decision about how best to manage your condition moving forward!