The goal of surgery is to remove all of the cancer. The following are descriptions of some of the surgical techniques that may be used in treating prostate cancer.

Radical Prostatectomy

Radical prostatectomy is the surgical removal of the entire prostate gland and some of the surrounding tissues. This type of surgery is generally used in early-stage prostate cancer that has not yet spread to other parts of the body. During surgery, the doctor may also biopsy the pelvic lymph nodes to find out if the cancer has spread outside the prostate.

Side effects after radical prostatectomy for prostate cancer can include urinary incontinence and impotence. Most men experience incontinence after surgery. Many continue to have occasional problems with dribbling caused by coughing or exertion.

Impotence, also known as erectile dysfunction (ED), is the inability to achieve an erection sufficient for sexual intercourse. The risk of impotence may be reduced by nerve-sparing surgery. This technique carefully avoids damaging nerves and blood vessels on the surface of the prostate gland that are needed for an erection.

Success of preserving potency depends on a man's age, the status of the nerves and muscular tissue, and the stage of the cancer. Nerve sparing surgery is not always possible or successful. Sometimes the cancer is too large or is located too close to the nerves.

Cryosurgery

Cryosurgery uses liquid nitrogen to freeze and kill prostate cancer cells. The procedure requires anesthesia (either general or spinal) and possibly a 1 or 2 day hospital stay.

During cryosurgery, a warming catheter is inserted through the penis to protect the urethra. Incontinence usually isn't a problem, but because the overlying nerve bundles usually freeze, most men become impotent.

Other Treatment Options

Learn about other treatment options including hormonal therapy, radiation, chemotherapy, or watchful waiting (observation).