What is Prostatectomy used for?
Prostatectomy is a surgical procedure used to remove part or all of the prostate gland. It is commonly used to treat localized prostate cancer, either alone or in combination with other treatments such as radiation, chemotherapy, and hormone therapy. It may also be performed to address severe urinary symptoms caused by an enlarged prostate gland (benign prostatic hyperplasia or BPH). The surgery can help ease urinary symptoms and complications resulting from blocked urine flow. Simple prostatectomy, a minimally invasive procedure, is often performed with robotic assistance and does not always involve removing the entire prostate.
How to prepare for Prostatectomy?
Patients should follow their doctor's instructions on what to do before the prostatectomy test. This may include undergoing a cystoscopy to examine the urinary system, as well as performing blood tests and other tests to measure prostate size and urine flow. Patients should also discuss any food and medication restrictions with their doctor, as well as make arrangements for transportation and activity restrictions after the surgery. Additionally, patients may need to prepare for a bowel prep before surgery, which may involve using a kit and instructions for giving themselves an enema to clear their bowels before the procedure.
How is Prostatectomy conducted?
A prostatectomy test is typically conducted using a cystoscopy. This is a procedure in which a long, flexible viewing scope is inserted through the tip of the penis to visualize the urethra, bladder, and prostate area. This test helps the doctor assess the size of the prostate, check for any abnormalities, and prepare for the surgery. Other preoperative tests such as blood tests and urine flow measurements may also be performed to ensure the patient is fit for the procedure.
How are Prostatectomy results reported?
The prostatectomy results are reported based on the pathological examination of the removed prostate tissue. After the surgery, a pathologist examines the tissue under a microscope to determine if cancerous cells are present and to evaluate the extent of cancer, if any. The results are reported using different stages and grades, which help to determine the appropriate course of treatment and prognosis.