Prostate Removal

Last updated October 2009
Edited by: Guy Slowik, FRCS

Putting It All Together

Here is a summary of the important facts and information related to prostate removal.

  • Prostatectomy A surgical operation that removes part or all of the prostate gland. is the surgical removal of the prostate gland A walnut-shaped gland of the male reproductive system that is located just below the bladder. This gland provides almost one-quarter of the total volume of semen released during ejaculation. .

  • Prostatectomy is performed to treat for prostate enlargement (benign prostatic hyperplasia) when the prostate gland is greatly enlarged, causing urinary difficulties and other problems.

  • Prostatectomy is performed to treat prostate cancer A disease in which abnormal tumor cells develop in the prostate gland and may spread to other parts of the body, including the bones. when the cancer cells have not yet spread beyond the prostate gland.

  • Prostatectomy usually eliminates the ability to ejaculate The semen discharged from the penis during an orgasm. normally but does not usually impair the ability to have an orgasm A series of strong, involuntary contractions of the muscles of the genitals experienced as pleasurable and set off by a heightened level of sexual excitation. .

  • The two major complications of prostate removal are possible long-term incontinence and impotence The inability to achieve or sustain an erection. (inability to achieve or maintain an erection).

  • Percutaneous prostate cryoablation The use of special probes inserted into the prostate gland through the skin in order to freeze and destroy cancerous tissue without affecting surrounding organs. is a promising, newer, still-experimental technique that freezes cancerous tissues and can be used for men with advanced stages of prostate cancer.

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