Prostate removal

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(Page 2)

Male reproductive anatomy

Prostatectomy - series

Prostate gland

TURP - series

LASER PROSTATECTOMY

Laser prostatectomy uses beams of light to destroy prostate tissue. This procedure is usually performed on an outpatient basis and usually does not require a hospital stay.

The laser beam destroys any prostate tissue that is blocking the opening of the urethra and bladder outlet. This improves the urine flow rate and reduces the symptoms of BPH. A Foley catheter may be placed to help drain the bladder after surgery. The catheter will usually remain in place for a few days after surgery.

TRANSURETHRAL NEEDLE ABLATION (TUNA)

TUNA is a minimally invasive treatment for an enlarged prostate. It is done while you are under local anesthesia or sedation. The surgeon uses a camera to see the prostate, and passed needles into the area. High-frequency sound waves (ultrasound) heat the needles and prostate tissue. A Foley catheter may be placed to help drain the bladder. Over 2 to 12 weeks, the heated prostate tissue shrinks. The procedure is commonly performed in a doctor's office.

OPEN PROSTATECTOMY

Although the transurethral approach is more commonly used, other surgical approaches to removal of the prostate gland (such as the transvesical, retropubic, and suprapubic approach) are sometimes used. The primary advantage of the transurethral approach is that it does not create an external incision. However, it is difficult to remove a large prostate using TURP.

To perform an open prostatectomy (sometimes called suprapubic or retropubic prostatectomy), an incision is made in the lower abdomen between the umbilicus (belly-button) and the penis through which the prostate gland is removed. This is a much more involved procedure and usually requires a longer hospitalization and recovery period.

Open prostatectomy is performed using general or spinal anesthesia. You will return from surgery with a Foley catheter in place. Occasionally, a suprapubic catheter will be inserted in the abdominal wall to help drain the bladder.

A bladder irrigation solution may be attached to the catheter to continuously flush the catheter, thus keeping it from becoming clogged with blood. A drainage tube may also be placed in the abdominal cavity to drain excess blood and fluids from the area.