A prostatectomy is a surgery to remove all or part of the prostate gland, often as prostate cancer therapy. For patients who are otherwise in good health, a prostatectomy or another form of prostate surgery is usually the first line of treatment for prostate cancer.
There are two types of prostatectomy:
- A retropubic prostatectomy is considered a radical prostatectomy, where the entire prostate is removed. It involves the removal of the prostate and surrounding tissue and/or nearby lymph nodes through an incision in the abdominal wall.
- A perineal prostatectomy is another form of radical prostatectomy, but the prostate and other tissue and/or lymph nodes are removed through an incision in the perineum, the region between the anus and genitals.
Other surgical procedures for prostate cancer include a pelvic lymphadenectomy, where the lymph nodes in the pelvis are removed and examined to see if the cancer has spread. A transurethral resection of the prostate (TURP), where a portion of the prostate is removed, may be used in advanced prostate cancer to relieve symptoms.
For the latest medical techniques for prostatectomy, patients in the Boston area can find world-class cancer treatment Brigham and Women's Hospital
Learn more about prostatectomy surgery.
State-of-the-art prostatectomy surgery at Brigham and Women's
Brigham and Women's provides compassionate care and the most advanced treatment for cancer of the prostate, kidney, testicular cancer and other rare and common cancers.
Realizing the many challenges that face a prostate cancer patient, the treatment team takes great pains to create a treatment plan that meets the individual needs of each patient. In addition to state-of-the-art clinical care, the center also provides a broad range of resources from support groups to complementary therapies to nutritional advice, to support the patient's mental, physical and emotional needs during treatment and after.
In addition to a prostatectomy, a patient at the center may receive other forms of treatment for prostate cancer, including:
Robotic prostatectomy at the Center for Robotic Surgery
Patients at the Cancer Center may be eligible for a robotic prostatectomy, performed at the Center for Robotic Surgery at Brigham and Women's Hospital. A robotic prostatectomy uses robotic technology, miniature instruments and high-definition 3-D magnification to remove a cancerous prostate gland through a very small incision, reducing a patient's pain, scarring and recovery time.
Brigham and Women's Hospital (BWH) is a world leader in using state-of-the-art robotics. Our surgeons perform a variety of robotic procedures, including robotic hysterectomy, robotic myomectomy, and more.
Learn more about all the different prostate cancer treatments available at Dana-Farber Brigham Cancer Center.
Learn more about Prostatectomy at Brigham and Women's Hospital.
