Laparoscopic Radical Prostatectomy in Prostate Cancer

The prostate is a gland located beneath the bladder in the male genital system that aids the male reproductive system. It produces additional secretions that help the sperm in semen and assist in its exit through the urethra. Cancer of this gland is one of the most commonly seen oncological diseases among men.

Factors such as age, family history, and obesity increase the likelihood of prostate cancer. Common symptoms in individuals diagnosed at early stages include frequent urination, urinary retention, and slow urine flow. In advanced cases of prostate cancer, symptoms such as blood in the semen and pain during urination may be experienced.

Radiological imaging methods and biopsy are used for diagnosis. When prostate cancer is suspected, a biopsy is performed by examining a sample taken from the gland in a laboratory setting. Based on the results, the type of cancer and its staging are determined.

After a definitive diagnosis, a treatment plan is created with an oncology specialist. Treatment options include radiotherapy, chemotherapy, and hormone therapy. Hormone therapy is generally used in conjunction with radiotherapy, which is expected to reduce the risk of tumor recurrence. In some cases, radical prostatectomy is performed, where the prostate is surgically removed from the body. Removal of lymph nodes surrounding the prostate is also one of the surgical methods applied.

What is Prostate Cancer and Laparoscopic Surgery?

Prostate cancer refers to the tumor formation of the gland that produces secretions that protect and nourish sperm in the male genital system and assist in their exit through the urethra. Prostate cancer, which is frequently seen in men and is a serious disease, can metastasize (spread) if left untreated, threatening the individual’s life. Laparoscopic radical prostatectomy, which is among the surgical treatment methods, is one of the treatment options for prostate cancer.

Laparoscopic surgery is a surgical procedure that uses laparoscopic instruments without the need for large incisions in the abdomen or pelvic area. Thanks to the light source and optical camera in the laparoscope, the image is projected onto a monitor. Your doctor performs the necessary procedure by observing from there. This type of operation, which shortens the postoperative recovery process and reduces symptoms such as scarring and pain, is frequently used in gynecological, gastroenterological, and urological surgeries.

This surgical procedure, considered minimally invasive, has a lower risk of complications compared to open surgery. For an organ like the prostate, which is closer to the back in the abdominal area, open surgery increases the risk of complications, while the laparoscopic method significantly simplifies the procedure. The surrounding nerves and muscle tissue of the prostate are better preserved, reducing the likelihood of side effects such as difficulty in urination that may occur after surgery.

You can obtain detailed information about prostate cancer and discuss treatment methods with expert oncology doctors by making an appointment at Hisar Hospital Integrated Oncology Center, which offers a multifaceted approach to cancer with the latest devices and treatment methods.

What are the Advantages of Laparoscopic Surgery?

In open prostatectomy surgery, general or spinal anesthesia is administered, and an 8-10 cm incision is made from the lower abdomen to reach the prostate, with the bladder opened. The urology specialist uses their hands to remove the tumor formed in the prostate. Stitches are placed on the bladder and prostate neck to stop bleeding, and the surgery is completed. A catheter is used to drain urine after the surgery. This procedure is used in cases where the tumor in the prostate has grown too large to be removed by laparoscopy, meaning in advanced stages of prostate cancer. If there are conditions that would complicate laparoscopic surgery in the bladder, open surgery may be preferred.

The method frequently used in prostate cancer is laparoscopic radical prostatectomy. Instead of making repeated incisions like in open surgery to reach the prostate, prostate cancer can be treated with small incisions made in the abdomen. The advantages of laparoscopic surgery can be listed as follows:

• Smaller incisions lead to a shorter postoperative recovery process and reduce aesthetic concerns related to scarring.
• The patient is kept under observation for a shorter duration compared to open surgery.
• In laparoscopic surgery, the incisions in tissues are minimal. The healing of internal organs is easier. There is no risk of complications such as the bursting of stitches applied to the bladder and abdomen in open surgery.
• The individual can return to their normal life more quickly.
• The use of painkillers is lower compared to after open surgery.
• Less blood loss occurs during the surgery. In open surgery, incisions must also be made in the bladder to reach the prostate, but this is not necessary in laparoscopy.

The treatment path is determined according to the stage, type, and size of the cancer present in the individual. You can obtain detailed information about laparoscopic radical prostatectomy, which is frequently used for prostate cancer, from Hisar Hospital Intercontinental Integrated Oncology Center and Urology department.

What are the Application Methods of Laparoscopic Surgery?

Laparoscopic surgery is performed by making small incisions in the abdomen using an optical camera and surgical instruments. In laparoscopic radical prostatectomy surgery, tubes are placed through the small incisions made. Carbon dioxide gas is administered through these tubes, pushing the organs in the abdomen aside and upwards. This creates the necessary space for the procedure to be performed in the area. High-resolution images are obtained with the help of the optical camera inserted through the tubes, and a portion of the prostate and urethra is removed with surgical instruments. After the prostate is removed, the urethra is connected to the bladder.

Laparoscopic surgery can also be applied in diagnostic procedures such as taking biopsies from cancerous tissues related to the prostate.

What are the Indications for Laparoscopic Surgery?

Laparoscopic surgery is frequently used in gastroenterology, general surgery, gynecology, and urology surgeries. It can be used in procedures such as cyst surgery, gallbladder surgeries, appendectomy, myomectomy, and hysterectomy. This minimally invasive surgical method is used not only for treatment but also for diagnosis. The indications for laparoscopic surgery can be listed as follows:

• Investigation of abdominal and pelvic pain
• Cyst surgery
• Patients who are suitable for prostate cancer treatment and have good overall health
• Partial nephrectomy (removal of a part of the kidney)
• Partial or complete removal of organs such as the liver and bladder
• Hernia treatment
• Endometriosis (chocolate cyst) surgery
• Determination of infertility causes
• Diagnosis and treatment of ovarian and endometrial cysts
• Diagnosis and treatment of undescended testis
• Appendicitis surgeries
• Diagnosis and treatment of pelvic inflammatory disease
• Ectopic pregnancy (tubal pregnancy)

Lesions smaller than 1mm in diameter can be detected on the surface of organs with laparoscopy. Aspiration (drainage) of abdominal cysts and abscesses can be performed. Laparoscopy is used diagnostically and therapeutically in evaluating abdominal trauma, ruptures caused by trauma to the liver or spleen, and bladder and kidney ruptures. You can obtain detailed information from Hisar Hospital Intercontinental, which uses state-of-the-art surgical instruments for laparoscopy.

What is the Recovery Process and How to Return to Daily Life?

The recovery process may vary depending on the reason for the application of laparoscopic surgery. In most cases, the patient is hospitalized for a while to ensure that no side effects occur after the surgery. A catheter is placed for urine output for 1 or 2 weeks after laparoscopic radical prostatectomy surgery. Care should be taken in food consumption. After the surgery, the patient is encouraged to get up and walk. Therefore, cramping may be felt in the bladder. After discharge, the individual can return to their daily life, but they may need to be cautious. They may feel pain in the abdominal area for a few days, and symptoms such as nausea and abdominal tightness may occur. Heavy sports or work that may be strenuous should be avoided during the postoperative period. Abdominal exercises and lifting heavy objects are movements to be avoided after surgery. After resting for a few days, the person can return to work and continue their daily activities.

After laparoscopic prostatectomy or open prostatectomy surgery, side effects such as urinary incontinence and impotence may be observed. Erectile function gradually returns after surgery. Medication treatment may be initiated to reduce side effects.

Frequently Asked Questions About Laparoscopic Radical Prostatectomy

Early diagnosis in cancer saves lives. Laparoscopic radical prostatectomy is highly advantageous for prostate cancer diagnosed at an early stage. You can obtain detailed information about prostate cancer and laparoscopic radical prostatectomy from Hisar Hospital Intercontinental Integrated Oncology Center.