For many patients suffering from prostate cancer, prostate laser surgery is an option they might want to look into. Why?

Laparoscopic prostatectomy is a surgical procedure used to treat prostate cancer.

Open Prostatectomy is the prostrate surgery performed to remove a greatly enlarged prostrate gland. This surgical procedure is called Open Prostatectomy as the incision has to be made by the doctors in the patients abdomen to remove the prostrate tissue unlike the other endoscopic procedures for treating enlarged prostrate where a tube is inserted through the urethra to remove damaged prostate tissues.

Open Prostatectomy is advised by doctors for complicated prostate enlargement cases, where great inflammation is seen, if the patient has gall bladder stones or if his bladder is damaged. In Open Prostatectomy the inner portion of the prostate gland causing enlargement is removed leaving the outer portion of this walnut shaped gland intact.

Problem Symptoms and Purpose of Conducting Open Prostatectomy

A number of changes are observed in the prostrate gland as the age of the male increases. This gland is just the size of a pea at birth and reaches it full shape when the man reaches his mid twenties. No problem is seen in the gland till mid forties, when due to sudden hormonal imbalance in the male's body the cell multiplication starts in the prostate gland causing its enlargement. This problem is commonly known as BHP (Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia). The problem symptoms include:

• Pain or burning sensation during urination
• Bladder irritation and increase in urination frequency
• Urine retention and straining to urinate
  

Though doctors try to treat these symptoms using various advanced medicines and non surgical procedures, surgery becomes important if the severity of the problem increases, for example if blood stains appear in urine, bladder stones form or in case of any problem in the kidneys.

Open Prostatectomy is suggested for treating only 2-3% of the complicated cases where the prostate is excessively enlarged and starts weighing between 80-100 gm. Open Prostatectomy cannot be performed on prostate cancer patients or persons with previous history of pelvic surgery.

Different Open Prostatectomy Procedures

There are two different styles of Open Prostatectomy known as retropubic approach or suprapubic procedure. Surgery is performed after giving the patient local or general anesthesia. Local anesthesia is preferred as it reduces blood loss and also decreases the occurrence of complications like pulmonary embolus or deep vein thrombosis.

Retropubic Prostatectomy is preferred over Suprapubic Prostatectomy as:

• During retropubic surgery surgeons get a direct view of the prostrate tumor which helps them in making accurate incisions.
• Due to clear exposure of prostrate it is easier to control bleeding after surgery.
• Also there is almost negligible surgical trauma to the patient's urinary bladder.
  

On the other hand suprapubic procedures are preferred for treating obese patients and also cases having severe bladder complications as in this procedure the urologist has a clear view of the patient's bladder.

Patient's Aftercare

As Open Prostatectomy is a complex surgical procedure the patient has to remain in the hospital for next 4-7 days under the doctors' supervision. Usually for the first few days after the surgery the patient is put on a liquid diet and the surgeon has to closely monitor and keep track of fluid status and urinary output. A urethral catheter is attached to the patient for at least 2-3 days and is removed if no traces of blood are seen in the urine. If all the vital signs of the patient are found to be okay the patient is discharged after 4 days and can resume with moderate activities in just a couple of weeks, though full healing is complete in 4-6 weeks.

Side Effects of Open Prostatectomy

With major medical advancements doctors are able to control the blood loss rate. Patients recovering from Open Prostatectomy may experience urinary incontinence and retrograde ejaculation is observed in quiet a few cases. 3-5% of the Open Prostatectomy patients reports problem of erectile dysfunction.

Almost all cancers can be cured provided they are detected early. For cancerous conditions associated with the prostate there are a number of treatment options one of which is the Perineal Prostatectomy that involves removal of the affected organ. To undergo this surgery it is rather important for the patient to keep himself in good overall health condition. Since a surgeon usually performs an incision in the groin, it is called the perineal approach and hence the name Perineal Prostatectomy. It is also of utmost importance that the surgeon must have enough experience to perform this surgical procedure as the incision is made in that sensitive area of the body which is between the anus and the scrotum.

Perineal Prostatectomy is made less use of than the other form of surgery known as the radical retro pubic prostatectomy.  In the latter case the lymph nodes can be easily sampled unlike the former type of surgery. Incidentally, the lymph nodes are organs that are distributed throughout the body. They trap foreign particles and also contain white blood cells. While undergoing a Perineal Prostatectomy surgery, the surgeon removes the prostate gland and the surrounding tissues too. If this is done smoothly and by a surgeon having a long list of cases to his credit in this form of surgery then it is all well. Perineal Prostatectomy can be performed in two ways. The first one is the open surgery method and the other is by laparoscopy. During laparoscopy the surgeon makes several small incisions in the belly. If the surgeon so wishes and has suspicion of the cancer having spread to the lymph nodes, then he may make several incisions to remove the lymph nodes. Likewise he may forego that particular incision if he feels that the lymph nodes have not been affected. For this specialized equipment called the laparoscope is used.

There is no denying the fact that Perineal Prostatectomy by and large is never really free of problems as several post surgery cases have suggested. Some of the most widely reported issues are erectile dysfunction, involuntary flow of urine and damage to the rectum especially if the surgery is complicated in cases of advanced prostate cancer. In fact, at times there is the loss of control over the bowels. Due to such associated problems the patient may end up dissociating himself from social interactions and refrain from leading a normal and regular lifestyle. Some may also need to be attended to by a full time nursing staff.

Perineal Prostatectomy is performed under general anesthetic and it also requires a hospital stay of 2 to 4 days. After the incision, the surgeon implants a thin tube called the catheter. This the patient carries with him for 1 to 3 weeks. This is in order to drain out the accumulating urine voluntarily. Actual bladder control might take several months after the removal of the catheter. Even after a successful surgery by Perineal Prostatectomy, the patient must go for periodic check ups to ensure that everything is in order. This is mainly because there are chances of the cancer returning back as has been detected in several cases.

Like all major surgeries, it would be advisable to keep a few things in mind such as history of illnesses, heart problems, other medical conditions and drug allergies. Ensure that the doctor you choose to go to has a successful track record as far as the actual surgical procedure is concerned. Only when the doctor is completely aware of your condition, lifestyle and other important factors can both of you be able to work towards relieving you of your ailment and let you lead as normal a life as would be possible post your Perineal Prostatectomy.

Surgery of any type can be frightening, and the choice between new surgical techniques and traditional ones may be difficult. Traditional surgery with a large incision into the body providing the surgeon plenty of operating room is often painful and may require a long recovery period. If you have chosen to have surgery to treat your prostate cancer, be sure to educate yourself on the different types of surgery available. This article should not be used as medical advice, but rather a general overview of basic information. Discuss all treatment options with your doctor, and seek professional medical assistance for all illnesses.

Evolution
In the beginning of the 20th century veterinarians and doctors began making smaller incisions on their patients to do exploratory surgery. Since it was difficult if not impossible to see inside these incisions extensive surgery was not possible. With continued research and advanced technology, methods were developed by which a small camera could be placed inside the minimized incision giving the surgeon ample viewing capabilities by watching a screen showing what the camera was transmitting from within the body.

Incision Size
Laparoscopic surgery differs from traditional surgery mainly by the size of the incision needed to perform the operation, and is often called keyhole surgery. Much smaller incisions are made in keyhole surgery for prostate cancer. A series of 5 incisions are made which are measured by centimeters rather than inches. A tube is placed in one these incisions to pump carbon monoxide gas into the abdominal cavity. This provides space for the surgeon to obtain a clearer view once the laparoscope camera has been inserted.

Laparoscopy Advantages
Since incisions are smaller bleeding is reduced considerably and hospital stays are usually shortened depending upon your condition. Pain is diminished and prescription pain medication is often unnecessary. Many patients use only over the counter pain relievers.

Preparing for Surgery
You should discuss any concerns you have about your choice of surgery with your doctor. He can best answer your questions with specifics related to your individual case. He will instruct you on how to prepare for surgery, what procedures will take place, and what you can expect during recovery. If you have any special requests now is the time to let your choices be known as it is often difficult to change procedures on the day surgery is scheduled.

After Surgery
Post operative procedures are basically the same for keyhole surgery as traditional. However, your healing time and pain level will be diminished. A draining tube will be removed during one of your follow up visits. With keyhole surgery this can often be accomplished a week earlier than with traditional surgery. This type of surgery is relatively new for prostate cancer and it has not yet been determined if other postoperative symptoms and side effects are also diminished.

Effects of Laparoscopic Surgery
You may find it somewhat difficult to walk during the first couple of days after surgery. The gas used to inflate the abdominal cavity does not completely dissipate after surgery and may push on your diaphragm causing pain in different areas your body. This pain is transient and will diminish as your body absorbs the leftover gas.

Technological advances can be exciting as well as frightening. Be sure to understand the procedure you are about to participate in. Discuss similar cases of other patients with your doctor. Talk to the patients themselves when possible. These discussions can go a long way in calming your apprehensions and quieting any anxieties you may have. You may wish to join a support group. Check with your hospital for suggestions or start one of your own.

TURP or Transurethral Resection of the Prostrate is basically a kind of prostrate surgery, which involves the removal of some section of the enlarged prostrate gland. It is the most common operation for the condition called BPH (Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia) or in simple terms an enlarged prostate.

BPH is also known by other names such as benign prostatic obstruction and benign prostatic hypertrophy. In this condition, the cells of prostrate undergo enlargement and hinder the flow of urine. The person suffering from BPH experiences difficulty in passing urine.
 
TURP is often recommended to patients with extreme symptoms where even medications have stopped responding. Depending on the severity of the condition an individual can also go in for some other alternative procedures such as:

• Transurethral incision of the prostrate
• Microwave therapy
• Open prostatectomy
• Laser vaporization
• Electrovaporisation

Your surgeon can help you choose the most apt procedure depending upon your existing medical condition. He will also guide you in getting prepared for that particular operation. For instance, if you are an active smoker then you will be asked to quit smoking, as it increases the risk of complications, infections and slow recovery.

Most of the prostrate procedures are done under GA (general anesthesia), which means you will practically sleep through the entire duration of operation. Some of the patients may opt for getting operated under epidural or spinal anesthesia. This allows the patient to stay awake during the operation but without feeling any pain. You can discuss with your surgeon about the type of anesthesia that would be best for you before you go ahead.

Usually with the TURP operation it takes about an hour and a half to carry out the whole procedure. Transurethral resection of the prostrate is carried out with the help of an endoscope (flexible, narrow, tube-like telescopic camera). This device is inserted in the urethra (the passage that connects the urinary bladder with penis and through which the urine comes out). The surgeon then cuts and removes the enlarged prostrate with the help of specific surgical instruments. During the operation, the urinary bladder is flushed using some sterile solution to take out the prostrate tissue.

The patient is made to rest until the effects of anesthesia get over. Usually the patients are unable to move the lower portion of their body for several hours in the case of epidural or spinal anesthesia. Patients are then provided with pain killers to eliminate any discomfort and pain that usually crops up with the wearing off of anesthesia. A catheter is also attached for the convenient draining of the urine from the urinary bladder into the bag. The catheter even serves the purpose of washing out the sterile solution from the bladder. The catheter is removed as soon as the urine starts running clear, which usually happens within two to three days of being operated.

After removing the catheter, the patient is encouraged to move around in order to prevent chest infections and the formation of blood clots in legs. The patient is allowed to go home after four to five days. It can take up to 6-7 weeks to recover completely from Transurethral Resection of the Prostrate (TURP). Normal activities may be resumed after two or three weeks. But you must keep in mind to avoid any strenuous activity during the recovery period.

It is always better to go along with the surgeon's advice strictly during the post-operative period. Some particular side effects such as blood in semen or urine, burning sensation while passing urine, urine leakage and retrograde ejaculation might also be experienced in some cases. It is always better to approach your doctor whenever you observe any such unusual signs after the operation. 

Surgery has come a long way from the use of ether as anesthesia and searing to stop bleeding. Robotic-assisted laparoscopic surgery appears to involve all the latest technology and scientific knowledge available. Laparoscopic surgery, also known as keyhole surgery got its start early in the 20th century. Later when cameras which transmit inner body pictures to a screen outside the body were added surgery became more comfortable for a lot of patients. Now the ability of a machine or robot to perform the surgery has been added to the procedure.

Laparoscopic surgery began as a way for vets and doctors to perform exploratory surgery without making large incisions in their patients. The small incision made it difficult to see within the body. The use of the camera makes it possible to see within the body. Even with these advancements surgery is still a risky business. The carbon monoxide gas used to inflate the body cavity to allow the doctor a better view does not leave the body readily and some pain can be experienced until the gas is absorbed by the body. Initial incisions are "blind" and organs may be torn or punctured. Although the doctor may view the inside of the body on the screen he must be careful to make extremely small and precise movements to avoid injury to the patient.

The robotic element of robot-assisted laparoscopic surgery allows for more precise movement and a more stable environment. The robot is a stabilized mechanism which holds the tools required for surgery. The surgeon controls the robot from a comfortable vantage point permitting more controlled movements and better viewing ability. Since all viewing and monitoring equipment is stabilized the surgeon is given a clearer and more perfect view of what is taking place inside of the body.

Radical prostatectomy has been used by itself as means to treat prostate cancer when the tumor is small and contained within the prostate. The procedure involves completely removing the prostate. This can cause nerve damage. It has been suggested that laparoscopic radical prostatectomy may prove to obtain better results than the traditional form of the surgery.

Since this type of surgery is done "from afar" surgeons must complete extensive training beyond normal surgical training. Imagine dropping a small object into a crevice which completely blocks your view. Now a friend demonstrates how you can see and recover this object by using a specially formed mirror and grasping device. In your mind's eye retrieve your object. All of your movements will be foreign to you, and the task practically impossible. This special type of surgery has opened up fields for highly trained specialists. It has been suggested that it may take upwards of 60 surgeries before a doctor will begin to become comfortable with the procedure and 250 surgeries before he becomes an expert.

The advancements in modern technology are astounding. Surgery no longer requires large incisions and extended sedation. Instead we look forward to the expanded use of robot-assisted laparoscopic surgery. Patients often return home in the evening on the same day if the surgery is performed early enough in the morning. Prescription painkillers are often unnecessary. Patients still need to rest and should not overexert themselves. Caring for the body is still a major part of any surgery. However, languishing in bed for days on end because of a surgical procedure may soon be a thing of the past.

There is a long learning curve for the robotic procedure. It is estimated that about 60 cases need to be performed by a surgeon to be comfortable with the procedure and about 250 cases to be an expert.
 

The radical Retropubic Prostatectomy surgery is perhaps the most popular form of prostate cancer surgery. The main reason for the wide usage of this form of surgery is the flexibility offered to the surgeons who take on the responsibility of conducting this operation. This is in great contrast to the less opted for Perineal Prostatectomy which offers very little scope for individually sampling the lymph nodes during the incision. Lymph nodes are distributed all over the human body and their primary function is to trap foreign particles that are harmful for the body through the white blood cells thereby helping the body in warding off infections of any kind. Retropubic Prostatectomy helps in minimizing the damage caused to the lymph nodes thereby retaining the protection offered to the body by these organs and to the nerves of the penis  which if not properly segregated might get damaged resulting in erectile dysfunction or other associated problems.

The usual method used for the Retropubic Prostatectomy is through an incision in the lower abdomen below the navel to usually an inch above the base of the penis. The pelvis is then explored thoroughly. The experienced surgeon then identifies the important structures within that area. This includes the urinary bladder, prostate, urethral blood vessels and other nerves which are identified. Soon after this the surgeon removes the prostate from the urethra below as well as from the bladder above. The next step he does is to reconnect the bladder and the urethra. After this the surgeon hastens to tie the blood vessels that are leading to and from the prostate which he has divided in the course of the removal of the prostate.

The recovery in Retropubic Prostatectomy cases is very fast and the patient is able to walk and eat within 24 hours of the surgery. This is indeed a great advantage for the patient. Before being discharged a catheter is inserted through the penis into the bladder for draining urine. This remains for one or two weeks. Effective bladder control may not be achieved if removed within the first week of the surgery. Besides this the surgeon usually carves out a drain by surgical method and this is left in the pelvis for allowing drainage of blood and other fluids. This is allowed to remain for several days. Retropubic Prostatectomy also involves removal of affected lymph nodes and these are taken for lab tests. One of the best things about this surgery is that there is less surgical trauma where nerves of that area are concerned. This of course helps in the protection of the nerves of the penis and excludes the possibility of the occurrence of erectile dysfunction which could be a point of concern to younger patients especially. But this again depends upon whether the cancer has spread beyond the prostate wherein the effected nerves too would have to be incised. Indeed, here too the operation must be done by a surgeon having extensive experience in Retropubic Prostatectomy surgery.

The success of the Retropubic Prostatectomy greatly depends upon the capabilities of an experienced surgeon as seen in most cases. A miscalculated move on the part of the surgeon can pave way for serious complications like the loss of urinary control and impotence. This can cause post operational stress and place the patient under severe psychological strain. In many cases especially where there is a possibility of erectile dysfunction the patient may be given professional counseling and assistance. Those who have been attended to be skilled and experienced surgeons would attest to the fact that this procedure is by far the most convenient in terms of the actual surgical procedure and the recovery time as well.

While there are a few treatment options on the marketing when it comes to prostate cancer, most of them are extremely unattractive. High intensity focused ultrasound, also referred to as HIFU, offers a much less invasive method that is more aggressive than some of the other treatment options that are currently prescribed to treat this disease in beginning stages.

HIFU works by directing focused sound waves deep into the tissue to destroy damaged cells (that is what cancer is after all). It is used for more purposes than to treat prostate cancer though it offers promising results in this particular application for U. S. patients. This method of treatment has been used for quite some time in other countries around the world. Despite this, there are many questions that remain when it comes to this particular procedure and other procedures that are better established are often preferred to this particular treatment, which many consider to be experimental.

Other cancers that high intensity focused ultrasound has been used to treat include breast cancer, liver cancer, kidney cancer, pancreatic cancer, bone cancer, brain cancer, testicular cancer, and cancer of the rectum. This form of treatment is still very much in the experimental stage so much still needs to be learned about their overall effectiveness and the potential risks associated with this particular treatment method for prostate and other cancers. Keep this in mind before you decide whether or not this will be the best option for you. The long-term impact of this particular treatment has a few question marks and it could be years before we begin to understand the full extent of the risks involved in this method of treatment for cancer.

Currently, prostate cancer impacts an average of one of every six men in the U. S. It is up to you to seek early detection so that you can be one of the men that lives to tell about it. Early detection is essential for a successful outcome with this dreadful disease that can spread rapidly throughout the body. The real problem lies in the fact that there are few, if any, noticeable symptoms in the early stages of prostate cancer. This means that many cases go undetected until well after it has spread far beyond the prostate where it will be much more difficult to treat. Routine screening is the best way to find this killer early and begin treatment quickly.

High intensity focused ultrasound is most effective in the earlier stages of progression when it comes to prostate cancer. Once the cancer has spread the real estate becomes much more difficult to manage with this particular device.

In addition to cancer, HIFU is also used to treat atrial fibrillation and to aid in delivering certain medications to the brain. This is still a relatively new instrument for healing and there is a lot of research to be done about the possibilities this treatment method opens up in the world of medicine. One thing is certain. Those who suffer from prostate cancer now have a new weapon to add to the arsenal—a promising one at that.

A diagnosis of prostate cancer is no longer an unequivocal death sentence. There are quite a few treatment options available to you. Early detection remains vital to increasing the odds of survival but tools to aid in the process like high intensity focused ultrasound are leading the way towards a world where many more people are able to overcome this formidable disease. Make sure you consider all your options before ruling out this treatment that offers many possibilities for a positive outcome.

Prostate cancer is especially problematic among men because it shows so few actual symptoms. It also affects different men in different ways. Because there are so many ways in which this disease presents itself there are many possible treatments, such as cryosurgery, hormone therapy, orchiectomy, radiation therapy, high intensity focused ultrasound, and prostatectomy that are available to treat this disease that was a death sentence at one point in time.

Today, early detection allows many cases of this disease to be caught in the process of regular yearly checkups. It is constant vigilance that has had the greatest impact on the rate at which this disease is detected in early stages. The fact that it is being detected earlier is the single best news to be heard on the prostate cancer front. Early detections increases the odds of a successful outcome, five years down the road, exponentially.

Once you’ve discovered that you suffer from prostate cancer you may feel as though the world has suddenly pulled out from under you. Now is the time, though, to educate yourself. Your doctor will probably want to move quickly to get the ball rolling on treatment. One of the treatment options your physician is likely to discuss with you is cryosurgery.

When it comes to the prostate, this particular type of surgery literally freezes the gland effectively killing the cancer. There is a great deal of debate at this point as to whether or not this is a preferred treatment method and what the long-range consequences of this treatment may be. It is achieved by inserting several probes through the skin into the prostate and filling them with a gas that is meant to freeze the tissues. The procedure itself is performed in a hospital but doesn’t require a prolonged stay.

Some men require more than one treatment before it actually takes though you will not know if another treatment is necessary until your PSA level has been tested after the initial surgery is complete. PSA levels record prostate specific antigens. A high number could indicate the inflammation of the prostate or prostate cancer.

There are a few unattractive side effects of this particular surgery as there are with almost every other possible treatment for prostate cancer. These side effects include: erectile issues such as impotence, bladder issues, and rectal damage. Instances of radiation are greater with this form of treatment than with radiation though they are still quite high with both options. This type of surgery does not prevent the cancer from coming back so you will always need to be on the lookout for signs of the cancer returning when you pursue this treatment options.

Some who suffer from prostate cancer elect to receive no treatment other than active surveillance. The reason behind this is quality of life. Many of the side effects of treatments are simply unattractive to men who feel that surviving prostate cancer will only buy them a few years at best of extra time and do not want their enjoyment of that time diminished by medications or side effects from surgery. Once you reach a certain point in life the question turns to quality rather than quantity. And surgeries that are invasive and involve sensitive areas are not as attractive as they might be when you are younger and facing the possibility of a significantly shortened lifespan.

Other factors that may impact how well certain treatment methods, such as cryosurgery, work for you is your overall health upon discovering the prostate cancer, how advanced the cancer is, and the quality of life you expect to lead. Study all of your options and discuss your feelings with your physician before you make any major decisions about this and other treatment options for prostate cancer.