A radical prostatectomy is surgery to remove either some or all of the prostate gland, generally to combat cancer. As you would expect, this can involve long recovery times and potential damage to other areas, such as the nerves that control erection. Impotence and incontinence can often result, however, there are potential ways to reduce this risk such as nerve-sparing surgery. There are several types of prostatectomy:

Open surgery - A large incision is cut in the abdomen to access the prostate. This is the most invasive of all the techniques. It's generally used for the largest of prostate glands.

Laparoscopic - This version of the protastectomy involves only four small incisions in the abdomen and the insertion of miniaturized surgical equipment. This is much less invasive and has a faster recovery time, although long term benefits do not differ radically from open surgery.

Robotic Laparoscopic - Same as above but the surgeon uses a da Vinci robot for more precise control. Can be more accurate than regular laparoscopic surgery, which may allow for a better success rate in nerve-sparing surgery.

Perineal - An incision is made in the perineum, the area between the rectum and testicles. The recovery time is fast, but it may not allow the surgeon to take lymph node samples to see if the cancer has spread.

Retropubic - The incision is made in the lower abdomen. Like perineal, this protastectomy surgery will involve a faster recovery time, and also allows samples to be taken of nearby lymph nodes.

Transurethral Resection - Commonly used as a treatment for benign prostatic hyperplasia (an inflammation of the prostate gland), a cytoscope is inserted into the urethra (the pee hole). More recent methods include a laser, which results in less blood loss and faster recovery time.

The type of prostatectomy you will get will depend primarily on your doctor's opinion, your age, the stage of your cancer, and your risk factors.