Laparoscopic radical prostatectomy is a surgical procedure in which the prostate gland, seminal vesicles and distal portion of the vas deferens are removed using keyhole instruments through small incisions in the skin. The procedure is usually done with curative intent to treat prostate cancer. Since the vas deferens is divided during the procedure men are rendered infertile and do not have ejaculation when they orgasm.
The lymph nodes (draining soft tissue) around the prostate gland maybe removed during the operation. This is to assess for prostate cancer spread outside of the prostate gland.
For localised prostate cancer, radical prostatectomy provides an excellent chance of cure.
The advantages of Laparoscopic Radical Prostatectomy are reduced pain, reduced blood loss, shorter hospital stay and earlier return to general activities.
Most men (85%) are able to go home the following day. Patients are discharged with a catheter (small tube) through their penis and into the bladder to drain the urine and protect the anastomosis. The catheter can be removed when the anastomosis is secure enough to urinate normally. This usually happens 1 week post procedure.
