What is Prostatectomy?

Click here to view an animated version of this procedure.

• Simple prostatectomy—This may be done to relieve urinary symptoms from a noncancerous condition like benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH). BPH is a non-cancerous growth of the prostate. It can cause problems urinating as it puts pressure on the urethra.

• Radical prostatectomy—This may be done to remove a prostate gland containing cancer .

Possible Complications

If you are planning to have a prostatectomy, your doctor will review a list of possible complications, which may include:

• Bleeding
• Infection
• Inability to control urinary stream ( incontinence )
• Inability to get an erection ( impotence ) and other sexual difficulties
• Blood clots in the legs or lungs
• Sterility
• Injury to the rectum or other nearby structures

Factors that may increase the risk of complications include:

• Obesity
• Chronic or recent illness
• Lung, kidney, liver, or heart disease
• Smoking , alcohol abuse , or drug use
• Use of certain prescription medicines
• Diabetes

Call Your Doctor

After you leave the hospital, call your doctor if any of the following occurs:

• Signs of infection, including...