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Prostatectomy, Prostate Cancer surgery

A prostatectomy involves removing your entire prostate gland, including the tumour. Around 16% of people diagnosed with prostate cancer have a prostatectomy but it can come with significant side effects.

If you’ve been offered a prostatectomy but want another opinion, contact us today.

Our expert team of clinical specialists are experienced with all current prostate cancer treatments, so they can help you understand all your options and make a decision that you can be confident in.

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Mr Alan Doherty: What is a prostatectomy
00:39
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Prostatectomy, Surgery to remove the Prostate Gland
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SUMMARY
Mr. Alan Doherty (Consultant Urologist, The Focal Therapy Clinic): Prostatectomy can be divided into two typesradical prostatectomy, which removes a margin for high-risk cancer, and total prostatectomy, which aims to minimize collateral damage for low-risk disease. Understanding these options helps patients choose the best surgical approach for their specific diagnosis. Alan Doherty - https://www.thefocaltherapyclinic.co.uk/about-us/our-consultants/mr-alan-doherty/ Prostatectomy - https://www.thefocaltherapyclinic.co.uk/living-with-prostate-cancer/treatment-options/prostatectomy/

TRANSCRIPT
Mr. Alan Doherty: I have always thought of **prostatectomy** as being divided into **two categories**: ### **1. Radical Prostatectomy (For High-Risk Cancer)** - Involves **removing the prostate with an extra margin of surrounding tissue**. - This **deliberate collateral damage** is necessary to ensure **complete cancer removal**. - It has a **higher side effect profile**, including **greater risks of incontinence and erectile dysfunction**. ### **2. Total Prostatectomy (For Low-Risk Cancer)** - Focuses on **removing only the prostate while preserving key structures**. - **Erectile nerves and the sphincter in the bladder neck are left intact**, minimizing functional side effects. - It is **better suited for low-risk prostate cancer**, where a **wider margin may not be necessary**. The **approach to prostatectomy depends on cancer severity**—for **high-risk cases, radical removal may be needed**, but for **low-risk cases, a more conservative approach can help preserve quality of life**.

This content is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Read more.
Mr Alan Doherty on the success rate of prostatectomy
01:44
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Prostatectomy, Surgery to remove the Prostate Gland
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SUMMARY
Mr. Alan Doherty (Consultant Urologist, The Focal Therapy Clinic): Prostatectomy success rates depend on cancer cure and side effects. Cure is highest when cancer is caught early, but continence and erectile function depend on surgical quality. Choosing an experienced surgeon is crucial for achieving the best outcomes. Alan Doherty - https://www.thefocaltherapyclinic.co.uk/about-us/our-consultants/mr-alan-doherty/ Prostatectomy - https://www.thefocaltherapyclinic.co.uk/living-with-prostate-cancer/treatment-options/prostatectomy/ 00:00 Introduction: Measuring Prostatectomy Success 00:01 Two Key Metrics: Cancer Cure Rate & Side Effects 00:18 Cancer Cure Rate (Early Detection & Surgical Quality) 00:34 Side Effects & Functional Outcomes Overview 00:38 Incontinence: Incidence & Severity 00:51 Erectile Dysfunction: Causes & Recovery Timeline 01:37 Key Takeaway: Balancing Cure with Quality of Life Website: https://www.thefocaltherapyclinic.co.uk LinkedIn: linkedin.com/company/the-focal-therapy-clinic/ Facebook: facebook.com/TheFocalTC Telephone: +44 (0) 207 036 8870 #Prostatectomy #ProstateCancer #MensHealth #SurgicalOutcomes #CancerCure #ProstateHealth

TRANSCRIPT
Mr. Alan Doherty: The **success rate of prostatectomy** is measured in two ways: 1. **Cancer cure rate** – depends on **how early the cancer is detected** and **surgical quality**. 2. **Side effects (functional outcomes)** – including **incontinence and erectile dysfunction**. ### **Cancer Cure Rate** - If **prostate cancer is detected early** and the surgery is **performed well**, the patient **should be cured** in nearly all cases. - The **quality of surgery** plays a crucial role in ensuring **complete removal of cancer while minimizing damage**. ### **Side Effects & Functional Outcomes** - **Incontinence:** - If surgery is performed by a **highly skilled surgeon**, **bothersome incontinence** (requiring pads) occurs in **only 1–3%** of cases. - **Mild leakage** (a few drops with coughing, sneezing, or passing wind) may affect **15–20%** of men. - **Erectile Dysfunction:** - Even with **top-quality surgery**, **long-term erectile dysfunction occurs in 20–30% of men**. - Erections often take **months to return**, even with nerve-sparing surgery. - **For the average surgeon and patient, erectile dysfunction occurs in at least 50%, sometimes up to nearly 100%**. ### **Key Takeaway** While **prostatectomy can be highly effective in curing cancer**, its **functional side effects vary significantly** depending on **surgical skill and patient factors**. Patients should discuss **risks and alternative treatments** to find the best approach for their condition.

This content is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Read more.
Mr Alan Doherty: How is a prostatectomy performed
01:24
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Prostatectomy, Surgery to remove the Prostate Gland
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SUMMARY
Mr. Alan Doherty (Consultant Urologist, The Focal Therapy Clinic): Radical prostatectomy has evolved from open surgery to robotic-assisted techniques, which are now the standard. However, open surgery remains beneficial in experienced hands, offering excellent outcomes for selected patients. Alan Doherty - https://www.thefocaltherapyclinic.co.uk/about-us/our-consultants/mr-alan-doherty/ Prostatectomy - https://www.thefocaltherapyclinic.co.uk/living-with-prostate-cancer/treatment-options/prostatectomy/ 00:00 Introduction: 25 Years of Prostatectomy Experience 00:04 Early Years: Open Surgery as the Only Option 00:10 Evolution of Techniques: From Laparoscopic to Robotic Surgery 00:21 The Rise of Robotic-Assisted Surgery (Precision & Training) 00:37 Why Robotic Surgery Became the Global Standard 00:44 My Approach: From Open to Robotic and Back 01:00 Combining Open Technique with Keyhole Instruments 01:09 Robotic Surgery Today: The Gold Standard for Training & Access Website: https://www.thefocaltherapyclinic.co.uk LinkedIn: linkedin.com/company/the-focal-therapy-clinic/ Facebook: facebook.com/TheFocalTC Telephone: +44 (0) 207 036 8870 #Prostatectomy #RoboticSurgery #ProstateCancer #MensHealth #Urology #CancerTreatment

TRANSCRIPT
Mr. Alan Doherty: I started performing **radical prostatectomies** about **25 years ago**, when **open surgery was the only option**. ### **The Evolution of Prostatectomy Techniques** - **Laparoscopic (keyhole) surgery** was introduced but proved **technically challenging**, often leading to **higher complication rates** in early adopters. - **Robotic-assisted surgery** revolutionized the field, making **precise suturing and instrument manipulation easier for surgeons**. - Robotic surgery is now **the standard approach in most of the Western world**, as it allows for **better surgeon training and improved outcomes**. ### **My Approach to Surgery** - Having performed **many open prostatectomies before moving to robotic surgery**, I found that my outcomes were **actually better using my hands**. - **Keyhole instruments can still be used through an open incision**, which can provide additional advantages. - Despite the widespread adoption of robotic surgery, I **continue to use open surgery in some cases** and find **no detriment—only benefits**. That said, I recognize that **robotic surgery is now the dominant approach**, as it has become **the gold standard for training new surgeons and improving accessibility**.

This content is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Read more.
Mr Alan Doherty: Focal therapy as an alternative to a scheduled prostatectomy
00:35
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Prostatectomy, Surgery to remove the Prostate Gland
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SUMMARY
"Mr. Alan Doherty (Consultant Urologist, The Focal Therapy Clinic): If you've been told you need a prostatectomy, focal therapy may be an alternativeespecially for Gleason scores below 8, where targeted treatment is effective in over 50% of cases. This minimally invasive approach preserves quality of life while effectively treating prostate cancer. Mr Alan Doherty - https://www.thefocaltherapyclinic.co.uk/about-us/our-consultants/mr-alan-doherty/ Focal Therapy - https://www.thefocaltherapyclinic.co.uk/focal-therapy/ why choose focal therapy - https://www.thefocaltherapyclinic.co.uk/why-choose-focal-therapy/ prostatectomy - https://www.thefocaltherapyclinic.co.uk/living-with-prostate-cancer/treatment-options/prostatectomy/

TRANSCRIPT
Mr. Alan Doherty: If you've been told you **need a prostatectomy**, there’s a **good chance that focal therapy could be an alternative**. ### **Why Could Focal Therapy Be an Option?** - Many men requiring surgery have **less aggressive cancers** (Gleason score **below 8**). - If a cancer is **not highly aggressive**, it is more likely that a **targeted focal therapy approach** can effectively treat it. - In **more than 50% of cases**, focal therapy can be a **viable alternative to radical prostatectomy**. For men looking to **avoid the side effects of surgery**, focal therapy may offer an **effective and less invasive option**, while still providing **good cancer control**.

This content is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Read more.
Robotic Radical Prostatectomy
01:35
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Prostatectomy, Surgery to remove the Prostate Gland
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SUMMARY
Mr. Tim Dudderidge (Consultant Urologist, The Focal Therapy Clinic): Robotic prostatectomy removes the prostate while preserving nerves and urethral length. This advanced technique offers faster recovery, better continence, and a less invasive alternative to traditional open surgery, improving patient outcomes.

TRANSCRIPT
Mr. Tim Dudderidge: **Radical prostatectomy** is the surgical removal of the prostate to treat **prostate cancer**. It may be better described as **total prostatectomy**, as the goal is to **remove the prostate while preserving neighboring structures**, such as the **nerves and urethra**. Unlike traditional cancer surgeries, where **large margins of surrounding tissue** are removed, **robotic prostatectomy** allows for **precise dissection**, preserving essential structures that improve **continence and erectile function**. ### **Benefits of Robotic Prostatectomy** Compared to open surgery, **robotic prostatectomy** offers several advantages: - **Minimally invasive approach** using keyhole surgery. - **Six small incisions**, each less than **1 cm long**. - **Quicker recovery**—most patients stay in the hospital for only **one or two nights**. - **Faster return to normal activities**, such as driving and sports. - **Better preservation of urethral length**, helping maintain **early post-operative urinary continence**. With robotic technology, **surgeons can carefully remove the prostate while protecting surrounding nerves**, making it a **more advanced and patient-friendly alternative to open surgery**.

This content is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Read more.
Mr Tim Dudderidge Should I consider focal therapy if I've been scheduled for a prostatectomy
00:54
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Prostatectomy, Surgery to remove the Prostate Gland
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SUMMARY
Mr. Tim Dudderidge (Consultant Urologist, The Focal Therapy Clinic): If you're unsure about radical prostatectomy, you can pause and reconsider. Seeking more information or a second opinion on focal therapy can help ensure the best decision for your health and quality of life. Understanding all treatment options is crucial in making an informed choice.

TRANSCRIPT
Mr. Tim Dudderidge: By the time **radical prostatectomy** is scheduled, many patients feel like they are on a **train that has already left the station**—but until you’ve had treatment, you **always have the option to reconsider**. You don’t have to go ahead with surgery **unless you are 100% sure** it’s the right decision for you. If you have **doubts about surgery**, the best approach is to: - **Pause and reflect** before committing to a date. - Identify what **questions remain unanswered** by your doctors. - **Speak to your specialists** for more information. - **Consult specialist nurses** for further guidance. - **Seek a second opinion from a focal therapy expert**, if needed. Taking time to gather **all available information** ensures you make a **fully informed decision** that aligns with your values and long-term health goals.

This content is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Read more.
Dr Christos Mikropoulos When is radiotherapy more appropriate than Prostatectomy
00:45
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Prostatectomy, Surgery to remove the Prostate Gland
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SUMMARY
Dr. Christos Mikropoulos (Oncologist, The Focal Therapy Clinic): Patients with localized prostate cancer are offered all treatment options, including surgery, radiotherapy, and focal therapy. Both surgery and radiotherapy are effective, and the choice is made through an informed consent process, ensuring patients understand risks, benefits, and long-term outcomes.

TRANSCRIPT
Dr. Christos Mikropoulos: For patients with **localized prostate cancer**, we offer **all available treatment options**, ensuring they have access to specialists in each approach. Patients will typically see: - A **radiation oncologist** to discuss **radiotherapy** - A **surgeon** to discuss **surgery** There is **no fixed rule** dictating which treatment is best for each patient, as **both surgery and radiotherapy are highly effective in curing prostate cancer**. The **treatment decision is patient-driven**, made through an **informed consent process** where we: - Explain the **risks and benefits** of each option - Discuss **cure rates** and **expected outcomes** - Provide **personalized guidance** based on each patient’s needs Ultimately, patients make their choice based on the **information provided** and what best aligns with their **preferences and lifestyle**.

This content is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Read more.
Mr Marc Laniado What are the side effects of a Prostatectomy
01:07
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Prostatectomy, Surgery to remove the Prostate Gland
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SUMMARY
Mr. Marc Laniado (Consultant Urologist, The Focal Therapy Clinic): Prostatectomy can cause bladder control issues and erectile dysfunction. While many men improve over time, some require further treatment for incontinence or erectile loss. Exploring alternatives like focal therapy may help reduce these risks while effectively treating prostate cancer.

TRANSCRIPT
Mr Marc Laniado: The main side effects of **prostatectomy** relate to **bladder control** and **erectile function**. Most men experience **temporary bladder control issues** after surgery, requiring pads or frequent underwear changes. It can take up to a year for bladder function to improve, and doing **pelvic floor exercises** can help. However, around **5% or more of men** still experience **significant urinary leakage** after one year and may require **additional treatment**, such as **medications** or **a surgical procedure** to improve bladder control. The other major side effect of prostate removal is **erectile dysfunction**. Unfortunately, this is quite common and can be difficult to treat, even with medication. While some men see improvement over time, most will require some form of treatment. **Men with normal erectile function before surgery will almost always notice an impact on their erections after surgery.**

This content is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Read more.
Prostatectomy (prostate cancer surgery) side effects
00:44
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Prostatectomy, Surgery to remove the Prostate Gland
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SUMMARY
Mr. Alan Doherty (Consultant Urologist, The Focal Therapy Clinic): Prostatectomy side effects result from collateral damage, not the removal of the prostate itself. A skilled surgeon minimizes these risks, reducing incontinence and erectile dysfunction while ensuring the best possible recovery outcomes.

TRANSCRIPT
Mr. Alan Doherty: ### **Why Do Side Effects Occur After Prostatectomy?** The **side effects of prostatectomy** occur due to **collateral damage**, not because of the **prostate itself**. I often tell patients: - **If there were a magic pill that made the prostate vanish**, the only noticeable change would be **a reduced amount of fluid during orgasm**. - **You wouldn’t be incontinent or impotent** because the prostate has **no role in bladder control or erectile function**. - The prostate **does not produce hormones**—its primary function is making **PSA** and enzymes for semen. ### **Where Do Side Effects Come From?** - **Collapsing structures during surgery** can affect **nerves and surrounding tissues**. - The **better the surgeon, the lower the risk** of collateral damage. While **prostate removal can be life-saving**, a **highly skilled surgeon** can significantly **reduce the chances of long-term incontinence or erectile dysfunction**.

This content is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Read more.

How it works

To treat your cancer, your entire prostate gland, including the tumour, is removed, along with the seminal vesicles that carry semen. To make sure all the cancer is removed, some additional tissue surrounding the gland may also be removed, including your lymph nodes. There are a few ways your surgeon can remove it:

  • Open surgery involves your surgeon accessing your prostate through a large cut in your abdomen. Open surgery is rarely done nowadays, but is sometimes recommended if your prostate is very large.
  • Laparoscopically (keyhole surgery), where instruments are inserted into small holes in your abdomen along with a laparoscope (a camera with a light) so your surgeon can see what they’re doing on a screen. Laparascopic techniques are used for lots of surgeries, because it’s quicker to recover from compared with open surgery.
  • Robotically (another form of keyhole surgery), where a robot is controlled by a surgeon to complete the surgery. The Da Vinci robot can make cuts and movements very accurately, reducing blood loss.

To get rid of your cancer and stop it coming back most effectively, prostatectomies are often used in combination with other treatments, such as radiotherapy or hormone therapy.

These procedures are often described as ‘radical’ due to the high risk of side effects afterwards.

Suitability

If you have localised or locally advanced prostate cancer, you might be recommended a radical prostatectomy. However, not everyone can have surgery. If your overall health isn’t very good, you are older or you can’t tolerate anaesthetic, you won’t be suitable.

Success rates

Radical prostatectomies have been shown to be effective in the long-term at controlled cancer. Newer techniques, such as nerve-sparing prostatectomies, are also more effect in preserving your erection and bladder control. However, there is still a risk of impotence and incontinence after surgery.

  • Cancer control: Men who have lower grade prostate cancer that is confined to the organ can have different outcomes at 20 years after their treatment. On average, 3% will die of their prostate cancer, 5% see their cancer spread to other organs, and 6% have a localised recurrence. For men with a Gleason score of above 7 or a PSA above 20, the risk of prostate cancer mortality is 22%.
  • Sexual potency (for people that had full erectile function before treatment): Around 85% of men will have issues with sexual function after a prostatectomy. However, this drops to around 50% after a complete nerve-sparing procedure.
  • Urinary continence: Around 40% of men will experience some kind of incontinence after their procedure, although for some people this resolves as they recover. A very experienced surgeon could expect around 90% of their patients to have recovered their bladder control after 3 years.

Side effects

With all surgeries, there is a risk of infection. You will be prescribed antibiotics to reduce this risk and your symptoms will be monitored during your follow-up appointments.

Difficulty getting and maintaining an erection, and controlling your bladder, are the most common side effects. This is because of the volume of tissue removed during a prostatectomy and the likelihood of removing or damaging the nerves that control erections and going to the bathroom.

Many men can find these symptoms distressing. If you want to avoid them, The Focal Therapy Clinic offers minimally-invasive treatments that could be right for you. Find out more>>

On the day

When you arrive at hospital, your nurse will complete some checks and answer any questions you might have. You’ll need an anaesthetic, you might have some medicine to help you relax and you might also have a drip to keep you hydrated.

During the procedure

Depending on the type of surgery, it can take up to 4 hours. Your surgeon will make one large or some small incisions, depending on whether your surgery is open or laparoscopic (keyhole). They will remove your prostate and any additional tissue to make sure all the cancer is gone, then reconnect your bladder to your urethra.

Recovery

You’ll need to stay in hospital after your surgery for your initial recovery, which can take up to 7 days. To help your bladder recover, you’ll need a catheter for around 2 weeks, but you’ll be shown how to look after this yourself whilst you’re at home.

After you go home, it can take 4-12 weeks until you are able to get back to your normal activities. You’ll need to attend a check-up around 4 weeks after your operation. You’ll continue to have follow-ups to monitor your cancer, usually every 3 months for 1 year then every 6 months for the next 2 years.

If you’ve been scheduled for a radical prostatectomy and would like a second opinion on your treatment options, we can help.
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Any questions?

If you’ve got any questions about your prostate cancer diagnosis or want to know more about HIFU treatment or NanoKnife treatment, don’t hesitate to get in touch with our friendly, knowledgeable team.

0207 036 8870

info@thefocaltherapyclinic.co.uk

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    Learn more about prostatectomy

    Frequently asked questions

    What is the difference between radical prostatectomy and total prostatectomy?
    Radical prostatectomy involves removing the prostate gland along with a margin of surrounding tissue to ensure complete cancer removal, typically recommended for higher-risk localised disease. Total prostatectomy focuses on removing the prostate with minimal damage to surrounding structures, often used for lower-risk cancers. The choice depends on cancer grade, PSA levels, and individual patient factors, and should be made through informed discussion with your urologist.
    What are the risks of urinary incontinence after radical prostatectomy?
    Urinary incontinence affects 5–20% of men long-term following radical prostatectomy, with severity varying from occasional stress incontinence to requiring protective pads daily. Recovery typically progresses over 12–18 months with dedicated pelvic floor exercises. With highly experienced surgeons, approximately 90% of men regain full continence control within three years. The risk is higher in older patients and those with pre-existing bladder issues.
    How does recovery time for prostatectomy compare to focal therapy?
    Prostatectomy typically requires 6–12 weeks for functional recovery, including catheter use for 7–14 days, restricted physical activity for six weeks, and gradual return to normal activities. In contrast, focal therapy procedures like HIFU or NanoKnife allow most men to return to normal activities within 3–5 days, with catheter removal usually within 24–48 hours. This significant difference in recovery time makes focal therapy particularly attractive for men wishing to minimise disruption to their lives.
    What are the chances of losing erectile function after prostatectomy and can it be corrected?
    Erectile dysfunction occurs in 30–85% of men following radical prostatectomy, depending on whether nerve-sparing techniques were possible and the surgeon’s experience. Recovery of natural erectile function can take 12–24 months, with younger men and those with better pre-operative function having better outcomes. Management options include phosphodiesterase-5 inhibitors (Viagra, Cialis), vacuum erection devices, penile injections, and penile implants, though many men find these interventions less satisfactory than natural function.
    Is robotic prostatectomy always preferred over traditional open surgery?
    Robotic-assisted prostatectomy using the da Vinci system has become the standard approach in most centres due to enhanced visualisation, precision, reduced blood loss, and faster patient recovery. However, open surgery remains a valid option in experienced hands, particularly for complex cases involving large prostates or previous pelvic surgery. The surgeon’s experience and expertise with their chosen technique are more important than the method itself for achieving optimal cancer control and functional outcomes.
    What is the success rate of prostatectomy for curing prostate cancer?
    For localised prostate cancer detected early, radical prostatectomy offers excellent cure rates, with studies showing men with low-grade disease have only a 3% cancer-specific mortality at 20 years. Success depends critically on complete surgical removal with negative margins and appropriate patient selection. However, functional outcomes—continence and erectile function—vary significantly based on surgeon experience, with the best results achieved by high-volume specialists performing nerve-sparing techniques.
    If cancer returns after prostate surgery, what are the remaining treatment options?
    Cancer recurrence after radical prostatectomy, indicated by rising PSA levels, typically requires salvage radiotherapy to the prostate bed, often combined with hormone therapy. This represents the primary local treatment option post-surgery. In contrast, men who choose focal therapy as initial treatment preserve all subsequent options—repeat focal therapy, full gland treatment with HIFU, radiotherapy, or surgery—providing significantly more flexibility if cancer recurs or progresses.
    Should I consider focal therapy if I’ve been scheduled for a prostatectomy?
    If you have localised prostate cancer with Gleason score 7 or below (Grade Groups 1–3) and your cancer is clearly visible on multiparametric MRI, focal therapy may be an effective alternative worth discussing. Over 50% of men scheduled for prostatectomy meet the criteria for focal therapy, which offers comparable cancer control with significantly lower risks of incontinence and erectile dysfunction. Mr Tim Dudderidge advises pausing to seek a second opinion from a focal therapy specialist before committing to radical surgery.
    When is radiotherapy more appropriate than prostatectomy for prostate cancer?
    Both radiotherapy and prostatectomy are equally effective for localised prostate cancer cure rates. Radiotherapy may be preferred for men with significant medical comorbidities that increase surgical risk, those wishing to avoid surgery, or cases where the cancer extends slightly beyond the prostate capsule. The choice should be made through informed consent discussions weighing the different side effect profiles—radiotherapy carries risks of bowel and bladder irritation, while surgery risks incontinence and erectile dysfunction.
    What are the main side effects of prostatectomy surgery?
    The primary side effects stem from collateral damage to structures surrounding the prostate during removal. These include urinary incontinence (affecting 10–20% long-term), erectile dysfunction (30–85% of men experience significant difficulties), and in some cases, urinary stricture or bladder neck contracture requiring further procedures. Mr Marc Laniado emphasises that while surgical skill minimises these risks, they cannot be eliminated entirely with whole-gland removal, making focal therapy’s targeted approach particularly appealing for suitable candidates.
    How long does a prostatectomy operation take and what does it involve?
    Robotic-assisted radical prostatectomy typically takes 2–4 hours under general anaesthesia. The surgeon makes small incisions to insert robotic instruments, carefully dissects the prostate from surrounding nerves and blood vessels (attempting nerve-sparing when possible), removes the gland and seminal vesicles, then reconnects the bladder to the urethra. Patients usually stay in hospital 1–2 nights with a catheter in place, which remains for 7–14 days post-operatively.
    Can I have children after a prostatectomy?
    Natural conception is not possible after prostatectomy as the procedure removes the prostate and seminal vesicles, eliminating the fluid component of ejaculation (resulting in dry orgasm). However, fertility can be preserved through sperm banking before surgery, followed by assisted reproductive techniques such as IVF or ICSI. Men of reproductive age should discuss fertility preservation options with their urologist before proceeding with surgery.

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