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What is a Radical Prostatectomy?

A radical prostatectomy is an operation that removes the whole prostate, seminal vesicles and the tissue immediately surrounding them and is performed to remove prostate cancer.

Patient Preparation for Open Radical Prostatectomy

It is important that Dr Swindle’s instructions are followed prior to your surgery as there are a number of things which need to be done in preparation for your open prostatectomy. Surgery is sometimes cancelled if instructions are not followed.

The Open Radical Prostatectomy Procedure

In an Open Prostatectomy, a small incision is made from pubic bone up towards the belly button.

What to expect following Open Radical Prostatectomy

Following your surgery, you will be taken from the operating room to recovery, an area in the operating theatre where patients are monitored very carefully immediately following a surgical procedure. Your first memory after the surgery will be waking up in recovery.

Potential complications of Open Radical Prostatectomy

All operations can have complications such as deep vein thrombosis (blood clots), infection, heart attack, stroke, pneumonia, bleeding and ileus (bowel not functioning after surgery). Specific complications for robotic prostatectomy include impotence, incontinence, rectal injury and strictures. There is also a risk of conversion to an open operation as a result of anatomical problems or technical issues.

Sexual Function after a Radical Prostatectomy

The operation will affect sexual function in several ways, but it does not prevent you from enjoying a rich sex life when you recover.

Discharge from Hospital following Open Radical Prostatectomy

When you leave the hospital, you will be given a prescription for several different medications. This prescription will be dispensed before you leave hospital and the nurses will go over the instructions with you.

Wound care and activity following Open Radical Prostatectomy

After a radical prostatectomy there will be a lower abdominal incision. This will be covered by a waterproof dressing. Bruising around the incision and the abdomen is not uncommon and should not alarm you. This will resolve over time.

When to Contact Dr Swindle after Open Radical Prostatectomy surgery

Dr Swindle can be contacted anytime on 0409103333 if you are concerned or have any specific issues. If for any reason Dr Swindle can not be contacted go to your nearest emergency department.