Open prostatectomy for benign prostatic hyperplasiaSurgery Overview
Open prostatectomy is the surgical removal of
an enlarged (noncancerous)
prostate. It is done under a
general or
spinal anesthetic. Usually, an incision is made
through the lower abdomen, although sometimes the incision is made between the
rectum and the base of the penis. A
catheter may be placed in the bladder through the
lower abdominal skin to help flush the bladder (postoperative bladder
irrigation) and another catheter comes out of the penis to drain the urine. The
procedure requires a slightly longer hospital stay and recovery period than
transurethral resection of the prostate (TURP). Open prostatectomies may be needed only for men with very enlarged
prostate glands (it may be more effective than TURP in relieving the blockage
of urine flow), for men with bladder diverticula (pockets) or stones, and if
TURP is not possible. A prostatectomy also reduces the possibility that another
surgery will be needed, which is a potential problem when TURP is used. But if
you have been treated for prostate cancer, an open prostatectomy cannot be
done.
© 1995-2009, Healthwise, Incorporated, P.O. Box 1989, Boise, ID 83701.
ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.
This information does not replace the advice of a doctor. Healthwise disclaims any warranty or liability for your use of this information. Your use of this information means that you agree to the Terms of Use. How this information was developed to help you make better health decisions.
|
|
Email To A Friend