The American Cancer Society recommends two screening tests to detect prostate cancer in early, more treatable stages. Both tests should be given annually to men 55 and older and to younger men who have a high risk of prostate cancer. High levels of PSA may be a sign of prostate cancer. Treating Prostate Cancer Surgery for prostate cancer is called a radical prostatectomy. A large incision is made into the abdomen and the prostate gland and seminal vessels are removed.
Impotence is caused by trauma or damage to the nerves that control an erection.
Most patients recover erectile function three to six months after surgery. But a small number of patients remain impotent. About eight percent of men continue to have some degree of urinary incontinence two to three months after surgery. Doctors at Emory University Hospital are using a new technique to treat prostate cancer. A stationary robot holds the incision open, freeing the surgeon and surgical assistant to perform the surgery.