It involves surgically removing the cancerous gland and surrounding tissue, including the seminal vesicles. The latter technique requires another incision to remove pelvic lymph nodes. Pelvic lymph nodes are also removed during retropubic prostatectomy. Patients typically require hospitalization for 3 to 5 days after surgery and are usually catheterized for 2 weeks. Complications Complications include a risk for blood clots, which can cause heart failure.
Impotence is common.
Surgeons try to avoid removing or cutting the nerves that control the ability to achieve an erection. Radiation therapy may be prescribed for radical prostatectomy patients whose cancer returns. Prostate cancer usually spreads first to the lymph nodes in the pelvis. The physician assesses the likelihood of spread based on the biopsy results, PSA tests, and the size of the tumor. Lymphadenectomy is the surgical removal of lymph nodes.