Open Prostatectomy Open prostatectomy refers to a major surgical procedure for removal of the obstructing portion of the prostate. Open prostatectomy entails an incision on the lower abdomen. In either case, the blocking or obstructing portion of the prostate is shelled out from the prostate capsule in one piece. The end result is similar to the TURP in which the obstructing portion of the prostate is removed, leaving the prostate capsule behind. The reason to do an 'open' prostatectomy is the size of the prostate.
Some prostates are large enough that open prostatectomy is the only treatment option.
Open prostatectomy, also called 'simple' or 'subtotal' prostatectomy' should not be confused with 'radical' prostatectomy, an operation done for prostate cancer in which the entire prostate including capsule is removed. For the past few years, balloon dilation has been used clinically as an alternative to prostatectomy. It is very similar to the angioplasties done for coronary artery disease. Basically, a balloon is placed into the prostatic channel, either by finger guidance or telescopic guidance, and the balloon is then inflated to stretch the prostate channel. This has the apparent end result of tearing the prostate gland, creating an opening in the urinary channel.