Radical prostatectomy is an operation to remove prostate cancer ίf it has not spread to other parts of the body. The prostate, with the tumour, and the seminal vesicles are removed through a cut ίn the lower abdomen and sent to the laboratory for analysis. The operation is done under a general anaesthetic and takes 3-5 hours. During the operation, a catheter will be passed up the urethra into the bladder to drain off urine. The patient will usually need to return to hospital to have the catheter removed after 2-3 weeks.

After the operation, any discomfort can be controlled with painkillers and you can normally go home after 5-7 days. Complete recovery takes 6-8 weeks, but you may feel tired for several months and should avoid heavy lifting.

At first, you may leak urine when coughing or moving but there is only a small (1ess than 3 %) risk οf persistent incontinence after surgery. However, there is more than a 50% chance of impotence (inability to have an erection) but this can often be treated with tablets or injections.

If all of the prostate cancer is removed successfully, the level of prostate-specific antigen (PSA for short) ίn your blood will fall to zero and remain undetectable.

You will need to visit the clinic every 3-6 months for blood tests. If the PSA level rises, this usually means that cancer is still present or has recurred. Α quarter to one-third of patients will require further treatment with radiotherapy or hormone therapy.