About Prostate Surgery

Overview

The prostate is an exocrine gland of the male reproductive system. Its function is to secrete a white fluid that constitutes one-fourth of all the components in the semen. This fluid is alkaline in nature, and it neutralizes the acidity in the vagina of the female reproductive system. Neutralization gives a longer life to the spermatozoa that are secreted along with the semen, and also helps protect the genetic information better. The prostate gland has muscles that expand and contract to expel the stored fluid smoothly, during ejaculation. There are various disorders that affect the prostate, and may lead to prostate surgery as a treatment.

Disorders

Prostatitis is an inflammation of the prostate gland, which is mostly chronic, and can be both bacterial and non-bacterial in nature. Benign prostate hyperplasia is the enlargement of the prostate to the extent that it becomes difficult to urinate. It occurs mostly in the older men. In this condition, the enlargement of the prostate constricts the urethra and blocks the flow of urine. The intensity might increase from mild difficulties in urination to a state of inability to pass urine. Cancer of the prostate also generally affects older men, and is becoming one of the major causes of death in men over 50, according to the American Cancer Association.

Types of Surgery

One of the least invasive methods of prostate surgery is called transurethral surgery. In this form of surgery, there is no incision in the external body. The prostate is reached with the help of an instrument that is inserted through the urethra. There are two forms of transurethral surgery, transurethral resection of the prostate (TURP) and transurethral incision of the prostate (TUIP). In TURP, a resectoscope is inserted through the penis. A resectoscope contains a loop that helps the surgeons to cut the unwanted tissues of the prostate, one at a time. In TUIP, the procedure remains the same, except that instead of removing tissues, the urethra is widened by making cuts in the neck of the bladder.

Open surgery is the conventional form of surgery that requires incisions. It is usually performed when the prostate has enlarged significantly, along with further complications. Once the incisions are done, surgeons reach the prostate and cut out the enlarged tissues from it.

Laser surgery is a recent development in the field of prostate surgery, where laser fiber is passed into the body through the urethra using a cystoscope. Energy through the laser fiber destroys the tissues of the prostate, causing it to shrink.

Recovery

Surgeons usually keep a catheter inserted for several days after surgery so that the bladder is flushed out without exertion. The patient is also given antibiotics after surgery. There might also be flow of blood along with urine during the first couple of days after surgery, which is normal as the internal wounds are healing. However, constant supervision of the surgeon is a must in such conditions.

The complete healing process after surgery can run into months. There might be feeling of incontinence during the initial weeks after surgery. Bleeding during urination might occur for some weeks due to the loosening of the scab in the bladder. You should consult the surgeon if these problems persist after the surgery.

Post-Surgery Sexual Functions

Surgery usually does not cause any damage to the erectile function. However, it might impact the process of ejaculation. Prostate surgeries can lead to what is known as retrograde ejaculation. In most surgeries, the neck of the bladder is widened by coring during surgery. Due to this, the semen flow gets expelled into the bladder instead of moving out through the penis. In some cases, this is curable with medication. Surgeries do not damage the orgasmic sensation, and there should be no difference in it before and after the surgery.

Liefestyle Changes

Increase water intake, as it helps to keep the bladder flushed at regular intervals. Have a balanced diet full of fiber to avoid constipation. If constipation does occur, consult your doctor. You should also refrain from operating heavy machinery and lifting heavy objects.