Also surrounding the prostate are 2 bundles of nerves responsible for erections. When the surgeon is removing the prostate he will try to save these nerves. This is known as " nerve sparing" surgery. Whether or not the nerves are spared depends on how close the cancer is to the nerves.
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Many specialists believe that radical prostatectomy offers
the greatest chance of long-term survival (past 7 to 10
years) but it is also the most aggressive of treatments
and therefore has the greatest risk of side effects. Radical
prostatectomy is a major surgery. The younger and healthier
you are, the more successful your recovery is likely to
be. When thinking about surgery, you must consider the effect
that this will have on your life and weigh the possible
benefits against the possible risks.
The most common problems associated with prostate surgery
are urinary incontinence and impotence. There is a 30 -
70% chance that your ability to have an erection will be
affected. It may take up to a year for the nerves to recover.
For some men, potency never returns. A degree of incontinence
is expected following surgery, but this should improve with
time and exercise. About 5% of men experience a narrowing
of the urethra, where it joins the bladder, but this is
treatable. |
