Surgery - Before Treatment
At the Weiser Center for Prostate Cancer, you and your loved ones are at the center of every step along the care journey. We are committed to partnering with you in shared decisions around your care in an environment of healing and comfort. We promise all patients open, respectful communication and compassionate, world-class cancer care.
What is Prostatectomy?
A prostatectomy is a common surgery to treat prostate cancer by removing the prostate gland.
The prostate is a key part of the male reproductive system that produces the fluid that carries sperm. It is located near important organs and nerves, like the bladder, rectum, urethra, and the nerves vital for an erection. Removing it requires a very careful approach.
Prostatectomy is a minimally invasive, robotic surgery. This technique gives surgeons a close-up view of the prostate and surrounding structures and nerves, and allows for precise, controlled movements. Approximately five small incisions are made in the abdomen. The prostate, seminal vesicles, and usually the lymph nodes near the prostate are removed.
You will find more details about prostatectomy here.
Starting Your Journey
The first step in planning surgery is an initial consultation with a urologic oncologist for a thorough review of your medical history and to talk through the potential benefits and risks of treatment.
Once you and your surgeon decide to proceed with surgery, a member of our care team will call to schedule the date of your procedure. Approximately two weeks prior to surgery, you will have a pre-op appointment with the anesthesia team to review your health history and any medications you may be taking. You may need to discontinue some medications, such as blood thinners, prior to surgery. You will receive any special instructions during this visit.
You also may be scheduled for an MRI or PET scan prior to surgery. If you have any significant health issues, for example, a history of heart attack or stent placement, we will ask you to see your cardiologist to get cleared for surgery.
Preparing for Prostate Cancer Surgery
Going into surgery, you want to be in the best possible health. Take care of yourself by eating healthfully (for example, minimizing processed foods) and enjoying exercise such as brisk walking. Moderate activity prior to surgery will help you recover more quickly. Make sure to follow any diet or exercise advice your doctor has given you, especially the pelvic floor exercises.
Before your surgery, you will attend a pre-operative seminar over Zoom that will help you and your family prepare for your prostatectomy. In this session, you will meet with a team of experts including a doctor, nurse, physical therapist, sex therapist, and former patient. A social worker who is an expert in sexual health leads the seminar. You will receive information on understanding prostate cancer, surgery, managing any stress you may be feeling, and recovery from the side-effects of surgery and post-operative care.
What to bring with you on the day of your surgery:
- A list of your medicines
- CPAP device, if you use one for sleep apnea at home
- Comfortable clothes to wear home after the surgery, including loose-fitting shorts or pants that can slip over a urinary drainage bag strapped to your leg.
Expert, Patient-Centered Care
Throughout the scheduling and pre-planning time, your care team will keep you updated and answer any questions you and your family have.
Caring for the whole person is at the heart of everything we do. It is our promise to ensure that each and every patient feels comfortable and supported by world-class care at Michigan Medicine.