Radical prostatectomy
A prostate cancer diagnosis can bring a lot of questions. Not just about the cancer, but about surgery, recovery, bladder control, sexual function, and what life may look like afterwards.
Being told you may need surgery for prostate cancer can bring up many questions that aren’t just about surgery. It’s not just the diagnosis itself; you may also have questions about recovery, bladder control, sexual function, relationships, work, and what life may look like afterwards.
For many men, this is not just about having an operation. It is also about feeling informed, supported, and looked after before and after treatment. That matters because survivorship can be challenging, even when treatment goes to plan.
- Dr Jennifer Kong, Urological Surgeon Perth
Understanding radical prostatectomy
What is a radical prostatectomy?
A radical prostatectomy is an operation to remove the whole prostate for prostate cancer. It usually also involves removing the small glands behind the prostate that help make semen. In some cases, nearby lymph nodes may also be removed.
Common concerns
It is very normal to have questions such as:
- Do I need prostate surgery, or are there other options?
- How long does radical prostatectomy take?
- Will I need a catheter
- What happens to bladder control afterwards?
- What happens to sexual function and intimacy?
- How might this affect my confidence or mental wellbeing?
- What support is available if life after treatment feels harder than expected?
These are important questions. We will discuss these questions in detail during your consultation.
- Dr Jennifer Kong, Urological Surgeon Perth
Yes; part of the prostate may be removed for an enlarged prostate to help improve urine flow. However, for prostate cancer, the standard operation is a radical prostatectomy, which removes the whole prostate.
Radical prostatectomy procedure
What happens during radical prostatectomy
Radical prostatectomy is done under general anaesthetic. During the operation, the prostate is removed and the bladder is then joined back to the urethra. A catheter is usually left in place for a short period afterwards while things heal. The operation often takes several hours, although this varies from person to person.
Robotic radical prostatectomy
Radical prostatectomy can be performed using an open or minimally invasive approach, including robotic assisted keyhole surgery. The robot does not perform the operation on its own; the surgeon is in control throughout.
If you would like to know more about how this works, you can read our Robotic surgery in Perth page.
Recovery after radical prostatectomy
Recovery after radical prostatectomy takes time. Most men spend only one night in hospital, then continue recovering at home with a catheter in place for a short period while things heal. Tiredness is common at first, and it can take a few weeks before you start feeling more like yourself again.
Recovery is not only physical. Some men are most affected by the uncertainty before treatment. Others find the harder part comes afterwards, when they are dealing with continence issues, sexual changes, or the emotional impact of cancer and survivorship.
Like any major operation, radical prostatectomy carries risks. These can include bleeding, infection, anaesthetic risks, urinary incontinence, and changes in sexual function, including difficulty getting or keeping an erection. After a radical prostatectomy you will not be able to father a child through normal means as there is no longer any ejaculation or semen during orgasm.
Not every man has the same experience. Recovery and side effects vary, which is why it helps to have a clear discussion about what may apply in your situation.
Not all prostate cancers need surgery. Some prostate cancers are slow growing and may not need treatment at all or straight away. In these cases, active surveillance or watchful waiting may be recommended, some men will be recommended regular check-ups to monitor the cancer closely.
Most prostate cancer can also be treated with radiotherapy instead of surgery. This may include external beam radiotherapy or brachytherapy, depending on the type of cancer and the treatment plan.
For cancers that are more aggressive or more likely to spread, treatment may involve surgery, radiotherapy, hormone therapy, or a combination of treatments.
The right treatment depends on several things, including the type of prostate cancer, how far it has spread, how quickly it is growing, your age, your general health, and your personal preferences.
Emotional wellbeing after prostate cancer surgery
Support after radical prostatectomy
For some men, the biggest challenge is not the operation itself. It is what comes next.
Support after radical prostatectomy may include help with bladder control, sexual function and intimacy, confidence, and adjusting to life after cancer treatment. This is where a team approach can make a real difference. Depending on your needs, support may involve pelvic floor physiotherapy, continence nursing, your GP, sexual therapists, psychologists, and other specialist clinicians. Cancer care often works best when it is not carried out by one person alone.
Dr Kong’s work includes both urological cancer surgery and surgery for incontinence after prostatectomy. That means she understands not only the treatment of prostate cancer, but also some of the longer-term issues that can follow it.
If bladder leakage persists after surgery , you can read more on our Male incontinence post-prostatectomy page.
Prostate cancer surgeon
About Dr Jennifer Kong
If you are considering radical prostatectomy in Perth, a consultation with Dr Jennifer Kong in Perth can help you understand the procedure, the possible risks, the recovery, and the support that may be helpful afterwards.
She will review your scans, discuss your diagnosis, and explain your options clearly.
Her goal is simple; to help you understand the choices available so you can decide what is right for your health and recovery.
Appointments are available for insured patients through her rooms in Perth. Public patients can be seen through Osborne Park Hospital or Sir Charles Gairdner Hospital.
Referrals can be made directly through your GP or specialist.
This is not only about treating cancer. It is also about looking after the person living through it.
Not sure what to expect at your appointment? Read what happens when you visit Dr Jennifer Kong.
Frequently Asked Questions
FAQ
Sexual function can change after radical prostatectomy. This may include difficulty with erections, changes in orgasm, and changes in confidence or intimacy. These changes affect everyone differently. Support is available, and we can discuss what may help before and after treatment.
Erections can be affected after radical prostatectomy because the nerves involved sit very close to the prostate. Recovery varies from person to person. For some men it improves sooner, while for others it can take many months. Treatment may include tablets, a vacuum device, injections, or other support. We can talk through what may be suitable for you during your consultation.
Support after treatment can include help with bladder control, sexual function, emotional wellbeing, and adjusting to life after prostate cancer. Some men benefit from pelvic floor physiotherapy, continence support, counselling, GP care, and other specialist input. You do not have to work through all of this on your own.
In Australia, the overall 5-year relative survival for prostate cancer is 96%. For localised prostate cancer, the 5-year survival rate is 98%. Survival depends on the stage of the cancer and other individual factors. Dr Kong will explain your prognosis and whether your chances of cure are high.
For some men, prostate cancer surgery is one of the options. For others, treatment may involve active surveillance or radiation therapy. This depends on the type of prostate cancer, how aggressive it appears, your general health, and what matters most to you. These are the sorts of questions we will talk through during your consultation.
Contact
Kong Urology | Dr Jennifer Kong
Get in touch
Dr Jennifer Kong consults in
West Leederville close to SJOG Subiaco
164 Cambridge Street
WEST LEEDERVILLE WA 6007
Australia