What You Need To Know About Laparoscopic Prostate Surgery

Using "laparoscopy" a surgeon looks inside the body with a special camera, or scope. This means that the whole surgery is performed without having to cut you wide open because with the aid of the scope to see inside there is only a need for a small hole known as a "keyhole," "porthole". This makes laparoscopic prostate surgery a "minimally invasive" surgery, instead of a huge ordeal of an operation. This technique is being used widely to treat many other situations such as brain tumors, gall stone removal, and other diseases.

In the past prostate surgery required that a long cut be made down the middle of the abdomen, which caused the need for a lengthy recovery time. Laparoscopic surgery gets rid of large incision, which entails less pain and scarring and faster recovery. Another advantage is the reduced risk of infection.

For laparoscopic prostate surgery only five small incisions of five to ten millimeters are needed: one is below the belly button and two are on each side of the lower abdomen. Carbon dioxide gas is pumped into the body cavity through a tube going into the incision below the belly button. This lifts the abdominal wall so that the surgeon has a better view of the space inside once the scope placed inside. The surgeon is then watches a video monitor to guide his instruments by the picture that the laparoscope is transmitting.

Men who have laparoscopic prostate surgery have bleed less, need less pain medicine, have a shorter hospital stays, return faster to normal diet and activities, and a recover faster overall.

Medical research has found the rate of incontinence and impotence to not be very different between minimally invasive surgery and open surgery. However, it is important to remember that laparoscopic prostate surgery has not been used long enough to have completely accurate results in rates of impotence, etc. As of now, the quality of life after laparoscopic surgery is no different than open surgery other than the faster recovery period.

Immediately after surgery, you can expect to be on a liquid diet gradually returning to solid foods. When you are released to go home, you will be a soft diet. Typically, the dietitian will explain the specific guidelines to follow.

Because your digestive tract is affected by the anesthesia, nausea and vomiting are not at all uncommon after surgery. Typically, your doctor will prescribe medicines help with these symptoms.

As with any surgery, you can expect to get out of bed and walk as much as possible even on the first day after surgery. Each day you should increase activity even and especially after you go home. You will be on some restrictions for about six weeks after surgery. For example, you will not be able to lift or push anything more than 30 pounds or engage in activities that will strain the abdominal muscles.

Laparoscopic prostate surgery does not have to be as troubling as it used to be. With a faster recovery period, men can get back to their life quicker and expect just as effective of a treatment as with open surgery.

Privacy Policy