Prostate surgery is a surgical intervention to treat various diseases of the prostate gland. The prostate is an important part of the male reproductive system and is located around the urinary tract. Diseases of the prostate become more common, especially with aging, and surgery may be required, often as a result of problems such as benign enlargement (BPH), prostate cancer or infections. Prostate surgery can be performed in different ways depending on the patient's condition and the type of disease. These surgical procedures aim to improve quality of life and protect the patient's health.
What is Transurethral Resection of Prostate (TUR-P)?
Transurethral Resection of the Prostate (TUR-P) is a common surgical procedure performed in cases where the urinary tract is blocked due to an enlarged prostate (BPH). This procedure is performed by entering the prostate through its natural opening in the body, the urethra. TUR-P allows part of the enlarged prostate to be removed, thus improving urine flow and improving patients' quality of life.
TUR-P is generally preferred to relieve urination problems caused by benign prostate enlargement. An enlarged prostate can make it difficult for the bladder to empty, causing symptoms such as pain, frequent urination and difficulty urinating. TUR-P is one of the most effective surgical options to relieve these symptoms and reduce the enlarged prostate.
The procedure is usually performed under general anesthesia and is performed using an endoscopic device, a resectoscope. The resectoscope is passed through the urethra and cuts and removes the enlarged part of the prostate. This allows patients to recover faster and shorten their hospital stay without the need for a large incision. TUR-P has been used safely in prostate surgery for many years because of its successful results.
What is Holmium Laser Enucleation (HoLEP)?
Holmium Laser Enucleation (HoLEP) is a modern laser surgery method used to treat an enlarged prostate (BPH). This procedure ensures that the growing tissue of the prostate is completely removed, thus eliminating the blockage of the urinary tract and solving the patients' urination problem. HoLEP uses a high-powered holmium laser to cut away excess tissue from the inside of the prostate gland, allowing it to be naturally eliminated in the body. This method is less invasive than open surgery and offers a faster recovery time and lower risk of complications.
HoLEP is often the preferred option for patients with large prostate enlargement. In cases where the prostate is large, other methods may not be sufficient, but HoLEP provides an effective and safe solution for such cases. Furthermore, the risk of bleeding during the procedure is quite low and patients can usually be discharged shortly. HoLEP is a recommended treatment option, especially for patients who do not get adequate results from other treatment methods or who are not at risk of complications.
What is Thulium Laser Enucleation (ThuLEP)?
Thulium Laser Enucleation (ThuLEP) is an advanced laser surgery used to treat enlarged prostate (BPH). It uses a thulium laser to precisely cut and remove the growing tissue of the prostate. ThuLEP is particularly effective in large prostates because the procedure allows the entire prostate to be removed. The laser energy minimizes the risk of bleeding during this cutting, so patients have a faster recovery and a lower complication rate.
ThuLEP is characterized as a minimally invasive procedure and patients usually have a short hospital stay. It is a safe treatment option for both small and large prostates. One of the biggest advantages of ThuLEP is that patients' urination problems are resolved quickly after the procedure. Also, unlike traditional surgery, this technique causes less pain and the recovery process is more comfortable.
What is an Open Postatectomy?
Open prostatectomy is a traditional surgical procedure for conditions such as prostate cancer or severe prostate enlargement (BPH). In this procedure, an incision is made in the abdomen to completely remove the prostate gland. The surgeon carefully removes the prostate gland to avoid damaging the surrounding tissues. Open prostatectomy is a preferred option, especially in patients with large and established tumors due to prostate cancer. This method has been used successfully for many years and is considered the most effective treatment for some patients.
Open prostatectomy is usually performed under general anesthesia and comes with long recovery times. After the procedure, patients are carefully monitored during the recovery process and complications such as infection or bleeding are monitored. The general health of the patient is of great importance for the surgery to be successful. Although open prostatectomy is rarely preferred today with the development of less invasive techniques, it still stands out as the gold standard treatment option in some cases.
What is Robotic Assisted Prostatectomy?
Robotic-assisted prostatectomy is a modern surgical technique used in the treatment of prostate cancer and is a minimally invasive procedure performed with the help of robotic systems. In this method, the surgeon removes the entire prostate using robotic arms. The robotic system provides the surgeon with high-resolution 3D visualization and precise control so that the procedure is performed while preserving the nerves and vessels surrounding the prostate gland. In this way, surgical intervention with smaller incisions allows patients to recover faster and the healing process is more comfortable.
Robotic-assisted prostatectomy offers advantages over traditional open surgery, such as less bleeding, shorter hospital stay and faster recovery. It also has higher success rates in preserving nerves, potentially helping to preserve important quality of life factors such as erectile function and urinary control. The biggest advantage of this method is that it enables the surgeon to successfully remove prostate cancer with the extra sensitivity and visibility provided by the robotic system.
Recovery Process After Prostate Surgery
The recovery period after prostate surgery may vary depending on the surgical method used and the general health status of the patient. Different methods, such as open surgery, robotic surgery or laser treatment, can affect the recovery time. Usually, patients may stay in the hospital for a few days immediately after surgery and need to rest at home after discharge. During the recovery period, patients may have changes in their urination habits, which will improve over time. In the first few weeks after prostate surgery, temporary symptoms such as bleeding, pain or burning in the urine may occur, but these can usually be controlled with treatment.
To speed up the healing process, it is important for patients to follow their doctor's recommendations, drink plenty of water and avoid heavy activities. In addition, erectile function and urinary control after prostate surgery can take time to recover, but this process improves with time in most patients. Regular follow-up appointments are important to monitor the healing process and prevent potential complications. Another important point to be considered in the early period after prostate surgery is the risk of infection; therefore, hygiene rules should be followed and medications prescribed by the doctor should be used regularly.
Possible Risks and Complications of Prostate Surgery
Although prostate surgery is generally a safe procedure, as with any surgical procedure, there are some risks and complications. The most common risks include bleeding, infection and reactions to anesthesia. Bleeding can be more prominent, especially with open surgical methods, but the risk is lower with minimally invasive methods such as laser therapy or robotic surgery. The risk of infection can be reduced with proper hygiene and medication after surgery, but some patients may develop infections during the course of treatment. In addition, rare reactions to anesthesia can also be observed, so patients should provide full information about their health status before anesthesia is administered.
Other possible complications after prostate surgery include urinary incontinence and erectile dysfunction. Urinary incontinence is usually a temporary problem that may improve over time, but in some patients it may be permanent. Erectile dysfunction can occur in some men after surgery, but this can usually be managed with treatment. It is also possible for nerves to be damaged during surgery, which can have long-term effects on urinary control or sexual function. Although these complications are rare, it is important that patients discuss these risks in detail with their doctor before surgery.
