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Surgery:

Although not a true cancer surgery, a procedure called a transurethral resection of the prostate (TURP) has often been involved in making the initial diagnosis.In this procedure, a special coring instrument is inserted into the penis along the urethra to remove tissue that may be causing a complete or partial blockage of urine. This method allows surgery to be done inside the body by going through one of the body's natural openings. TURP is commonly performed for men undergoing treatment for benign prostate hypertrophy (BPH). BPH is the overgrowth of the normal prostate tissue, which causes the urethra to be pinched down. BPH is one of the main reasons why men need to frequently urinate, especially at at night, as they age.

Another common type of surgery that may be used is called an orchiectomy (removal of the testes), which in reality is a hormonal treatment. It is used for men in whom the cancer has spread to other sites in the body. This surgery causes one of the main male hormone-producing organs, the testes, to be removed. Prostate cancers often respond to having the male hormone testosterone removed from circulation. It can be used to treat advanced cancers that are causing urine obstruction and for relief of pain from sites in the bones where the prostate cancer has spread.

Make sure you ask your doctor to explain all the possible side effects and don't be afraid to ask questions about things you don't understand.

There are two basic surgical procedures that are offered for patients with prostate cancer. The surgery that has been used longest is known as a radical prostatectomy. In this surgery, the entire prostate gland, the seminal vesicles and the lymph nodes from the pelvis are removed.

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The major side effects of this surgery are impotency, or the inability to have an erection, and incontinence, or leaking of the urine. Other side effects can include swelling in the legs and the scrotal area and possible problems with bowel obstruction.

A newer type of surgery is known as a nerve sparing prostatectomy (NSP). Because the nerves that help a man obtain and maintain an erection are intertwined in the prostate tissue, this surgery was developed in an effort either to allow one or both sides of the nerve bundle to remain in place. It is thought that this will allow more men to be able to maintain an erection following surgery.

In a vast majority of men who undergo a NSP, will still be able to maintain an erection. Those who are unable to because of problems with blood supply to the nervous structures can also be helped with drugs such as Viagra. However, the major drawback of the NSP is that prostate tissue may be left behind. This tissue may also develop into prostate cancer.

Other problems with NSP, are the same as with the radical prostatectomy.