Life After Prostate Cancer Surgery
Follow-up care is a life-long reality for men who have had prostate cancer surgery. For most men, the follow-up care is as simple and tolerable as an occasional PSA blood test to determine whether the cancer returns. If the cancer does return, quick detection and proper treatment can make a major difference. Some men may need follow-up hormone treatments, chemotherapy or radiation. Treatment for erectile dysfunction is also a possibility in the post-cancer surgery period.
Post-Op Recovery
Prostate cancer surgery requires a few days stay in the hospital and several weeks of recovering at home, depending on the type of surgery used to treat the cancer. A radical prostatectomy--which removes the entire prostate gland--is major surgery. Some of the less-invasive techniques, such as robotic surgery, may speed up the recovery time, but the age and overall health condition of the patient play an important role. Most patients have a period of incontinence and will wear a catheter for up to three weeks. Surgery involves a return trip to the doctor for removal of the stitches and catheter. Some doctors perform laparoscopic prostate removal with only band-aid incisions.
Walking is advised to restore circulation and strengthen breathing. Patients can resume a regular diet in about a day.
Incontinence
Prostate cancer surgery has two main side effects--incontinence and impotence--both of which are treatable and temporary in most patients. Most patients will experience a period of incontinence due to damage to the urinary sphincter, which holds the urine in. Kegel exercises -- which strengthen the pelvic muscles -- can shorten the period of incontinence. Up to 5% of patients may experience permanent incontinence.
Erectile Dysfunction
Despite improved techniques and skilled surgeons, prostate cancer surgery can damage the nerves and muscles and blood vessels that allow men to achieve and maintain erections. Up to 50% of men will experience some period of impotence. In almost all, drugs such as Viagra and Cialis can stimulate blood flow and aid in the achievement of erections. Prostate cancer surgery eliminates the possibility of ejaculation, but not orgasm.
Long-term Prognosis
The 10-year survival rate for prostate cancer surgery patients whose cancer was discovered and removed in the early stages is up to 90%. Prostate cancer can return in as many as one-third of patients even after the prostate is removed, an indication that the cancer cells spread from the prostate prior to surgery and entered the lymph nodes, bones or surrounding tissues. In these cases, follow-up radiation or hormone therapy may be necessary.
Support Groups
Studies show that some men recover faster by being in support groups with other prostate cancer survivors. Members discuss impotence treatments, exercise, diet and other factors that can hasten a return to normalcy. The American Cancer Society maintains a list of local groups.
Tags: cancer surgery, period incontinence, prostate cancer, prostate cancer surgery, Prostate cancer surgery, After Prostate
