What complications can arise after prostate cancer surgery? An expert shares the dos and don’ts. (Image: iStock)
Prostate cancer is a common disease in men. To raise awareness about this problem, September is considered as Prostate Cancer Awareness Month. For those who don’t know, there is no strategy to prevent it as most of the risk factors for prostate cancer are not modifiable.
However, once diagnosed, it is necessary to undergo surgery, known as prostatectomy, which involves removing part or all of the prostate gland. The prostate gland is part of the male reproductive system. While surgery can eradicate the disease, it could lead to complications that require immediate attention.
Times Now Digital spoke to Dr Joydeep Ghose, Senior Consultant Urologist and Transplant Surgeon, Asian Institute of Nephrology and Urology, about the complications one may face after a prostatectomy.
Thromboembolic events
Deep vein thrombosis (DVT) and embolism are one of the most important causes of mortality in the postoperative period. They are more common when the surgical dissection is prolonged and extensive (pelvic lymph node dissection). They can be prevented by careful patient positioning, intermittent compression devices, and early ambulation after surgery.
Bladder neck contracture
Causes of this condition include inadequate approximation of the mucosal edges or excessive traction during the urethrovesical (bladder) anastomosis, urine leakage, and bleeding around the anastomosis. Treatment options include regular cystoscopic dilation or cold knife incision of the bladder neck.
Urinary incontinence
It occurs as a result of injury to the sphincter muscle during surgical dissection, thermal injury, or damage to the sphincter’s innervation. Treatment can be conservative by reducing excessive fluid intake, avoiding drinks, salty foods, and the use of certain medications (imipramine).
Blood loss
Life-threatening bleeding is a rare complication of radical prostatectomy. The incidence has decreased significantly after robotic surgery (1-2%). It is most often managed expectantly. Prolonged accumulation of blood (pelvic hematoma) may lead to bladder neck contracture and incontinence.
Disclaimer
The information contained in this post is for general information purposes only. We make no representations or warranties of any kind, express or implied, about the completeness, accuracy, reliability, suitability or availability with respect to the website or the information, products, services, or related graphics contained on the post for any purpose.
We respect the intellectual property rights of content creators. If you are the owner of any material featured on our website and have concerns about its use, please contact us. We are committed to addressing any copyright issues promptly and will remove any material within 2 days of receiving a request from the rightful owner.