What Are The Available Surgical Procedures For Prostate Cancer, And How Do I Know Which Surgical Procedure Is Best?

Dr. Mark Gonzalgo answers the question: 'Best Surgery For Prostate Cancer?'

ByABC News
November 19, 2008, 12:19 PM

March 16, 2009 -- Question: What are the available surgical procedures for prostate cancer, and how do I know which surgical procedure is best for my situation?

Answer: The two most commonly available surgical procedures for treatment of prostate cancer in the United States are open radical retropubic prostatectomy and a minimally invasive laparoscopic procedure known as robotic prostatectomy. Knowing which surgical procedure is best for you really depends upon a variety of factors including what type of prostate cancer you have, whether or not the disease can be felt on rectal examination and your past medical and surgical history. What is most important is finding a surgeon with the best combination of training and expertise to cure your cancer while minimizing side effects regardless of the approach.