The prostate is the walnut shaped gland in males located between the bladder and the urethra that is involved in the liquefaction of the male ejaculate. The gland is made up of Secretory cells with a surrounding connective tissue stroma. Prostate cancer is the transformation of these Secretory cells into malignant cells that have the potential to grow more rapidly and spread outside of the prostate. Prostate cancer will often start out localized in the prostate, but can then spread into adjacent tissue structures and lymph nodes if not detected early. The most common site of metastatic disease is the bone, but it can also spread to the lung, liver and other organs.
Prostate cancer is the most common non-skin malignancy in men and is responsible for more deaths than any other cancer, except for lung cancer.
PSA (a blood test) has allowed early identification and treatment of PROSTATE CANCER.
WHAT IS A PROSTATECTOMY?
A Prostatectomy is the surgical removal of the Prostate Gland, or part of it. Abnormalities of the Prostate, such as a tumor, or if the gland itself becomes enlarged for any reason, can restrict the normal flow of urine.
THE PROCEDURE
There are several approaches to performing a Prostatectomy, with each having their specific application:
