USING THIS GUIDE WHAT’S COVERED
Here you’ll find the answers to many of your questions about surgery for prostate cancer. Learn how it works, what it may cost, what your recovery may be like, and more.
To see how this surgery is done, view our animation below. For personal insights, see our patient experience videos in which HCF members talk frankly about their preparation, surgery and recovery.
COST INDICATOR
Discover the typical out-of-pocket costs HCF members can expect to pay for prostate cancer surgery and learn how your choice of doctor and hospital affect that cost. The costs differ depending on the type of surgery.
See costs
The basics
What is the prostate gland?
The prostate gland is a walnut-sized gland that produces and secretes the fluid in a man’s semen. It’s located at the base of your bladder and wraps around your urethra. The urethra is the tube that carries urine from your bladder out through your penis.
What is prostate cancer surgery?
Prostate cancer surgery is a procedure to remove your prostate gland. It also includes removal of the seminal vesicles (where seminal fluid is produced), the surrounding tissues and sometimes the nerve bundles on either side of your prostate that are responsible for erections.
Types of prostate cancer surgery
There are several approaches to prostate cancer surgery and they can be performed using a variety of methods. Your surgery will depend on the stage and grade of your cancer as well as your general health and your surgeon’s skills.
Why is it done?
Prostate cancer is a malignant tumour of the prostate gland which most commonly affects men over 50. Surgery is aimed at removing the cancer and preventing it from spreading from your prostate to other parts of your body.
Prostate cancer is different from a benign enlarged prostate, which is a non-cancerous condition where the prostate grows larger due to a growth of normal cells within the prostate gland.
The Details
Considering surgery
Your treatment options
There may be a non-surgical alternative, depending on your circumstances.
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Types of prostate cancer surgery and how they're performed
There are several different ways prostate surgery can be done.
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Results vs risks of the surgery
The benefits and potential complications of surgery.
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Choosing a specialist
How to find a urologist who specialises in your surgery.
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Preparation
Questions for your doctor
What you should be asking before going ahead with prostate cancer surgery.
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Preparing for your surgery
What you need to do beforehand.
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Your anaesthetic options
About the anaesthetic and pain relief after your surgery.
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Your surgery
Going to hospital
What to expect on the day of your surgery.
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Your surgery
What happens in the operating theatre.
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Recovery
After your surgery
What to expect before you go home.
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Aftercare
Taking precautions and resuming activities.
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Prostate cancer screening
Help detect cancer early.
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Patient experiences
Men who've had prostate cancer surgery talk about their preparation, hospital stay and recovery
Give us feedback
Did you find this guide helpful? Let us know what you liked or what we can do to improve it. We'd love to hear from you.
To provide feedback, email us at wellbeing@hcf.com.au.
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Important information
Information is provided by HCF in good faith for the convenience of members. It is not an endorsement or recommendation of any form of treatment nor is it a substitute for medical advice, and you should rely on the advice of your treating doctors in relation to all matters concerning your health. Every effort has been taken to ensure the accuracy of the information, however HCF takes no responsibility for any injury, loss, damage or other consequences of the use of this information.