What are the potential risks and benefits of prostate cancer surgery?

Reviewed by Yoshinori Abe, MD

Internal Medicine

Prostate cancer surgery, such as a radical prostatectomy, is a common treatment used to remove cancerous tissue from the prostate gland. While often effective at eliminating localized cancer, the procedure carries potential side effects, including urinary incontinence and erectile dysfunction. Recovery times and outcomes vary based on the patient's age, overall health, and cancer stage.

If you're experiencing symptoms that concern you or weighing treatment options, understanding your body is the first step toward informed decisions. A free, instant, online symptom check can help you clarify what may be causing your symptoms, identify possible conditions, and guide your next steps—whether that's a conversation with your doctor or further evaluation. Taking a few minutes now could bring clarity and peace of mind.

Reviewed for medical accuracy: 07/14/2026

Important Next Steps

Discover prostate surgery symptoms and warning signs Learn if prostate cancer surgery is right Find out what prostate surgery may cause See OTC options for prostate surgery recovery Find a prostate cancer surgeon near you Understand safe home remedies after prostate surgery Discover if your symptoms need urgent care

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Explanation

Prostate cancer surgery, specifically radical prostatectomy, is a common treatment option for localized prostate cancer. This surgery involves removing the prostate gland and some surrounding tissue.

Benefits:

Cancer Control: The primary benefit is the potential for complete removal of cancer, especially effective in localized prostate cancer.
Survival Rates: It can improve survival rates, particularly in younger patients or those with aggressive cancer types.

Risks:

Urinary Incontinence: Some patients may experience difficulty controlling urine after surgery.
Erectile Dysfunction: There is a possibility of erectile dysfunction due to nerve damage during surgery.
Surgical Risks: As with any surgery, there are risks of infection, bleeding, and complications from anesthesia.

If you're experiencing symptoms or want to better understand your health concerns before speaking with your doctor, you can use this free AI symptom checker to help identify potential issues. Patients should discuss these potential outcomes with their healthcare providers to make an informed decision that aligns with their health goals and personal preferences.

(References)

Costello AJ. (2020). Considering the role of radical prostatectomy in 21st .... Nature reviews. Urology, 32086498.
Sebesta EM, & Anderson CB. (2017). The Surgical Management of Prostate Cancer. Seminars in oncology, 29580436.
Kim EH, & Bullock AD. (2018). Surgical Management for Prostate Cancer. Missouri medicine, 30228706.

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