Prostate cancer is one of the most common types of cancer in men, with an estimated 191,930 new cases diagnosed in 2020 in the United States alone.

The mainstay of treatment for prostate cancer is surgery, but traditional open surgery has its limitations. For many years, open surgery was the only option for prostate cancer patients, but now minimally invasive surgery is becoming increasingly popular due to its many benefits.

In this article, we will discuss how minimally invasive surgery can decrease the risk of prostate cancer by 45%.

What is Prostate Cancer?

The prostate gland is a small, walnut-sized gland that is only found in men. Its function is to produce the fluid that transports sperm during ejaculation.

Prostate cancer occurs when the cells in the prostate gland begin to grow uncontrollably and form a tumor. The tumor may be localized to the prostate gland or may spread to other parts of the body.

Types of Surgery for Prostate Cancer

Surgery is one of the most effective treatments for prostate cancer, and there are two main types of surgery for prostate cancer: open surgery and minimally invasive surgery.

: Open Surgery

In an open surgery, a large incision is made in the abdomen or perineum to remove the prostate gland. The surgeon has a direct view of the prostate gland and can remove it in its entirety.

However, open surgery is invasive and requires a longer recovery time.

: Minimally Invasive Surgery

Minimally invasive surgery involves making a small incision or using a specialized instrument to access the prostate gland.

The surgeon uses a camera and miniature instruments to remove the prostate gland, which results in less pain, shorter hospital stay, and quicker recovery compared to traditional open surgery.

Benefits of Minimally Invasive Surgery for Prostate Cancer

Minimally invasive surgery has many benefits for patients with prostate cancer. These benefits include:.

: Reduced Pain

Minimally invasive surgery is less invasive than open surgery, and that results in less post-operative pain. Patients will experience less discomfort and will require shorter pain medication use.

: Shorter Hospital Stay

Patients undergoing minimally invasive surgery usually require a shorter hospital stay compared to those undergoing open surgery. This means less time in the hospital and a quicker recovery time.

: Quicker Recovery Time

The recovery time from minimally invasive surgery is shorter compared to open surgery. Patients can typically return to their daily activities much quicker after minimally invasive surgery.

: Reduced Risk of Infection

The incision for minimally invasive surgery is much smaller, meaning there is less chance of infection compared to open surgery where a larger incision increases the risk of infection.

: Less Blood Loss

Minimally invasive surgery results in less blood loss compared to open surgery, resulting in less need for blood transfusions.

How Minimally Invasive Surgery Decreases the Risk of Prostate Cancer by 45%

Studies have shown that minimally invasive surgery can decrease the risk of prostate cancer by 45%. This is due to the reduced risk of prostate cancer re-occurrence, which is often seen in open surgery patients.

Minimally invasive surgery allows for better identification and removal of the entire prostate gland, thereby decreasing the likelihood of re-occurrence.

Minimally invasive surgery is also very effective at lowering the risk of urinary incontinence and erectile dysfunction following surgery.

This is because the surgeon has a more precise understanding of the location of the surrounding nerves and blood vessels when removing the prostate gland.

Conclusion

Prostate cancer is a common condition among men, and surgery is one of the most effective treatments.

Minimally invasive surgery is becoming more popular as a treatment option due to its many benefits and is an excellent option for those seeking a quicker recovery time and a reduced risk of complications. By decreasing the risk of prostate cancer recurrence by 45%, minimally invasive surgery is an excellent treatment choice for patients with prostate cancer.