Open Surgical Radical Prostatectomy
for Carcinoma of the Prostate:

This consists of surgical excision of the entire prostate and seminal vesicles, with the anastomosis (sewing together) of the bladder to the urethra.
It is a standard treatment for cancer that is localised to the prostate, and is generally considered to have the highest rate of cure of cancer of the prostate.

The common problems associated with this treatment are:

• Erectile dysfunction or impotence. This is because the nerves to the penis travel very close to the prostate and maybe affected by the surgery. Most men suffer a loss of erections after this surgery, but many may recover them in the months after surgery.

• Urinary incontinence. This is because the surgery may affect the sphincter muscle that controls the flow of urine. Most men however have minimal urinary leakage that does not cause any significant concern.


When Dr Harewood carries out this surgery he operates using both a head lamp and operating loupes that provide a magnified view of the surgical field. This allows him to carry out a meticulous nerve sparing procedure without compromising excision of all the cancer. This maximises the chance of recovery of erections, and also minimises the likelihood of urinary incontinence