Used in the treatment of prostate cancer, laproscopic prostate procedure is a relatively new operation aimed at reducing scarring, the recovery period and the pain associated with more traditional methods. The procedure is therefore considered to be minimally invasive. It is generally used when the whole prostate gland must be removed because of cancer, a relatively common condition among men over the age of 60.

Procedure information
Laparoscopic prostate procedure utilizes a pin-hole camera inserted through a small hole in the abdomen to allow sight of the afflicted area without the need for more invasive surgery characterized by a large incision. Carbon dioxide is also introduced into the abdominal cavity which lifts the abdominal wall allowing a better view during the operation. The surgery is performed by consulting an image of the prostate on a monitor, courtesy of the inserted camera.

Only once the abdomen has been thoroughly examined for signs of infection or scarring and the patient is therefore deemed safe for surgery will the procedure go ahead, resulting in the full or partial removal of the prostate gland.

Recovery Time
Early results show that this new method of operating on the prostate drastically reduces the recovery period. Often only very weak pain killers are required and for a shorter period than more invasive, traditional surgery. The patient will be encouraged to walk to maintain strength the day after surgery, but abdominal exercise should not be attempted for at least 6 weeks after surgery.

The patient will typically be allowed to return home within a few days but must maintain a very strict liquid diet and then a soft diet before a normal eating routine can be resumed. Vomiting and nausea are common side effects that ease quickly however impotence and incontinence generally last longer and may even be permanent in extreme cases.

Erectile function is usually impaired to a degree although it is hoped that this new type of surgery will reduce the prevalence of both impotence and incontinence as it is better understood and perfected over time.