Prostate cancer is the most common tumor in men and is the second leading cause of cancer death in men. Early diagnosis is key to improving prognosis and increasing the chances of a cure. And once the tumor is detected, radical surgery with complete removal of the prostate is the treatment that is performed in 60% of patients. It is an effective operation, but among the most common complications that can occur are urinary incontinence and erectile dysfunction, which undoubtedly affect the quality of life. Prostate Cancer As the American Cancer Society explains, the prostate is a gland in the male body that produces some of the seminal fluid. It is located below the bladder and in front of the rectum. Just behind the prostate are glands called the seminal vesicles, which produce most of the fluid in the semen. The urethra passes through the center of the prostate. Prostate size increases as a man ages. Prostate cancer begins when cells in the prostate begin to grow out of control. Almost all prostate cancers are adenocarcinomas – they develop from the glandular cells that produce the prostate fluid that is added to the semen. There are other types of prostate tumors, such as small cell carcinomas, sarcomas, but they are rare. Some types of prostate cancer grow and spread quickly, but most tend to grow slowly. The importance of early diagnosis Experts from the Puigvert Foundation – a reference center for urology, nephrology and andrology, insist that a major problem for improving the prognosis of prostate cancer is early detection. For this reason, they recommend that all men over the age of 50 have a PSA blood test. This is also recommended for men over the age of 45 who have a history and family history of prostate cancer. Radical surgery without complications Radical prostate surgery or radical prostatectomy – complete removal of the prostate and seminal vesicles – is the solution for 60% of men affected by prostate cancer. However, this is a very complicated operation. The operation carries some risks that are avoided if the surgical team is sufficiently experienced and therefore able to preserve the muscular, vascular and nervous structures so that the patient can maintain urinary control and sexual potency. Technology is also key to avoiding fallout in this regard. Currently, laparoscopy with the Da Vinci surgical robot is the technique that provides greater precision and safety. A very high percentage of men who have to undergo prostatectomy are afraid of losing their sexual potency as well as urinary continence. Almost 80% of patients who undergo surgery regain their sex life within 1 to 6 months, depending on their previous sexual function.and up to 95% achieve urinary control. Sources: https://www.sabervivirtv.com/oncologia/incontinencia-disfuncion-erectil-secuelas-cirugia-prostata_5834
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