Radical prostatectomy, or surgical removal of the prostate and surrounding cancerous tissues, is considered the “Gold Standard” or best way to eradicate prostate cancer. Radical prostatectomy is a complex and delicate procedure due to many factors, including the location of the prostate gland deep inside the pelvis. In radical prostatectomy, the surgeon removes the entire prostate gland along with both seminal vesicles, both ampullae (the enlarged lower sections of the vas deferens), as well as additional surrounding tissues.
The popularity of surgery has grown tremendously in recent decades. The emergence of radical prostatectomy as a preferred prostate cancer treatment has corresponded with wider availability of minimally invasive surgery. Studies show that for many patients, a minimally invasive approach can reduce complications and promote faster recovery times.
In New Zealand today surgeons perform Radical prostatectomy, either open (retropubic or perineal approach), laparoscopic radical prostatectomy, or Robot-assisted laparoscopic radical prostatectomy.