Definition

1. Noun:
   • Surgical removal of part or all of the prostate gland: A prostatectomy is a surgical procedure performed to remove the prostate gland, either in part or in its entirety, typically to treat conditions such as prostate cancer or severe benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH).

Usage Examples

• Noun:
  • The patient underwent a radical prostatectomy to treat his localized prostate cancer.
  • After the prostatectomy, his urinary symptoms improved significantly.
  • There are different surgical approaches for a prostatectomy, including robotic-assisted techniques.

Advanced Usage

• Radical prostatectomy: A specific type of prostatectomy where the entire prostate gland, along with some surrounding tissue and seminal vesicles, is removed. This is a common treatment for prostate cancer.

  • He opted for a nerve-sparing radical prostatectomy to try to preserve erectile function.

• Simple prostatectomy: A procedure primarily for treating benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), where only the inner part of the prostate that is blocking urine flow is removed, leaving the outer capsule.

  • For his enlarged prostate, the urologist recommended a simple prostatectomy rather than medication.

Variants and Related Words

• Prostate (n): The gland itself, which is part of the male reproductive system.
• Prostatic (adj): Relating to the prostate gland (e.g., prostatic tissue).
• Prostatitis (n): Inflammation of the prostate gland, which is a different condition not treated by prostatectomy.

Synonyms

• Prostate surgery: A more general term for surgical procedures on the prostate.
• Prostate removal: A non-technical synonym describing the action.

Related Phrases and Terms

• Robotic-assisted laparoscopic prostatectomy: A minimally invasive surgical technique using robotic arms controlled by a surgeon.

  • The hospital is known for its expertise in robotic-assisted laparoscopic prostatectomy.

• Post-prostatectomy recovery: The period and process of healing after the surgery.

  • Incontinence can be a concern during post-prostatectomy recovery.

Notes on Meaning

The term prostatectomy refers strictly to the surgical procedure. It is distinct from: - Biopsy: A diagnostic procedure to take a sample of prostate tissue. - Prostatectomy is the treatment; a biopsy is often the test that leads to the decision for this treatment.

Noun

1. surgical removal of part or all of the prostate gland