Patient/caregiver was instructed upon complications of radical prostatectomy for treatment of prostate cancer as follows:
Radical prostatectomy for treatment of prostate cancer involves total surgical removal of the prostate and all the involved lymph nodes around. As prostate gland is located close to urinary system (urinary bladder & urethra) and sexual organs (penis), the surgery can have an impact on these neighboring organs, thus affecting urine flow and sexual performance.
Complications of radical prostatectomy for prostate cancer treatment include
- Blood in urine: During the immediate post-surgical phase, damage to the prostate gland and neighboring structures due to treatment measures can result in bleeding in urine, that gives urine a pinkish-red or bright red color.
- Painful urination: Any damage to the urinary system during surgery can result in painful urination or dysuria.
- Erectile dysfunction: The nerves and blood vessels controlling the penile erection, in close proximity to the prostate, could be compromised with treatment measures for prostate cancer. This can result in erectile dysfunction and impotence, contributing to reduced libido or sex drive, poor performance during the act, difficult orgasm, and impaired ejaculation. All these impairments can culminate towards male infertility.
