The radical retropubic prostatectomy
is one of the oldest treatments for prostate cancer.
The surgery entails an 8 to 10 cm incision down the
midline of the abdomen below the umbilicus through the
prostate gland, seminal vesicles, overlying veins, and
lymph nodes are removed. Retropubic prostatectomy is
an invasive procedure which may entail more blood loss,
however, retropubic prostatectomy allows a pathologist
to remove and examine the lymph nodes for signs of metastasis.
The nerve-sparing technique is easiest during the retropubic
prostatectomy because the surgeon is allowed a clear
view of the operative area.
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