Prostate Surgery

Overview of the Condition

What is benign prostatic hyperplasia?

Benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), or an enlarged prostate, is common with age.  Treatment options include medicines, minimally invasive procedures, and surgery.

Why is it important?

BPH affects about 50% Indian men above the age of 60 years. Although BPH is not cancer, it can affect your quality of life by causing bothersome urinary symptoms. If left untreated, it may lead to urinary retention (unable to pass urine), urinary tract infections, bladder stones, bladder damage, or kidney damage. Early diagnosis and treatment can help prevent these complications.

Who is commonly affected?

BPH is more common in older men, especially after 40 years of age. The risk is higher if you have a family history of prostate problems, diabetes, heart disease, or obesity. Regular physical activity may help lower the risk.

Symptoms

• Frequent or urgent need to urinate
• Waking up at night to urinate
• Difficulty starting urination
• Weak or interrupted urine flow
• Dribbling after urination
• Feeling that the bladder is not completely empty
• Diagnostic tests and Procedures

Procedure Overview and Preparation

What is prostate surgery and why is it done?

A prostate surgery is an operation to remove part or all of the prostate gland. It is commonly done to  treat prostate cancer and may also be used for certain other prostate conditions. The type of surgery depends on the condition being treated.

Procedure Overview

Step-by-step

• You will receive anaesthesia so you do not feel pain during the procedure
• The surgeon makes small keyhole incisions (robotic/laparoscopic) or one larger incision (open surgery)
• Part or all of the prostate is removed, depending on your condition
• A urinary catheter is placed to drain urine while the area heals
• The incisions are closed with stitches or staples. A temporary drain may be used if needed

Time required

• 2-4 hours

Risks, Benefits and Hospital Stay

Risks and Complications

• Bleeding
• Blood clots
• Temporary or permanent urine leakage (urinary incontinence)
• Difficulty getting or keeping an erection (erectile dysfunction)
• Narrowing of the urinary passage (urethra or bladder neck)
• Fluid build-up near the surgery site (lymph collection)
• Rarely, injury to the bowel or rectum

Benefits

• Relieves urinary symptoms caused by an enlarged prostate (BPH)
• Improves urine flow and helps empty the bladder more completely
• Reduces the need to urinate frequently, especially at night
• Lowers the risk of complications such as urinary retention, recurrent urinary tract infections, bladder damage, and kidney damage
• Provides long-term symptom relief for many patients
• For prostate cancer, removes the cancerous prostate and may help prevent the cancer from spreading

Duration of Hospital Stay

• 1-3 days

When to Contact a Doctor

• Fever (38°C or higher) or chills
• Heavy bleeding or large blood clots in the urine
• Severe pain that is not relieved by medication
• Difficulty passing urine or no urine draining through the catheter
• Redness, swelling, pus, or foul-smelling discharge from the surgical wound
• Increasing swelling, redness, or pain in the legs
• Chest pain or shortness of breath

References

1. Benign prostatic hyperplasia. Available from: https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/benign-prostatic-hyperplasia/symptoms-causes/syc-20370087/ Accessed on: 10 July 2026.
2. Noor AM, Vithya T, Prasad S, Chandrashekar Rao V, Manjunath S. A prospective study on prevalence and treatment pattern of benign prostate hyperplasia at a tertiary care hospital. Asian J Pharm Pharmacol. 2024;10(1):29-34.
3. Prostatectomy. Available from: https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/benign-prostatic-hyperplasia/symptoms-causes/syc-20370087/ Accessed on: 10 July 2026.