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A radical retropubic prostatectomy is a surgical procedure in which the prostate gland is removed through an incision in the abdomen, and the blood vessels that were connected to the prostate gland are tied off. The only difference between this option and a radical perineal prostatectomy is that in the latter procedure, the surgeon makes an incision in the perineum. Prostatectomies are often used in the treatment of early-stage prostate cancer and can be highly effective for cancers that have not spread outside of the prostate gland.

Compared to a traditional/open radical prostatectomy, a radical retropubic prostatectomy is a less invasive alternative that can lead to shorter recovery times and lower complication rates. And, when a surgeon incorporates innovative nerve-sparing techniques, patients may also be able to retain sensation and urinary control in the penis – outcomes that are less frequently achieved with radical open prostatectomies.

At Moffitt Cancer Center, our surgeons perform a high number of prostatectomies every year. Because our team is extremely familiar with the unique challenges posed by the operation, they are able to routinely produce exceptional outcomes while helping our patients retain a high quality of life after surgery.

When a man comes to Moffitt for a radical retropubic prostatectomy, he won’t just benefit from one surgeon’s experience. Instead, he will work with a multispecialty group of skilled medical professionals, including:

  • Surgeons and physicians who exclusively treat patients with prostate cancer
  • Anesthesiologists
  • Pharmacists
  • Lab personnel
  • Dietitians, social workers and other supportive care professionals

Providing patients with multiple expert medical opinions is just part of our approach to comprehensive cancer care. All of our prostate cancer therapies – from surgery, radiation therapy and chemotherapy to biological therapies and clinical trials – are all available at one convenient location. Plus, each week, our multispecialty tumor board reviews each patient’s progress to determine if any alterations need to be made to his treatment plan.

Medically reviewed by Monica Chatwal, MD.

For more information about the prostate cancer surgeries that we offer, call 1-888-663-3488 or fill out a new patient registration form online; referrals are not required. Our oncologists can help determine if a radical retropubic prostatectomy would be the most appropriate prostate cancer surgery for your needs

Prostate Cancer