What are the differences among a partial prostatectomy, an open prostatectomy, and a radical prostatectomy?
• Partial prostatectomy. Open surgery to remove part of the prostate gland, leaving the posterior portion intact. Partial prostatectomy is usually performed through an incision in the lower abdomen (retropubic prostatectomy). • Open prostatectomy. Surgery to remove all or part of the prostate by making an incision in the patient’s lower abdomen or perineum. Open prostatectomy can be either a partial or radical procedure. • Radical prostatectomy. Open surgery to remove the entire prostate gland along with nearby tissues such as the seminal vesicles. Radical prostatectomy can be performed through an incision either in the lower abdomen (retropubic prostatectomy) or in the space between the scrotum and the anus (perineal prostatectomy).
