Open Prostatectomy
Open prostatetectomy, or open surgery, is the oldest, most invasive, and most efficient way to treat BPH. In this procedure, prostate tissue is removed through an open incision in the lower abdomen. The tissue is removed either through the bladder or directly through the prostate.
As with transurethral resection of the prostate (TURP), a catheter is used to drain the bladder, and another is inserted through the abdominal incision to aid healing. These catheters may remain in place for one week or more.
Open surgery is a major operation, done under general or spinal anesthesia, requiring a more extensive hospitalization (perhaps one week) and a longer rehabilitation period. The procedure is used only when a transurethral approach (TURP) cannot be performed because the prostate is too large, complications are present, the bladder has stones, or the bladder has been damaged and needs to be repaired.
