Surgical debulking is used to reduce the size of the primary lesion in metastatic prostateThe prostate is a walnut-sized gland located between the bla... Full Definition cancerCancer is a group of diseases where cells grow abnormally an... Full Definition. Sometimes this is done to help a patient urinate better. Doctors are exploring if removing the prostate may make cancer treatment overall more effective. It will not cure the cancer in most instances once it has spread outside the pelvis.
Who is this treatment best for?
Men with metastatic prostate cancer who have not had a prior prostatectomy.
What to Expect
Debulking surgery is much like a prostatectomy, with part or all of the prostate removed based on the size and location of the tumor. This is done under general anesthesia.
Who orders or performs the treatment?
What are common side effects?
Like prostatectomy, surgical debulking has a risk of urinary and sexual side effects. However, the degree depends on what procedure is being performed.