What does prostatectomy mean?
A prostatectomy is an operation in which part or all of the prostate gland is surgically removed. The term is used for both less extensive procedures, such as a simple prostatectomy performed for severe benign prostatic enlargement, and radical surgery used in the treatment of prostate cancer. In a radical prostatectomy, the prostate is removed along with surrounding tissue that may contain cancer cells; robot-assisted and open approaches are among the surgical techniques available. The word is primarily used in medicine and is discussed in connection with recovery, possible urinary and sexual side effects, and long-term follow-up care. Its formation is transparent: it combines the root for prostate with the suffix meaning excision or removal. Although the procedure has major consequences for patients, prostatectomy has become a well-established treatment for several prostate conditions, and the term is useful because it clearly identifies the gland involved and the nature of the operation.
nounA surgical operation to remove part or all of the prostate gland. It may be performed to treat conditions such as benign prostatic hyperplasia or, in a radical procedure, prostate cancer.
- The surgical removal of part or all of the prostate gland.
"The surgeon recommended a radical prostatectomy after the biopsy confirmed localized prostate cancer."
"His doctor discussed the risks and benefits of a robot-assisted prostatectomy before scheduling the operation."
"After the prostatectomy, the patient began a rehabilitation programme to help restore bladder control."
The standard plural changes the final y to i and adds -es; it is used when referring to more than one operation.
"The surgeon has performed hundreds of prostatectomies during her career."
The name is strikingly literal: it means an excision of the prostate, a surgery now commonly used to treat localized prostate cancer.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does prostatectomy come from?
Prostatectomy was formed in English from the combining form prostat-, referring to the prostate, together with the surgical suffix -ectomy, from Greek ektomē, meaning “a cutting out.” The prostate name ultimately comes from Greek prostates, meaning “one who stands before” or “protector,” a reference to its position before the bladder. Related medical words include prostatitis, prostatotomy, and prostatic, all of which share the same Greek-derived root.
Related word forms
How prostatectomy is actually used
This is a formal medical term. In clinical usage, a simple or partial prostatectomy removes part of the gland, whereas a radical prostatectomy removes the whole prostate and is commonly used as a treatment for prostate cancer.
Easily confused with prostatectomy
Prostatitis is inflammation of the prostate, whereas prostatectomy is an operation to remove tissue from the prostate.
Prostatotomy is an incision into the prostate, while prostatectomy involves removing part or all of the gland.