Radical Prostatectomy in Korea

Radical Prostatectomy in Korea


Radical prostatectomy is a surgical procedure to remove the entire prostate gland and some surrounding tissues, primarily performed to treat localized prostate cancer. In Korea, this surgery is a highly preferred treatment option for prostate cancer, with a significant shift towards minimally invasive techniques, especially robotic-assisted radical prostatectomy, which offers excellent outcomes.


Understanding Prostate Cancer & Indications in Korea

Prostate cancer is a common malignancy in men, and radical prostatectomy aims to remove the cancerous tissue entirely.

  • Prostate Cancer: Often a slow-growing cancer, but can be aggressive. Incidence is increasing in Korea due to aging populations and westernized diets.
  • Indications: Radical prostatectomy is typically recommended for:
  • Localized Prostate Cancer: Cancer confined to the prostate gland.
  • Locally Advanced Prostate Cancer: Cancer that has spread slightly beyond the prostate but without distant metastases, often combined with pelvic lymph node dissection.
  • Diagnosis: Before surgery, diagnosis includes PSA blood tests, Digital Rectal Exams, prostate biopsies (often fusion biopsy), and imaging (MRI, CT, bone scan) to stage the cancer.


Common Surgical Techniques in Korea

Korean urologists are highly skilled in various surgical approaches, with a clear trend towards robotic surgery.

  • Robot-Assisted Radical Prostatectomy (RARP):
  • Dominant Method: This is the most common approach for prostatectomy in Korea.
  • How it Works: Performed using a robotic system (e.g., da Vinci), where the surgeon controls robotic arms inserted through small incisions. The robot provides magnified 3D vision, enhanced dexterity, and tremor filtration.
  • Advantages: Less blood loss, smaller incisions, reduced pain, shorter hospital stays, and potentially quicker recovery of continence and erectile function compared to open surgery.
  • Laparoscopic Radical Prostatectomy (LRP):
  • Minimally Invasive: Uses traditional laparoscopic instruments through small incisions, guided by a camera.
  • Less Common: While minimally invasive, RARP has largely surpassed LRP in popularity due to the robotic system's enhanced capabilities.
  • Open Radical Prostatectomy (ORP):
  • Traditional Method: Involves a single, larger incision in the lower abdomen to remove the prostate.
  • Declining Use: Less common now due to the benefits of minimally invasive approaches, but still performed for certain complex cases or surgeon preference.


Recovery & Outcomes in Korea

Recovery and functional outcomes are key considerations after radical prostatectomy.

  • Hospital Stay: Typically shorter for robotic surgery (e.g., 2-5 days) compared to open surgery.
  • Catheterization: A urinary catheter remains in place for several days to a few weeks.
  • Recovery Time: Full recovery can take several weeks to months. Patients usually resume light activities within weeks, but strenuous activities are restricted for longer.
  • Functional Outcomes (Continence & Potency):
  • Urinary Continence: Most patients regain urinary control, but some may experience temporary or long-term leakage. Recovery rates are high over time, especially with pelvic floor exercises.
  • Erectile Function: Nerve-sparing techniques are used to preserve nerves responsible for erections, but recovery varies. It can take months to years, and some men may still require ED treatments.


Korean Guidelines & Practice

Korean urological oncology centers are highly advanced in radical prostatectomy.

  • High Volume Centers: Major hospitals in Korea perform a large number of robotic prostatectomies annually, leading to significant surgeon experience.
  • Comparable Oncological Outcomes: Studies in Korea show that robotic-assisted prostatectomy offers comparable cancer control rates to open surgery.
  • Focus on Functional Outcomes: Significant efforts are made to optimize surgical techniques to preserve urinary continence and erectile function.
  • National Health Insurance: Robotic and other forms of radical prostatectomy are generally covered by Korea's national health insurance, making this advanced treatment accessible.


Key Takeaways for Radical Prostatectomy in Korea

To summarize the essential points about Radical Prostatectomy in Korea:

  • Primary Prostate Cancer Treatment: Surgical removal of the prostate gland.
  • Robotic Dominance: Robot-Assisted Radical Prostatectomy (RARP) is the most common and preferred method.
  • Focus on Outcomes: Aims for effective cancer removal with emphasis on preserving urinary and erectile function.
  • Advanced Care: Performed in high-volume centers with modern technology and insurance support.

We hope this guide clarifies Radical Prostatectomy in Korea. Always consult a qualified medical professional for personalized advice, diagnosis, and treatment.