Treatment Overview
Open Radical Prostatectomy (ORP) is a traditional surgical procedure to remove the prostate gland in men diagnosed with localized prostate cancer. Unlike minimally invasive techniques, ORP involves a single larger incision in the lower abdomen to access the prostate. Despite being more invasive, it remains a highly effective treatment for complete cancer removal. Korea offers advanced surgical facilities and experienced urologists who ensure precision and safety in performing open prostate surgeries, making it a preferred option for certain patients.
Purpose & Benefits
The primary purpose of Open Radical Prostatectomy is to remove cancerous prostate tissue and surrounding lymph nodes when necessary, aiming for long-term cancer control. Benefits include:
- Effective cancer removal in localized and some locally advanced prostate cancers.
- Direct surgical access for complex cases where minimally invasive techniques may not be feasible.
- Experienced surgeons ensure precise excision of prostate tissue.
- High success rates in long-term cancer control.
- Opportunity for lymph node removal in cases with suspected spread.
Ideal Candidates
ORP is suitable for:
- Men with localized or locally advanced prostate cancer.
- Patients who are not suitable for robotic or laparoscopic procedures due to anatomical or medical reasons.
- Individuals with larger prostates requiring open surgical access.
- Patients prioritizing long-term cancer control over minimally invasive techniques.
Possible Risks & Complications
As a traditional open surgery, ORP carries potential risks:
- Urinary incontinence, which may be temporary or long-term.
- Erectile dysfunction due to potential nerve damage.
- Bleeding, requiring transfusion in rare cases.
- Infection at the incision site.
- Injury to surrounding organs such as the bladder or rectum.
- Standard anesthesia-related risks.
Techniques & Technology Used
Open Radical Prostatectomy in Korea combines classical surgical expertise with modern supportive technologies:
- High-precision surgical instruments for careful tissue removal.
- Nerve-sparing techniques to preserve erectile function whenever possible.
- Advanced hemostatic devices to minimize blood loss.
- Intraoperative imaging to guide precise removal of prostate and adjacent tissues.
Treatment Process in Korea
The treatment process for ORP in Korea generally includes:
- Consultation & Evaluation: Comprehensive assessment including PSA levels, MRI scans, biopsy review, and general health evaluation.
- Preoperative Preparation: Counseling, pre-op tests, and optimization of overall health for surgery.
- Surgical Procedure: Performed under general anesthesia, typically lasting 2–5 hours depending on complexity.
- Postoperative Care: Hospital stay of 3–5 days with monitoring for complications, catheter management, and pain control.
- Follow-up Visits: Regular PSA monitoring, imaging, and functional assessments to ensure cancer control and recovery progress.
Recovery & After-Care
Recovery after ORP in Korea focuses on gradual healing and rehabilitation:
- Hospital Stay: Typically 3–5 days depending on patient condition.
- Catheter Care: Urinary catheter usually removed 1–2 weeks after surgery.
- Pain Management: Oral medications and monitoring for post-op discomfort.
- Physical Activity: Light activity after 2–3 weeks; full activities resumed in 6–8 weeks.
- Long-Term Care: Exercises for continence and sexual function rehabilitation, PSA monitoring, and follow-up visits.
Results & Longevity
Open Radical Prostatectomy provides robust long-term outcomes:
- Cancer Control: Very high success rate for removal of localized and selected locally advanced prostate cancers.
- Functional Outcomes: Recovery of urinary continence typically occurs within several months; nerve-sparing techniques enhance sexual function preservation.
- Durability: Proven long-term survival and disease-free outcomes, especially in high-volume centers in Korea.
Why Korea Is a Top Destination
Korea is a top choice for ORP due to:
- Experienced Surgeons: Urologists with extensive experience in open and complex prostate surgeries.
- Advanced Hospitals: State-of-the-art facilities ensuring patient safety and quality care.
- Comprehensive Care: Pre-op evaluation, surgery, and post-op rehabilitation provided seamlessly.
- Affordable Costs: Competitive pricing compared to Western countries, with no compromise on quality.
- Medical Tourism Support: English-speaking coordinators, travel arrangements, and patient assistance for international visitors.
Cost Range
The cost of Open Radical Prostatectomy in Korea typically ranges from $7,000 to $12,000, depending on the hospital, complexity of surgery, and additional services such as accommodation and post-op care.
Popular Clinics in Korea
Top hospitals offering ORP for international patients include:
- Samsung Medical Center, Seoul – Leading center for complex urologic surgeries.
- Asan Medical Center, Seoul – High-volume prostate cancer treatment programs.
- Severance Hospital, Seoul – Specialized in open and minimally invasive urology procedures.
- Seoul St. Mary’s Hospital – Advanced surgical facilities and international patient services.
- CHA Bundang Medical Center – Renowned for quality care and patient support for medical tourists.
