Prostatectomy for Prostate Cancer in Grand Rapids, Michigan

Prostate cancer is one of the most common cancers affecting men in Michigan, including those living in Grand Rapids and surrounding West Michigan communities. Understanding your treatment options—especially prostatectomy (surgery to remove the prostate)—can help you make informed decisions with your healthcare team at local centers such as Spectrum Health, Trinity Health Grand Rapids, Metro Health, and Mercy Health.

What Is the Prostate and Prostate Cancer?

The prostate is a small gland located below the bladder and in front of the rectum. It produces some of the fluid that makes up semen, helping nourish and protect sperm.

Prostate cancer occurs when abnormal cells grow in the prostate gland. These cells can multiply and may spread if not treated.

Types of Prostate Cancer

  • Localized prostate cancer
    Cancer cells are confined to the prostate and have not spread outside the gland.

  • Locally advanced prostate cancer
    Cancer has grown into tissues just outside the prostate or into nearby pelvic lymph nodes.

  • Advanced or metastatic prostate cancer
    Cancer has spread to other parts of the body, such as distant lymph nodes, bones, or organs.

In Michigan, where many men live longer lives, prostate cancer is frequently detected early through PSA testing and digital rectal exams at primary care offices and urology clinics throughout the Grand Rapids area.

What Is a Radical Prostatectomy?

Radical prostatectomy is a surgery to remove the entire prostate gland, along with the seminal vesicles and often the vas deferens. The main goal is to remove all visible prostate cancer.

A urologist—a specialist in urinary and male reproductive health—performs this operation. In Grand Rapids, radical prostatectomies are commonly done at major hospitals such as:

  • Spectrum Health Butterworth Hospital
  • Trinity Health Grand Rapids
  • University of Michigan Health-West (Metro Health)
  • Mercy Health facilities in the region

After removing the prostate, the surgeon reconnects the bladder to the urethra so that urine can flow normally again. Nearby lymph nodes may also be removed to check whether the cancer has spread.

Who Is a Candidate for Prostate Cancer Surgery in Grand Rapids?

You may be offered a radical prostatectomy if you:

  • Have localized or locally advanced prostate cancer that has not spread too far outside the prostate
  • Are medically fit for surgery and do not have serious health conditions that create high surgical risk
  • Are expected to live 10 years or longer, based on your health and age

The operation typically takes 2 to 4 hours. Most patients stay in a Grand Rapids hospital for a few days and then need several weeks at home to recover. Most men will need time off work during this period.

Because winters in West Michigan can be long, icy, and cold, your team may plan your surgery and recovery to minimize fall risks and help you safely stay active indoors while you heal.

Is a Prostatectomy the Right Treatment for Me?

For localized or locally advanced prostate cancer, several treatment options may be available in Grand Rapids, including:

  • Radical prostatectomy (surgery)
  • External beam radiation therapy (with or without hormone therapy)
  • Brachytherapy (internal radiation)
  • Active surveillance or close monitoring (for some low-risk cancers)

Making a decision can be challenging. It is helpful to:

  • See both a urologist and a radiation oncologist (available at Spectrum Health, Trinity Health, Metro Health, and other local cancer centers)
  • Discuss:
    • How effective each treatment is
    • Possible side effects
    • Impact on quality of life (urinary, sexual, and bowel function)
    • Costs and insurance coverage

Benefits of a Prostatectomy

  • Potentially curative for many men with localized prostate cancer
  • Allows a pathologist to examine the entire prostate and surrounding tissue to:
    • Confirm the cancer’s grade and stage
    • Check whether cancer has spread beyond the gland
    • Determine whether the cancer appears to be completely removed
  • Can improve urinary symptoms in some men who have a narrow or partially blocked urethra due to the enlarged prostate

Many men feel reassured knowing the entire prostate gland, including the visible cancer, has been removed.

Risks of Prostatectomy

All major surgeries have risks. Before surgery, your Grand Rapids urologist will review the benefits, risks, and limitations of radical prostatectomy with you.

Short-Term Surgical Risks

  • Bleeding

    • May require a blood transfusion
    • Rarely, another operation is needed to control bleeding

  • Infection
    Infection can occur:

    • At the wound site
    • In the urinary tract
    • In the chest (lungs)
    • Through an intravenous (IV) line
      Treatment may include antibiotics and, in some cases, hospital readmission.

  • Deep vein thrombosis (DVT)
    Blood clots can form in the veins of the legs. If a clot travels to the lungs, it can cause a pulmonary embolism, which is life-threatening. To reduce this risk:

    • You may wear compression stockings during and after surgery
    • You may receive blood-thinning medication
      If DVT does occur, treatment includes additional blood-thinning medications and monitoring.

  • Injury to nearby organs or structures
    The rectum, bladder, and ureters (tubes that carry urine from the kidneys to the bladder) are close to the prostate and can be accidentally injured.

    • Further surgery may be required to repair any damage.

Types of Radical Prostatectomy

In Grand Rapids, radical prostatectomy may be performed in three main ways:

1. Open Radical Prostatectomy

  • The surgeon makes a single incision (about 8 cm) in the lower abdomen:
    • From below the belly button to the pubic area, or
    • Across the top of the pubic hairline
  • The prostate, seminal vesicles, and sometimes nearby lymph nodes are removed through this opening.

2. Laparoscopic Radical Prostatectomy

  • Also called keyhole surgery
  • Several small incisions are made in the lower abdomen
  • A small camera and surgical instruments are inserted through these incisions
  • The surgeon views the prostate on a screen and removes it using long instruments

3. Robotic-Assisted Radical Prostatectomy

  • A form of laparoscopic surgery performed with the aid of a surgical robot
  • The surgeon controls robotic arms from a console in the operating room
  • The robot provides a magnified, high-definition view and precise instrument movement

Comparing the Approaches

  • Cancer control and side effects are similar across open, laparoscopic, and robotic-assisted surgery.
  • Hospital stay and recovery time may be shorter with laparoscopic or robotic approaches.
  • The choice often depends on:
    • Your cancer stage and anatomy
    • The surgeon’s expertise
    • Available technology at your chosen Grand Rapids hospital

Recovering in the Hospital and at Home

Planning for your discharge begins within the first day after surgery. Before you leave the hospital, your care team will explain:

  • How to care for your incision
  • How to manage your urinary catheter
  • Which symptoms require urgent attention
  • Who to call if you have problems after going home

You will usually go home with a urinary catheter in place for a short period.

Activity at Home

  • While the catheter is in, gentle activities are recommended:
    • Short walks around your home or hallway
    • Light stretching, as advised by your healthcare team
  • Avoid heavy lifting, straining, or vigorous exercise.

When the catheter is removed:

  • Gradually return to normal activities that do not involve straining
  • Restart pelvic floor exercises (Kegel exercises), which help improve urinary control
  • Fatigue is common after surgery—rest when needed

Your surgeon or local provider will advise when you can:

  • Drive again
  • Return to work
  • Resume regular exercise, including winter-safe indoor options (e.g., treadmill walking, stationary cycling, physical therapy)

When to Seek Immediate Medical Help

Contact your surgeon, local doctor, or go to the nearest emergency department (e.g., Spectrum Health Butterworth, Trinity Health Grand Rapids, Metro Health) if you notice:

  • Fever or chills
  • Increasing redness, swelling, warmth, or discharge at the incision
  • Worsening pain not controlled by medication
  • Difficulty urinating, inability to pass urine, or severe burning
  • Sudden shortness of breath, chest pain, or swelling in one leg

Possible Side Effects of Prostatectomy

Every prostate cancer treatment has potential side effects. While doctors can often predict the types of side effects, the severity and duration vary from person to person.

Understanding these before surgery can help you prepare and get support.

Urinary Side Effects

Most men will experience some degree of urinary leakage (incontinence) after the catheter is removed.

  • You may need to wear pads to manage leakage
  • For many men, incontinence improves within 2 to 12 weeks
  • For some, it can take 3 to 12 months to see major improvement
  • In a small number of men, incontinence can become a chronic problem; additional treatments or surgery may help

In general, continence tends to return more quickly in:

  • Younger men
  • Men who regularly practiced pelvic floor exercises before surgery

Scar Tissue (Anastomotic Stricture)

Scar tissue can sometimes form where the urethra is rejoined to the bladder (the anastomosis). This can cause:

  • A weaker urine stream
  • Difficulty starting urination
  • Trouble fully emptying the bladder

If these symptoms occur, your urologist may perform a cystoscopy (passing a small telescope into the bladder) to examine the area. Occasionally, further surgery is needed to open the narrowed area.

Lymph Gland Side Effects

If lymph nodes are removed during surgery, side effects can include:

  • Lymphocoele
    A collection of fluid where lymph nodes were removed. This may:

    • Resolve on its own
    • Require drainage

  • Lymphoedema
    Mild swelling in the legs due to changes in lymph drainage.
    Although uncommon, seeing a physiotherapist or lymphedema specialist in Grand Rapids can help manage swelling with exercises, compression garments, and other techniques.

Always report new swelling, pain, or discomfort to your healthcare team.

Sexual Side Effects

Sexual side effects are common after radical prostatectomy. Your age, pre-surgery sexual function, overall health, and whether nerve-sparing surgery is possible all influence your risk.

Erection Problems (Erectile Dysfunction)

Erectile dysfunction (ED) is difficulty achieving or maintaining an erection firm enough for sexual activity. It is very common after prostate surgery and may be:

  • Temporary – erections can gradually improve over 18 to 24 months
  • Permanent – in some men, erections do not fully return

Treatment options available in Grand Rapids include:

  • Oral medications (e.g., PDE5 inhibitors)
  • Vacuum erection devices
  • Penile injections or suppositories
  • Penile implants (in selected cases)
  • Counseling for you and your partner

Discuss these options with your urologist or a sexual health specialist.

Dry Orgasm

After prostatectomy, men experience orgasm without ejaculation (a “dry orgasm”) because:

  • The prostate and seminal vesicles, which produce most of the fluid in semen, are removed

Men report different experiences:

  • Some find orgasms more intense
  • Others describe them as less pleasurable or different

Infertility

Radical prostatectomy results in infertility in all men because semen is no longer produced in the normal way. If you wish to have children in the future:

  • Discuss sperm banking before surgery with your urologist or a fertility specialist
  • Include your partner in these discussions

Climacturia (Urine Leakage During Orgasm)

Some men notice leakage of urine during orgasm, called climacturia. To manage this:

  • Empty your bladder before sexual activity
  • Consider using a condom if leakage is bothersome
  • Talk with your doctor about additional strategies

Change in Penis Size

Some men notice shortening or shrinkage of the penis after surgery, on average about 1.2 cm. This may be related to:

  • Scar tissue
  • Changes in nerve or blood supply

Your urologist can discuss realistic expectations and possible treatments, including early penile rehabilitation strategies.

Ongoing Care and Follow-Up in Grand Rapids

Follow-up care is essential after a radical prostatectomy. You will typically have:

  • A visit with your urologist within 6 to 8 weeks after surgery
  • Your first PSA blood test during that visit

The removed prostate gland and surrounding tissue are examined by a pathologist to:

  • Confirm the grade (Gleason score) and stage of the cancer
  • Determine whether the cancer has spread beyond the prostate walls
  • Assess whether the cancer appears completely removed

Your urologist will use:

  • The pathology report
  • Your 6–8 week PSA result

to create a long-term follow-up plan. This may include:

  • Regular PSA testing (often every 3–12 months)
  • Physical exams
  • Imaging tests, if needed

Ask your healthcare team about:

  • How often you need follow-up visits
  • Which symptoms to watch for
  • When to contact the clinic or your primary care provider

Managing Your Emotional Wellbeing

Being diagnosed with prostate cancer and undergoing surgery can be emotionally challenging. Men in Grand Rapids commonly describe feelings such as:

  • Shock
  • Sadness or depression
  • Anger, fear, or frustration
  • Worry about relationships, work, and finances

You may also notice physical signs of stress:

  • Nausea or stomach upset
  • Irritability or feeling “on edge”
  • Trouble sleeping or concentrating

If distress is affecting your daily life, talk to:

  • Your GP (primary care doctor)
  • Your urologist
  • A psychologist, social worker, or counselor connected with your cancer center

Local and National Resources for Men in Grand Rapids, MI

In addition to your local medical team, the following resources can help:

Local Public Health and Support

  • Kent County Health Department
    Provides information on men’s health, cancer screening, and local support services in Grand Rapids and Kent County.
    Website: search “Kent County Health Department prostate cancer”
  • Grand Rapids Public Health and community clinics
    Offer primary care, referrals to urologists, and mental health support.

National and Specialty Resources

  • Prostate Cancer Foundation (PCF)
    Information, research updates, and support resources for men with prostate cancer and their families.

  • Continence Foundation and continence services
    Information and support for bladder and bowel health, including managing incontinence.

  • Mental health organizations (e.g., Anxiety and depression support services, crisis lines)
    Offer telephone, online, and in-person support for anxiety, depression, and crisis situations.

  • Accredited dietitians and exercise professionals

    • Dietitians can help you maintain a heart-healthy, cancer-supportive diet, which is especially important during Michigan’s winter months when activity levels may drop.
    • Exercise physiologists or physical therapists can design safe exercise programs to support recovery, bone health, and weight management.

Ask your Grand Rapids care team to refer you to:

  • A dietitian experienced in oncology
  • A pelvic floor physiotherapist for incontinence and pelvic pain
  • An exercise physiologist or physical therapist familiar with cancer recovery

Key Points About Prostatectomy in Grand Rapids, MI

  • Deciding on the right prostate cancer treatment—surgery, radiation, or other options—can be complex; consult both a urologist and a radiation oncologist.
  • Radical prostatectomy is an effective and often potentially curative treatment for many men with localized prostate cancer.
  • Surgery may improve urinary symptoms in some men with a narrowed or partially blocked urethra.
  • Short-term risks include bleeding, infection, deep vein thrombosis (DVT), and injury to nearby organs; prevention strategies include antibiotics and blood-thinning medication.
  • Common long-term side effects include urinary incontinence, erectile dysfunction, dry orgasm, infertility, possible climacturia, and changes in penis size.
  • Recovery support is available through major Grand Rapids health systems, local public health resources, and national prostate cancer organizations.

If you live in Grand Rapids or West Michigan and are considering prostatectomy for prostate cancer, talk with your GP or urologist about referral to a local cancer center. Together, you can develop a treatment and follow-up plan tailored to your health, lifestyle, and personal preferences.