Prostatectomy at Apollo Hospitals, Lucknow

Apollo Hospitals Lucknow (Apollomedics Super Speciality Hospital) offers prostatectomy within a full-service urology and uro-oncology programme, supported by anaesthesia, oncology, radiology, pathology, cardiology and critical care teams under one roof. The choice of surgery ? open, laparoscopic, robotic-assisted radical prostatectomy for cancer, or endoscopic options such as TURP, bipolar TURP, laser enucleation for benign enlargement ? is made after assessment, not sold in advance.

• Part of the Apollo Hospitals group, which began in 1983 and now operates a network of more than 70 hospitals across India, giving the Lucknow unit access to group-wide protocols, tumour board practice and second-opinion pathways.
• A dedicated urology and uro-oncology department with consultant urologists whose combined surgical experience runs into several decades; exact team size, individual profiles and case volumes are available from the urology OPD desk on request.
• Full uro-oncology diagnostic chain available in-house: PSA and free PSA, multiparametric MRI of the prostate, MRI-guided or TRUS/transperineal biopsy, histopathology with Gleason grading and ISUP grade grouping, and staging scans including bone scan and PSMA PET-CT where clinically indicated.
• Modular operating theatres with laminar airflow, high-definition laparoscopic stacks, bipolar and laser energy platforms for BPH surgery, and intensive care back-up for men with cardiac, diabetic or renal comorbidity ? common in this region.
• Multidisciplinary tumour board input so that surgery, radiotherapy, active surveillance and hormonal therapy are compared for each man rather than surgery being assumed.
• Structured post-operative pathway including catheter care training for the family, pelvic floor physiotherapy for urinary control, continence and sexual-function counselling, and PSA-based follow-up scheduling.
• Separate pathways for elderly men (frailty, anticoagulants, dementia, fall risk) and for the rare young patient with congenital or paediatric urology needs, which are handled by the paediatric urology and general urology teams as appropriate.
• Insurance and TPA desk on campus for cashless pre-authorisation, plus assistance for CGHS, ECHS, Ayushman Bharat and state scheme patients where the hospital is empanelled ? empanelment status must be confirmed at the desk before admission.

Overview

Prostatectomy is a surgical procedure that involves the removal of all or part of the prostate gland, primarily to treat prostate cancer or benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH). At Apollo Hospitals Lucknow, we aim to be among the best hospitals for prostatectomy in the region, offering current technology and evidence-based care to support the best possible outcomes for our patients. Our team of skilled urologists and healthcare professionals is dedicated to providing personalised care, ensuring that each patient receives the attention and expertise they deserve. With a focus on clinical rigour and patient trust, Apollo Hospitals Lucknow is a considered choice for prostatectomy.

A note on terminology, because it causes real confusion in OPD: radical prostatectomy removes the entire prostate with the seminal vesicles and is a cancer operation. Simple prostatectomy, TURP and laser procedures remove or core out only the obstructing inner tissue and are done for benign enlargement. The two have very different recoveries, risks and follow-up.

Why Prostatectomy is Necessary

Prostatectomy is often necessary for patients diagnosed with prostate cancer, particularly when the cancer is localised and has not spread beyond the prostate gland. The procedure can also be beneficial for men suffering from BPH, which can cause urinary difficulties and discomfort. By removing the prostate, or the obstructing part of it, surgery can relieve symptoms, improve quality of life and, in the case of cancer, contribute to long-term disease control.

The benefits of prostatectomy extend beyond cancer treatment. For patients with BPH, surgery can lead to significant improvements in urinary flow, reduced frequency of urination, and a decrease in the risk of urinary tract infections. At Apollo Hospitals Lucknow, we use minimally invasive techniques where they are suitable, which can mean less pain, shorter hospital stays and quicker recovery.

Risks of Delay

Delaying a prostatectomy can have serious consequences. For patients with prostate cancer, postponing the procedure may allow the cancer to progress, potentially leading to spread beyond the gland and making treatment more complicated. Early intervention matters in managing significant prostate cancer, as it improves the chances of successful treatment and long-term survival. This is different from low-risk cancer, where planned active surveillance under a doctor's supervision is an accepted option and is not the same as neglect.

For those suffering from BPH, delaying surgery can lead to worsening symptoms, including severe urinary retention, bladder damage, recurrent infections, bladder stones and increased risk of kidney problems. At Apollo Hospitals Lucknow, we emphasise timely assessment and encourage patients to consult our specialists to discuss their options.

Benefits of Prostatectomy

• Cancer control: for patients with localised prostate cancer, removal of the cancerous gland can lead to long-term disease control; outcomes depend on stage, grade, PSA and margins, and cannot be guaranteed in any individual case.
• Symptom relief: patients with BPH often experience significant relief from urinary symptoms, including reduced frequency, improved flow and decreased discomfort.
• Improved quality of life: many patients report meaningful improvement once they are no longer burdened by obstructive urinary symptoms or the anxiety of untreated disease.
• Minimally invasive options: laparoscopic, robotic-assisted and endoscopic approaches can mean less pain, reduced blood loss and quicker recovery for suitable patients.
• Accurate staging: examining the removed gland and lymph nodes gives precise pathological information that guides whether any further treatment is needed.
• Comprehensive care: our multidisciplinary team provides pre-operative counselling and post-operative support so patients feel informed throughout.

Preparation and Recovery

Preparation tips

1. Consultation: schedule a thorough consultation with our urologists to discuss your medical history, concerns and the specifics of the procedure.
2. Pre-operative testing: complete the recommended tests, such as blood tests, urine culture, ECG, echocardiography and imaging.
3. Medications: discuss all current medicines. Blood thinners, antiplatelets, some diabetes drugs and certain supplements may need to be stopped or changed at specified intervals.
4. Diet and hydration: follow the dietary and fasting instructions given, and stay well hydrated in the days before surgery.
5. Support system: arrange for a family member or friend to accompany you on the day of surgery and to help during recovery.

Recovery tips

1. Follow-up appointments: attend all scheduled reviews so recovery and PSA can be monitored.
2. Rest and hydration: prioritise rest and adequate fluids to support healing.
3. Pain management: use prescribed analgesia as directed and report discomfort that is not controlled.
4. Gradual return to activities: resume normal activity as advised, avoiding heavy lifting and strenuous exercise for the specified period.
5. Emotional support: seek support from family, friends or patient groups; recovery can be emotionally demanding, particularly around continence and sexual function.

Current Guidelines Guiding Practice

Care is aligned with the following, and the hospital team will explain where an individual plan differs and why:

• Urological Society of India (USI) ? Indian guidelines and consensus statements on BPH/lower urinary tract symptoms and on prostate cancer, developed through USI and the Uro-Oncology Society of India, which emphasise that Indian men often present at a later stage and with larger prostates than Western cohorts.
• European Association of Urology (EAU) Guidelines on Prostate Cancer, 2024 edition ? supports risk-stratified management: active surveillance for low-risk disease, radical prostatectomy or radiotherapy for intermediate and high-risk localised disease, and extended pelvic lymph node dissection only when nodal risk is meaningful. Recent editions have strengthened the role of pre-biopsy multiparametric MRI and of PSMA PET-CT for staging in high-risk disease, and support surgery as part of multimodal treatment in selected locally advanced cases.
• EAU Guidelines on Non-neurogenic Male LUTS, 2024 edition ? endoscopic enucleation (laser or bipolar) is now recognised as size-independent, positioning it alongside open simple prostatectomy for very large glands.
• American Urological Association (AUA) Guideline: Early Detection of Prostate Cancer, 2023 ? shared decision-making on PSA testing, with earlier baseline testing for men with family history.
• NCCN Guidelines for Prostate Cancer, Version 2024 ? widely used for risk grouping and adjuvant or salvage treatment decisions after surgery.

India-specific point: ICMR and NCDIR cancer registry data place prostate cancer among the leading cancers in Indian men in several urban registries, with incidence rising. That is why a raised PSA in a man from Lucknow or the surrounding districts deserves proper evaluation rather than repeated courses of antibiotics.

Timing of Surgery and the Pre-Procedure Phase

• Acute urinary retention from BPH: a catheter is placed the same day; definitive surgery is usually planned after infection is treated and kidney function stabilises, often two to six weeks later.
• Elective BPH surgery: planned once medication has failed, or when there is retention, bladder stones, recurrent infection, bleeding or kidney involvement.
• Prostate cancer: radical prostatectomy is normally performed six to eight weeks after biopsy to allow inflammation to settle. A short, guideline-supported wait for staging scans and multidisciplinary discussion does not worsen outcomes in localised disease.
• Pre-procedure phase typically includes: PSA, complete blood count, kidney and liver function, blood sugar and HbA1c, coagulation profile, blood grouping, urine culture with treatment of any infection, ECG and echocardiogram in older men, chest imaging, anaesthetic fitness review, and cardiology or nephrology clearance where needed. Uncontrolled diabetes and active urinary infection are the two commonest reasons an Indian prostate surgery gets postponed.

Technique Options Compared

Which of these is right depends on gland size, cancer risk group, urinary flow, fitness for anaesthesia, bleeding risk and your own priorities regarding continence and sexual function.

Procedures Sometimes Performed at the Same Sitting

• Pelvic lymph node dissection during radical prostatectomy when nodal risk is significant.
• Nerve-sparing dissection where cancer position allows, to improve the chance of preserving erectile function ? never at the cost of clearance.
• Cystolitholapaxy to clear bladder stones formed from long-standing obstruction.
• Bladder neck incision or urethral dilatation for a co-existing stricture.
• Inguinal hernia repair in selected men, since hernia and BPH often coexist.
• Cystoscopy and bladder biopsy if suspicious areas are seen.
• Circumcision occasionally, when phimosis is interfering with catheter care.

Anything additional is discussed and consented for before surgery wherever it is anticipated.

Phase-by-Phase Recovery

Criteria for Returning to Work, Exercise and Normal Life

• Wound dry and healed, no fever, no catheter-related problem.
• Passing urine with a reasonable stream and no significant blood.
• Able to walk 20?30 minutes comfortably before returning to physical work.
• Pain controlled on oral medication only, and no sedating analgesia before driving.
• Pelvic floor exercises being done regularly and leakage manageable with a pad.
• Return to squatting, sitting cross-legged on the floor, floor sleeping and Indian-style toilets is usually cleared around four to six weeks after abdominal surgery; use a Western commode or a raised stool in the interim.
• Heavy lifting, farm work, driving a tempo or auto, and prolonged two-wheeler use need specific clearance, generally at the six-week review.
• Air travel and long train journeys after the first review, with compression stockings and regular leg movement on longer trips.

Preventing Recurrence and Protecting Long-Term Results

• After cancer surgery, PSA is the surveillance tool. It is typically checked at six to twelve weeks, then at intervals for years. A rising PSA can be treated with salvage radiotherapy, which is why follow-up matters even when you feel completely fine.
• After BPH surgery, tissue can regrow over many years in a minority of men; recurrent poor flow deserves review rather than self-medication.
• Control diabetes, blood pressure and weight ? all influence continence recovery, wound healing and erectile function.
• Stop smoking and limit alcohol; both are linked to poorer surgical and oncological outcomes.
• Continue pelvic floor exercises for at least six to twelve months.
• Keep bowels regular with fibre and fluids; chronic straining works against a healing bladder outlet.
• Men with a father or brother who had prostate cancer should tell their own sons, who may need earlier PSA discussion.

Considerations for Older Men, Younger Men and Children

• Men over 75 or with frailty: life expectancy, cardiac status and independence matter more than age alone. Radiotherapy, hormonal therapy or observation may be safer than major surgery; for BPH, endoscopic or laser options are usually preferred.
• Men on anticoagulants or with pacemakers: laser techniques and careful peri-operative bridging plans are often used; cardiology input is arranged.
• Younger men with cancer: surgery is frequently favoured for long-term control, with nerve-sparing and fertility discussion. Radical prostatectomy ends natural fertility, so sperm banking should be raised before surgery if children are planned.
• Men with dementia or limited mobility: continence goals and catheter strategy are set realistically with the family.
• Children: prostatectomy is essentially not a paediatric operation. Boys with voiding difficulty are evaluated for posterior urethral valves, neurogenic bladder or other congenital causes by paediatric urology.
• Joint family caregiving: nominate one primary caregiver who attends the discharge teaching, so catheter care, medicines and warning signs are not garbled between relatives.

If You Choose Not to Have Surgery

Declining or deferring surgery is a legitimate decision, and it should be an informed one.

• Low-risk prostate cancer: structured active surveillance with periodic PSA, MRI and repeat biopsy is guideline-supported and does not compromise outcomes when followed properly. Abandoning follow-up is a different matter.
• Intermediate or high-risk cancer: radiotherapy with or without hormonal therapy is a genuine alternative with broadly comparable control in many situations. Doing nothing at all risks local progression, bleeding, obstruction and spread to bone.
• BPH: medication, fluid timing and bladder retraining help many men. Untreated severe obstruction can progress to chronic retention, bladder decompensation, recurrent infection, stones and kidney impairment ? and a permanent catheter is a poorer quality of life than a planned operation.
• If you defer, agree a written review interval and the symptoms that should bring you back sooner.

What Changes the Cost

The hospital does not quote a single fixed price for prostatectomy, because the variables below differ for every patient. Please obtain a written estimate from the admissions or billing counter after your consultation.

Insurance and Cashless Treatment in India

• Prostatectomy for cancer or symptomatic BPH is a planned inpatient surgery with an overnight stay, so it normally qualifies as hospitalisation rather than an outpatient procedure.
• Waiting periods matter. Most Indian indemnity policies apply an initial waiting period of about 30 days for illness, and many list benign prostatic hyperplasia among named conditions with a longer waiting period, commonly two years. Cancer diagnosed after the initial waiting period is usually covered, but pre-existing disease clauses of two to four years may apply if symptoms predate the policy. Check your own policy wording.
• Planned versus accident cover: accident-only or personal accident policies do not cover disease-related surgery. Critical illness plans may pay a lump sum on a cancer diagnosis in addition to the indemnity claim.
• Cashless process: share your policy or e-card and ID at the insurance desk, obtain a pre-authorisation form signed by the treating urologist with diagnosis, planned procedure and estimate, and allow two to five working days for the insurer or TPA to approve a planned admission. Approval is usually valid for a set period, so do not delay admission indefinitely.
• Likely deductions: non-medical consumables, gloves, pads, dietary items, attendant charges, room-rent capping and proportionate deductions if you upgrade the room category beyond your eligibility.
• Reimbursement route: if cashless is unavailable, keep all original bills, discharge summary, investigation reports, histopathology report and payment receipts, and file within your insurer's stated deadline.
• Whether Apollo Hospitals Lucknow is currently empanelled with your specific insurer, TPA, corporate plan, CGHS, ECHS, Ayushman Bharat PM-JAY or state scheme should be confirmed with the hospital insurance desk before admission, as empanelment lists change.

Planning Admission and What to Bring

• Documents: photo ID and Aadhaar, insurance card and policy copy, TPA pre-authorisation letter, all prior prescriptions, PSA trend reports, biopsy and imaging reports on CD or film, and referral letters.
• Medicines: bring your actual strips, not just names, especially for diabetes, blood pressure, heart, thyroid and blood thinners.
• Clothing and personal items: loose pyjamas or a lungi that accommodate a catheter bag, front-open shirts, non-slip slippers, toiletries, and a few adult absorbent pads for after catheter removal.
• Practical: a mobile charger with a long cable, a mug, spectacles and denture case, and a notebook for instructions.
• Caregiver planning: one attendant for the ward and one for pharmacy, billing and food runs works better than a crowd. Confirm current visitor rules at admission.
• Before you leave home: arrange a Western-style commode or a commode chair, a bedside light for night trips to the toilet, and a firm bed rather than a floor mattress for the first few weeks.
• Fasting: follow the exact fasting time given for your surgery slot; do not fast longer than instructed if you are diabetic without checking.

Warning Signs That Need Prompt Review

• Fever above 100.4?F with chills, or foul-smelling urine.
• Heavy fresh bleeding or clots in the urine, or blocked catheter drainage.
• Inability to pass urine after the catheter is removed, with lower abdominal pain and distension.
• Increasing abdominal pain, vomiting, or no passage of gas or stool.
• Wound redness, discharge, gaping or increasing swelling.
• Calf pain, swelling in one leg, breathlessness or chest pain ? possible clot, needs emergency attention.
• Leakage of urine from the wound or drain site.
• Sudden severe worsening of incontinence rather than gradual improvement.

Do not wait for the next appointment for any of the above. Use the hospital helpline or attend the emergency department.

For Patients Travelling from Nearby Districts and Cities

Apollo Hospitals Lucknow regularly sees patients from Kanpur, Barabanki, Sitapur, Unnao, Rae Bareli, Hardoi, Lakhimpur Kheri, Bahraich, Gonda, Faizabad?Ayodhya, Sultanpur, Pratapgarh, Basti, Gorakhpur, Jhansi and Prayagraj, as well as from Bihar, Uttarakhand and Nepal.

• Carry all previous reports; a repeated PSA and MRI purely because paperwork was left at home wastes both time and money.
• Consider a teleconsultation first to check whether more tests are needed before you travel.
• Plan for the pre-anaesthetic check and admission on separate days, or ask whether they can be clustered.
• Budget for one to two nights of accommodation for the attendant near the hospital; the front desk can indicate options in the area.
• Catheter removal after radical prostatectomy happens roughly one to two weeks after surgery. Either plan a second short trip or arrange, in advance, for a qualified local urologist to do it with a written instruction note from the operating team.
• Avoid long two-wheeler or tractor journeys in the first six weeks; travel by car or train with breaks to stretch your legs.
• Ask for prescriptions in generic names too, so medicines can be sourced in your own district.

Contact and Appointments

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the risks associated with prostatectomy?

While prostatectomy is generally safe, potential risks include bleeding, infection, urinary incontinence and erectile dysfunction. Less common problems include bladder neck narrowing, urine leak, clots in the legs or lungs and anaesthetic complications. Our surgeons take precautions to minimise these risks, but no operation can be made risk-free.

How long does the surgery take, and what is the recovery time?

Prostatectomy typically takes 1 to 4 hours depending on the technique and complexity. Recovery varies, but many patients return to normal activities within 2 to 6 weeks. Our team provides a personalised recovery plan.

How do I schedule a consultation for prostatectomy?

You can call the appointment helpline listed on the official Apollo Hospitals Lucknow page or book online through the hospital website or Apollo 24|7. The team will advise which reports to bring so the first visit is productive.

What should I expect during the recovery process?

You may experience discomfort, fatigue and changes in urinary function, including leakage after catheter removal. Our team will guide you on managing these symptoms and monitor progress at follow-up appointments.

What makes Apollo Hospitals Lucknow a trusted choice for prostatectomy?

The unit combines an experienced urology and uro-oncology team, in-house diagnostics and pathology, modular theatres, intensive care back-up and structured post-operative rehabilitation, within the wider Apollo Hospitals network established in 1983. Care decisions are taken with multidisciplinary input rather than by a single opinion.

Will I definitely become incontinent after prostate removal?

Most men leak urine to some degree immediately after catheter removal following radical prostatectomy, and this improves substantially over weeks to months. A majority regain satisfactory control within six to twelve months, particularly with regular pel