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Illustration of a surgeon wearing a yellow scrub, standing upright.

Surgery to remove the prostate (radical prostatectomy)

Surgery to remove the prostate, called a radical prostatectomy, is one of the treatment options for prostate cancer. This page explains what the surgery involves and what to expect.

Radical prostatectomy

Radical prostatectomy is an operation to remove the entire prostate gland and sometimes nearby lymph nodes.

It is most often offered to men with:

  • Localised high intermediary risk and high risk prostate cancer
  • Selected locally advanced cases

The aim is to cure the cancer.

Your doctor will talk with you about the surgery method that’s best for you.

A radical prostatectomy is a major operation, and each method has its risks. The aim of the surgery is to cure the cancer.

If the cancer is more advanced or high-risk, the surgeon might also take out lymph nodes in the pelvic area to see if the cancer has spread. This surgery takes longer and can have more complications, but it helps to find out how far the cancer has gone.

Nerve-sparing surgery

The prostate lies close to nerves that control erections and bladder function.

If possible, surgeons may perform nerve-sparing surgery to reduce the risk of:

  • Erectile dysfunction
  • Urinary incontinence

However, if the cancer is close to these nerves, they may need to be removed to ensure complete cancer control.

This chapter contains general information about radical prostatectomy. It is not a substitute for professional medical advice or treatment. Always consult your doctor or healthcare provider for guidance on your individual medical situation.

The creation of this chapter was funded by Ferring Pharmaceuticals. Its content has been independently developed and approved by the EAU Patient Office.

Last updated: February 2026

Reviewed by: 

  • Dr. Nikolaos Grivas (Guideline Panel on Prostate Cancer)
  • Mr. Eamonn Rogers (Patient Office Chairman)
  • Dr. Erik Briers (Patient Office EPAG)