Prostate Cancer Surgery in Thailand

Prostate cancer surgery may be considered when cancer is confined to the prostate or when surgery is recommended as part of an overall treatment plan.

The most common operation is a radical prostatectomy, in which the prostate gland is removed. In suitable patients, this may be performed using minimally invasive or robotic-assisted techniques.

Thailand offers specialist urologists, robotic-surgery technology and modern private hospitals for international patients considering planned prostate cancer treatment.

Siam Medica can help you explore suitable providers, request personalised treatment plans and cost estimates, and coordinate care before, during and after treatment in Thailand.

What is prostate cancer surgery?

Prostate cancer surgery usually refers to radical prostatectomy.

This procedure removes:

• The prostate gland

• Seminal vesicles

• Sometimes nearby lymph nodes, depending on the case

The goal is to remove the cancer where surgery is considered an appropriate treatment option.

When may surgery be considered?

Surgery may be considered when:

• The cancer appears confined to the prostate

• The patient is fit enough for surgery

• Life expectancy and overall health support active treatment

• The cancer characteristics make surgery a suitable option

• The patient prefers surgery after discussing alternatives

Not every patient with prostate cancer needs surgery. Some may be better suited to surveillance, radiotherapy, hormone therapy or other treatment.

Robotic prostatectomy

Many centres now perform radical prostatectomy using robotic-assisted techniques.

Robotic surgery uses small incisions and specialised instruments controlled by the surgeon.

Potential advantages may include:

• Smaller incisions

• Less blood loss

• Shorter hospital stay

• Faster early recovery

However, the most important factor remains the experience of the surgical team and whether surgery is appropriate for the individual patient.

Open prostatectomy

Some prostate cancer surgery is still performed using an open approach.

This may be recommended depending on the hospital, surgeon preference or case complexity.

Both open and robotic techniques aim to remove the cancer safely while preserving function as much as possible.

Nerve-sparing surgery

In selected patients, the surgeon may be able to use a nerve-sparing approach.

This aims to preserve the nerves involved in erectile function.

Whether this is possible depends on:

• The location of the cancer

• The extent of disease

• Individual anatomy

• Surgical judgement

Cancer control always takes priority over nerve preservation.

Assessment before surgery

Before surgery, the specialist may review:

• PSA blood-test results

• Prostate biopsy results

• MRI findings

• PET or other imaging where appropriate

• General health

• Urinary symptoms

• Sexual function

• Previous treatment history

Additional testing may be needed before a final surgical recommendation is made.

Preparing for surgery

Preparation may include:

• Blood tests

• Anaesthetic assessment

• Imaging review

• Medication review

• Instructions regarding food and fluids

• Assessment of fitness for surgery

Patients should discuss any blood-thinning medication or regular treatment with the medical team rather than stopping treatment independently.

The procedure

Radical prostatectomy is performed under general anaesthesia.

The surgeon removes the prostate gland and reconnects the bladder to the urethra so that urine can continue to pass normally after healing.

A urinary catheter is usually left in place temporarily after surgery.

Depending on the case, lymph nodes may also be removed.

Hospital stay and early recovery

Hospital stay commonly ranges from approximately four to seven nights, depending on the surgical approach and recovery.

Patients are usually encouraged to begin walking soon after surgery.

Temporary discomfort, tiredness and reduced mobility are common early on.

A urinary catheter is typically kept in place for a short period during early healing.

Recovery after prostate surgery

Recovery varies between patients.

The surgeon will advise when it is safe to:

• Return to normal daily activities

• Drive

• Exercise

• Travel by air

• Resume work

Patients often require follow-up to:

• Review wound healing

• Remove the catheter

• Check pathology results

• Monitor PSA levels

Urinary continence

Temporary urinary leakage can occur after prostate surgery.

Many patients gradually improve over time, but recovery varies.

Pelvic-floor exercises may be recommended to support continence recovery.

Some patients have longer-term urinary symptoms that may require additional management.

Sexual function

Erectile function can be affected after radical prostatectomy.

Recovery depends on:

• Age

• Erectile function before surgery

• Whether nerve-sparing surgery was possible

• Overall health

• Extent of cancer

Some men recover function gradually, while others may need medication or other support.

This is an important topic to discuss in advance with the surgeon.

Risks and considerations

Potential risks include:

• Bleeding

• Infection

• Urinary leakage

• Erectile dysfunction

• Injury to surrounding structures

• Blood clots

• Anaesthesia-related complications

• Need for additional treatment

• Cancer recurrence

The surgeon should explain the expected benefits, limitations and risks before surgery is confirmed.

Prostate cancer surgery costs in Thailand

The cost of prostate cancer surgery in Thailand varies according to the surgical approach and hospital.

A broad indicative range is approximately US$26,000–34,000 or more.

Factors affecting the total cost can include:

• Robotic or open surgery

• Specialist fees

• Anaesthesia

• Imaging and pathology

• Hospital stay

• Catheter care

• Medication

• Lymph-node surgery where required

• Follow-up care

Siam Medica can request a personalised treatment plan and cost estimate after a suitable specialist has reviewed your medical records and imaging.

How Siam Medica can help

We can help you:

• Identify suitable urologists and surgical providers

• Share medical records and imaging with providers

• Request preliminary specialist review

• Request personalised treatment plans and cost estimates

• Compare treatment options

• Coordinate consultations, surgery and follow-up

• Assist with recovery and travel planning

• Support communication with your provider before, during and after treatment

Our support is free for patients, and Siam Medica is independent of any single hospital or clinic.