Prostate Cancer Surgery: You Need to Know This Before You Say Yes

Prostate cancer surgery is a major and irreversible decision, but how much do you actually know about your surgeon’s outcomes, the risks involved, and what happens after the operation?In this episode of Intellectual Medicine, Dr. Stephen Petteruti discusses the questions he believes men should ask before undergoing a prostatectomy. He examines reported differences in urinary incontinence and erectile dysfunction outcomes, the importance of asking a surgeon for their own complication and recurrence rates, and why getting more than one surgical opinion may be worthwhile.Dr. Petteruti also discusses the role of PSMA PET imaging, surgeon selection, biochemical recurrence, and findings from the PIVOT trial. He explains his perspective on non-operative approaches while acknowledging that patients may ultimately make a different choice. The episode also addresses what happens after surgery, including postoperative planning and questions surrounding radiation therapy.Timestamps:(00:27) What doctors may not tell you before prostate cancer surgery(01:25) Understanding incontinence and erectile dysfunction rates(02:00) How to evaluate your surgeon’s actual outcomes(02:57) Asking about biochemical recurrence after prostatectomy(03:56) Why you should consider more than one surgical opinion(04:12) The role of a PSMA PET scan before surgery(05:00) Complication rates and researching your surgeon(06:10) What the PIVOT trial means for the surgery decision(07:16) Why you need a plan for what happens after surgery(08:23) Why Dr. Petteruti recommends taking time before deciding(09:59) Ask your surgeon: “Who would you choose for your own surgery?”(11:24) Considering the non-operative path and planning for recurrence(11:56) Radiation after prostatectomy: immediate or delayed?(13:01) Taking ownership of your treatment decisionReferences:Garner Health- https://www.garnerhealth.com/Biochemical recurrence after radical prostatectomy- https://www.deepdyve.com/lp/springer-journals/biochemical-recurrence-after-radical-prostatectomy-where-do-we-stand-2plJJEf6x4Enjoy the podcast? Subscribe and leave a 5-star review on your favorite platforms.Dr. Stephen Petteruti is a board-certified physician specializing in longevity-focused, integrative medicine. He works with men navigating prostate cancer, testosterone, and hormone health, aging, and performance using proactive, evidence-informed strategies grounded in real clinical practice. His approach prioritizes preserving function, strength, and quality of life while helping patients make clear, informed decisions beyond reactive, fear-driven care.📚 ResourcesDr. Petteruti Men's Vitality Grouphttps://www.intellectualmedicine.com/membershipFight Cancer Like a Manhttps://www.amazon.com/Fight-Cancer-Like-Man-Breakthrough/dp/B0GP6JHQTQDr. Petteruti's Newsletterhttps://drstephenpetteruti.substack.com/subscribePodcast Show Noteshttps://www.intellectualmedicine.com/podcast-notes🌐 Learn MoreDr. Stephen Petterutihttps://www.drstephenpetteruti.com/Intellectual Medicinehttps://www.intellectualmedicine.com/📱 Connect with Dr. PetterutiInstagramhttps://www.instagram.com/dr.stephenpetteruti/Facebookhttps://www.facebook.com/dr.stephenpetteruti🎧 Listen to the PodcastApple Podcastshttps://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/intellectual-medicine/id1458649409Spotifyhttps://open.spotify.com/show/3om1BQGP8f0hODZ6neWCd1#Overdiagnosis #ProstateHealth #MensVitality #ActiveSurveillanceDisclaimer:The content presented in this video reflects the opinions and clinical experience of Dr. Stephen Petteruti and is intended for informational and educational purposes only. It is not medical advice and should not be used as a substitute for professional diagnosis, treatment, or guidance from your personal healthcare provider. Always consult your physician or qualified healthcare professional before making any changes to your health regimen or treatment plan