A prostatectomy is a surgical procedure to remove all or part of the prostate gland, which is located just below the bladder in men. This surgery is often performed to treat conditions like prostate cancer or benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH). By removing the prostate, doctors aim to alleviate symptoms and prevent the spread of cancer. There are different types of prostatectomy, including radical prostatectomy, which removes the entire prostate and some surrounding tissue, and simple prostatectomy, which removes only the inner part of the prostate. Recovery can vary, and patients may experience side effects such as changes in urinary function or sexual health, so it's important to discuss these with a healthcare provider.