Do lots of people get prostatectomy, or is it unusual?

Depends on cause.: Some of the common cause for prostatectomy are benign prostatic enlargement causing urinary retention, nodules in prostrate on radio imaging, or suspected malignancy( cancer ) on biopsy.

1/6 have cancer.: Surgery and radiation are the only 2 cures. Determining who needs a cure and who can just "watch" their cancer is criticial. No perfect test exists to do this. Psa, despite its controversy, is a useful screening tool. Newer tests are appearing to help psa be better. Surgery, in expert hands, gives better functional recovery than ever before.

Lots: Treatment of prostate cancer should be tailored to the patient. There is no right and a few wrongs. Prostatectomy is good if you have >10 years to live and are comfortable with the risks vs benefits. For more info @thepeedoc www.Peedoc.