Radical Prostatectomy Cost in Germany

The cost of radical prostatectomy in Germany typically ranges from $2,500 to $22,000 USD, depending on the hospital, city, and type of procedure.

Radical prostatectomy removes the whole prostate gland and the seminal vesicles to treat prostate cancer that has not spread beyond the prostate. In Germany, the total depends on:

• Open, keyhole or robotic: the approach used.
• Lymph node removal: if needed.
• Hospital stay: usually 1 to 5 days.
• Follow-up: PSA tests and continence support.

Prostate Cancer UK explains that open, keyhole and robotic radical prostatectomy have similar results for cancer control. The hospital stay is usually 1 to 5 days, and a catheter stays in for 1 to 2 weeks.

Robotic surgery is widely available in Germany, but the surgeon's experience matters more than the approach.

Urine leakage usually improves over 1 to 6 months, and erection problems are common. Orgasms become dry and natural fertility is lost. Prostate Cancer UK reports a transfusion risk below 1 in 100, blood clots below 2 in 100 and infection in 1 to 5 in 100.

Heavy lifting is usually avoided for about 8 weeks, and PSA tests are used for follow-up.

International patients are usually treated in Germany as self-paying patients: the hospital reviews the medical reports, sends a cost estimate and asks for an advance payment before admission, then settles the final bill after discharge.

Inpatient hospital care in Germany is billed under the German DRG system, which depends on the main diagnosis, other diagnoses and the procedures carried out, so the final amount is known only after the stay.

Many German hospitals have cancer centres certified by the German Cancer Society (Deutsche Krebsgesellschaft), which must show every year that they meet tumour-specific requirements based on medical guidelines.