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Recovery From Prostatectomy

A prostatectomy is a surgical procedure in which the prostate gland and some of the surrounding tissue is removed, typically due to prostate cancer. The procedure is most often performed by a surgeon laparascopically, but some hospitals and medical centers now use a procedure called a robot-assisted prostatectomy in which a doctor guides a robot's hands to remove the prostate gland. The recovery period is different for each man who undergoes the procedure, but it typically takes anywhere from two to eight weeks.

  1. Urinating

    • After the prostate is removed, a catheter is inserted until bleeding from the operation ceases and healing begins. The catheter is typically removed a few days to a week after the surgery, and patients will generally need to remain hospitalized until a day or two after the catheter is removed. The catheter can cause a feeling as though you have to urinate, and it is normal to notice blood in the urine for a few days following the surgery. It is also normal to experience some pain and discomfort while urinating and see a small amount of blood in the urine for a day or two after the catheter is removed.

    Post-Operative Care

    • It's important to carefully follow your doctor's orders after undergoing a prostatectomy to prevent any complications. Staying hydrated by drinking 8 to 10 glasses of water a day is important because it helps keep urine moving through the system and helps prevent blood clots from forming. Because you may experience pain while urinating after a prostatectomy, you may want to cut back on fluids to avoid painful urination. However, keep in mind that proper hydration will aid in the healing process. Also, it's important to rest and limit physical activity following a prostatectomy. Engaging in too much physical activity too soon after surgery can cause bleeding and pain and discomfort.

    Sexual Function

    • Most men who undergo a prostatectomy are concerned about how their sex lives will be affected by the procedure. Because the nerves in the genital area are affected during the surgery, many men do experience some difficulty getting an erection at least temporarily following prostate surgery. However, most men who were able to get an erection before the surgery will still be able to do so following the procedure. But a small number of men will continue to experience problems with sexual function as a result of the surgery. However, it is important to restrict all sexual activity after the procedure until your doctor says you are ready.

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