How to Undergo a Prostatectomy

Prostatectomy is an invasive surgery to remove a severely enlarged prostate gland. The intended result is cessation of urinary symptoms and a return to normal activity. With a doctor's guidance, there are steps you must take to prepare for the surgery, and it may take several weeks for you to recover afterward. It is important to know the risks involved with this surgery. Your doctor is always there to answer any questions you may have.

Things You'll Need

• Urologist
• Your regular medications
• Water
• Enema kit

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Instructions

• 1

  Stop smoking. Your doctor will be able to offer you support and give guidance. Your doctor may also tell you to stop any medication that thins your blood, such as vitamin E, clopidogrel (Plavix), warfarin (Coumadin) and over-the-counter pain relievers such as aspirin, ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin) or naproxen.

• 2

  Have a pre-operative examination. This may include blood work, a chest X-ray, an electrocardiogram (ECG or EKG) and an interview with the anesthesiologist. You may also receive directions about diet and other preparations, including a special kit to give yourself an enema.

• 3

  Self-administer the enema (or have someone help you) the day before the surgery, if your doctor has directed you to do so. Do not eat or drink anything after midnight the night before the surgery. Follow your doctor's directions about which of your regular medications you can take with water on the morning of the surgery. Get to the hospital on time. Expect to meet with doctors, nurses and the anesthesiologist one more time that morning.

• 4

  Follow your doctor's post-operative directions, including exercises in bed to prevent dangerous blood clots in your legs. Expect to be in the hospital between one and four days. See your doctor a few days after your release to have surgical taples and drainage tubes removed. Return to your normal activity level gradually, with your doctor's guidance and support.

• 5

  Keep your doctor informed of any changes or new symptoms, including bleeding, urinary complaints or ongoing pain. Expect that when you have sex (six to eight weeks after the procedure), you will have an orgasm but ejaculate little to no semen. See your doctor a few months after the surgery to ensure that you are healing well and regaining function as planned.