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Prostate Cancer Surgery Preparation

Imminent surgery can be a stressful time. Compound the procedure with prostate cancer and your anxiety is not only understandable, but it may be unavoidable. Your surgeon will give you instructions for the specific steps you should take well in advance of your prostate surgery. Follow these strategies to help you prepare. Just the act of getting ready may ease your mind because you will know that you have been proactive in caring for your condition and are doing everything possible to be ready.

  1. Listen and Do What the Surgeon Says

    • You can expect a complete physical, x-rays and lab tests in advance of the procedure. Now is the time to talk to your doctor about your medical history, any drugs you are taking and whether you smoke and to discuss any concerns you may have. Doctors are extremely communicative before a surgical procedure because they want their patients to be fully informed and provide consent to the operation. This also reduces their liability. Ask questions; don't wait until the day of the surgery. You can also read the medical literature on prostate cancer and the surgical procedures related to it. You may discover that knowledge is more empowering than wondering and not knowing what could happen.

    Practical Matters to Prepare Your Body

    • Your surgeon or anesthesiologist will tell you to drink clear fluids for 24 hours prior to your surgery for prostate cancer. Plan to take any other formulations or medicine as directed by the surgeon. Some patients may be required to consume a colon-cleansing liquid formulation. You'll also want to plan on going without food or anything to drink from midnight before the surgery until the time of your operation.

      Remember to avoid the list of drugs and over-the-counter medications your physicians will give you before surgery. You will probably be asked to stop taking any painkillers that thin the blood, including aspirin, ibuprofen, Advil, and Motrin. You will also need to stop using arthritis medications and any other drug your doctor tells you to stop taking temporarily.

      Completely empty your bowels before surgery.

    Ask for Help

    • Your mobility will be extremely limited after surgery, so line up helpers in advance. Ask someone to be available to drive you home from the hospital. Get someone to stock your refrigerator with (doctor-approved) foods or go shopping yourself before the operation. Make and freeze meals in advance so you don't have to cook.

      If your master bedroom and bathroom are upstairs, consider setting up your sleeping arrangements on ground level during your recovery so you don't have to navigate a staircase.

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