If you’re in the advanced stages of prostate cancer, your doctor is likely to suggest prostate surgery. This form of surgery is called a prostatectomy and involves the removal of the prostate gland. While these procedures have a high success rate, it’s still considered to be a major surgery so you need to know what to expect.
It’s common for doctors to ask you to walk a little on the same day of the surgery. Doing this discourages the formation of blood clots and shows the doctor how you’re dealing with recovery after the procedure.
Most people who undergo prostate surgery are discharged by the next day so they can recover at home. As long as you’re not showing any signs of clotting or infection, it’s likely that your recovery is progressing well. You should still ask your doctor about the signs of infection so you can go to the emergency room if you see them.
There’s usually a lot of pain and soreness from the procedure so your doctor should send you home with painkillers. Most people find that ibuprofen or acetaminophen are enough but let your doctor know if they aren’t working.
Depending on the type of prostatectomy you had, there may be some bloating after the procedure. This should only last for a couple of days so tell your doctor if it persists.
Sometimes, you can have bladder spasms after the procedure. While these may not be painful, they can give you the uncomfortable, persistent urge to use the bathroom. Some people also have incontinence after their catheter is removed. This may last for a few months or even up to a year. If this becomes disruptive, talk to your doctor about your options.
It’s customary to keep the catheter in for seven to ten days after the procedure. At that point, your doctor will remove it. They may also request some tests to determine if you need further treatment.
Generally, most people return to work or can undertake strenuous activity within six to eight weeks of the procedure. If you’re ready for sex, don’t be surprised if things go a little differently. Some people have trouble getting or maintaining erections so talk to your doctor about how to proceed.
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Though many urologists consider prostate surgery to be a fairly simple procedure when compared to others, it’s still important to know what the risks are. Generally, there is a risk of infection, bleeding, blood clots, and damage to the organs. There are also specific risks depending on the type of procedure that’s used. The most common form of prostatectomy is radical retropubic prostatectomy as this gives the surgeon access to the prostate as well as the lymph nodes but there are other options.
Some of the possible side effects of having a radical retropubic prostatectomy are erectile dysfunction, urinary incontinence, and swelling of surrounding tissue if the lymph nodes are removed. It’s a good idea to talk to your doctor about your odds of encountering these effects and how to deal with them.
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Typically, your doctor will have a checklist of things you need to do before having surgery. These requirements might need to be personalized but there are a few common areas that you should know. You’ll need to drink a lot of fluids before the surgery and eat healthily. Your doctor will let you know when you should stop. It’s also common to clean out your intestines before surgery to lower your risk of infection. Many people use magnesium citrate but your doctor might have a different suggestion.
Additionally, you may be asked to stop taking certain medications or supplements as they can lead to complications during or after the surgery. These include certain painkillers, diabetic drugs, anticoagulants, and Vitamin E, as well as supplements like garlic, ginseng, gingko baloba, and St. John’s Wort. It’s also important to carry loose-fitting clothes and let your doctor know if you have any conditions that affect your breathing such as sleep apnea.
Finally, ask your doctor for details about preparing for a home recovery. Some things that you may need include stool softeners, loose clothing, a carrier for the catheter you’ll have for some time, and a softer toilet seat.
While prostate surgery has a high success and recovery rate, that doesn’t mean you should go into it unprepared. It’s a good idea to talk to your doctor so you have a clear plan of action moving forward.
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