How Long Does It Take The Urethra To Heal After Prostatectomy

This guide volition help you lot get set for your prostate surgery at Memorial Sloan Kettering (MSK). It will as well aid you understand what to await during your recovery.

Read through this guide at least once before your surgery and utilise it equally a reference in the days leading up to your surgery.

Bring this guide with yous every time you lot come to MSK, including the 24-hour interval of your surgery. You and your healthcare team will refer to it throughout your care.

Back to height

About Your Prostate Surgery

Most your prostate

Your prostate is a walnut-shaped gland that'southward located below your bladder and lies above your rectum (encounter Figure i). It surrounds your urethra, which is the tube that carries urine out of your trunk). Your prostate works with other glands in your body to make semen.

Seminal vesicles are the small glands near your prostate that brand the fluid in semen (see Figure one).

Lymph nodes are small-scale bean-shaped structures found throughout the body. They brand and store cells that fight infection.

Figure 1. Male reproductive system

About your prostate surgery

A radical prostatectomy is a surgery to remove your entire prostate gland and seminal vesicles. Some of the lymph nodes in your pelvis are removed as well. This is done to preclude cancer from spreading from your prostate to other parts of your trunk.

A radical prostatectomy tin exist washed in i of two ways. Ane way is through an open incision (surgical cut), which is called an open up prostatectomy. Another manner is to use a laparoscope, which is a tube-like instrument with a camera. Your surgeon volition talk with you about the best surgery pick for you.

Open prostatectomy

In an open up prostatectomy, your surgeon will make an incision that goes from your pubic bone towards your omphalus (encounter Figure two). They'll remove the pelvic lymph nodes first, followed by the prostate gland, and and so the structures next to information technology.

Figure 2. Open prostatectomy incisions

Laparoscopic or robotic-assisted prostatectomy

During a laparoscopic or robotic-assisted prostatectomy, your surgeon will make several small incisions in your abdomen (belly) (see Figure three). They'll insert a laparoscope into ane of the incisions and utilise gas to aggrandize your belly. Surgical instruments will exist inserted into the other incisions to remove the prostate. Some surgeons at MSK are peculiarly trained to use a robotic device to assist with this procedure.

Effigy 3. Laparoscopic or robotic-assisted prostatectomy incisions

Back to top

Before Your Surgery

The information in this section will help yous get prepare for your surgery. Read this section when your surgery is scheduled and refer to information technology equally your surgery date gets closer. Information technology has important data about what you need to do before your surgery.

Every bit you read through this section, write down any questions yous want to ask your healthcare provider.

Getting ready for your surgery

You and your care team will piece of work together to go ready for your surgery.

Help us continue you prophylactic during your surgery by telling united states of america if any of the following statements employ to you lot, fifty-fifty if you aren't sure.

• I take a claret thinner, such as:
  • Aspirin
  • Heparin
  • Warfarin (Jantoven^® or Coumadin^®)
  • Clopidogrel (Plavix^®)
  • Enoxaparin (Lovenox^®)
  • Dabigatran (Pradaxa^®)
  • Apixaban (Eliquis^®)
  • Rivaroxaban (Xarelto^®)
  There are others, and then exist sure your healthcare provider knows all the medications y'all're taking.
• I take prescription medications (medications my healthcare provider prescribes), including patches and creams.
• I accept over-the-counter medications (medications I buy without a prescription), including patches and creams.
• I take dietary supplements, such equally herbs, vitamins, minerals, or natural or home remedies.
• I have a pacemaker, automatic implantable cardioverter-defibrillator (AICD), or other heart device.
• I accept sleep apnea.
• I've had a problem with anesthesia (medication to make me sleep during surgery) in the by.
• I'm allergic to certain medication(s) or materials, including latex.
• I'grand non willing to receive a claret transfusion.
• I drink alcohol.
• I smoke or use an electronic smoking device (such as a vape pen, e-cigarette, or Juul^®).
• I use recreational drugs.

Most drinking alcohol

The amount of booze you drink can touch you during and after your surgery. It's important to talk with your healthcare providers about how much booze you potable. This will assistance us plan your intendance.

• If you terminate drinking alcohol suddenly, information technology can cause seizures, delirium, and decease. If we know you're at run a risk for these complications, nosotros can prescribe medications to aid go on them from happening.
• If y'all drinkable alcohol regularly, y'all may exist at chance for other complications during and after your surgery. These include bleeding, infections, eye issues, and a longer hospital stay.

Here are things you can do before your surgery to keep from having problems:

• Be honest with your healthcare providers most how much alcohol you drinkable.
• Endeavor to cease drinking alcohol once your surgery is planned. If you develop a headache, nausea (feeling similar you're going to throw upwardly), increased anxiety, or can't sleep after you stop drinking, tell your healthcare provider right away. These are early signs of alcohol withdrawal and can be treated.
• Tell your healthcare provider if you tin can't stop drinking.
• Ask your healthcare provider questions about drinking and surgery. As ever, all of your medical information will exist kept confidential.

Near smoking

If you smoke, yous can have animate problems when you have surgery. Stopping even for a few days earlier surgery tin can help. Your healthcare provider volition refer y'all to our Tobacco Treatment Plan if you smoke. You lot can as well reach the program by calling 212-610-0507.

Virtually sleep apnea

Slumber apnea is a mutual breathing disorder that causes you to stop breathing for short periods of time while sleeping. The near common type is obstructive slumber apnea (OSA). With OSA, your airway becomes completely blocked during sleep. OSA tin can cause serious issues during and later surgery.

Please tell us if yous have sleep apnea or if y'all think you lot might have it. If you use a breathing device (such as a CPAP device) for sleep apnea, bring it with you the day of your surgery.

Inquire about medications

We recommend taking medication to help you lot achieve an erection. This is to promote blood menstruum to your penis in order to keep these tissues healthy. Nigh insurance companies, including Medicare, don't embrace sildenafil citrate (Viagra^®) or tadalafil (Cialis^®) prescriptions. Check with your insurance provider earlier surgery to see what your policy covers. If these medications aren't covered, affordable options may be bachelor. Work with your healthcare providers to go this process started before your surgery.

Within 30 days of your surgery

Presurgical Testing (PST)

Before your surgery, you'll have an appointment for presurgical testing (PST). The appointment, time, and location will be printed on the appointment reminder from your surgeon'southward office. Information technology'southward helpful to bring the post-obit things to your PST appointment:

• A list of all the medications you're taking, including prescription and over-the-counter medications, patches, and creams.
• Results of any tests done exterior of MSK, such as a cardiac stress test, echocardiogram, or carotid doppler written report.
• The proper name(southward) and telephone number(s) of your healthcare provider(s).

Y'all tin swallow and accept your usual medications the twenty-four hour period of your appointment.

During your PST appointment, you'll meet with a nurse practitioner (NP). They piece of work closely with anesthesiology staff (specialized healthcare providers who will give yous anesthesia during your surgery). Your NP will review your medical and surgical history with you. Y'all may have tests, such as an electrocardiogram (EKG) to check your eye rhythm, a chest x-ray, blood tests, and any other tests needed to program your care. Your NP may likewise recommend that you see other healthcare providers.

Your NP will talk with y'all about which medications you should take the morning of your surgery.

Complete a Health Intendance Proxy grade

If you lot haven't already completed a Health Care Proxy form, we recommend you complete one now. If you've already completed one or have any other advance directives, bring them to your next date.

A wellness intendance proxy is a legal certificate that identifies the person who will speak for you if you can't communicate for yourself. The person you identify is called your health care amanuensis.

Talk with your healthcare provider if you're interested in completing a health intendance proxy. You can also read the resources Advance Care Planning and How to Be a Health Care Agent for data most wellness care proxies, other advance directives, and being a health care amanuensis.

Sperm banking

This surgery will make yous infertile. While you lot'll still be able to have an orgasm, you won't be able to produce the sperm needed to accept biological children. You should consider sperm banking before your surgery. Ask your nurse to tell yous more about this procedure. For more than information, ask your nurse for the resources Edifice Your Family Later on Cancer Treatment: Information for Men and Sperm Cyberbanking.

Male Sexual and Reproductive Medicine Program

Most men volition have difficulty achieving an erection immediately afterwards surgery. Consider making an engagement with an expert to discuss the effects of this surgery on your sexual wellness past calling the Male Sexual and Reproductive Medicine Program at 646-888-6024.

Practise breathing and coughing exercises

Practice taking deep breaths and coughing before your surgery. Y'all'll be given an incentive spirometer to aid expand your lungs. For more information, read How to Use Your Incentive Spirometer. If you lot have any questions, enquire your nurse or respiratory therapist.

Exercise

Endeavour to practice aerobic exercise every day. Aerobic exercise is whatever do that makes your heart beat faster, such as walking, swimming, or biking. If information technology'southward cold outside, utilize stairs in your abode or go to a mall or shopping center. Exercising will assist your body become into its best condition for your surgery and brand your recovery faster and easier.

Follow a healthy nutrition

Follow a well-balanced, healthy diet before your surgery. If you need assistance with your nutrition, talk with your healthcare provider about meeting with a clinical dietitian nutritionist.

Place your caregiver

Your caregiver plays an important office in your intendance. Earlier your surgery, you and your caregiver will learn about your surgery from your healthcare providers. After your surgery, your caregiver will take you home when you're discharged from the hospital. They'll as well help you care for yourself at abode.

For caregivers

‌Resources and support are bachelor to assistance manage the responsibilities that come with caring for a person going through cancer treatment. For support resources and information, visit www.mskcc.org/caregivers or read A Guide for Caregivers.

Practice pelvic floor muscle (Kegel) exercises

These exercises will strengthen the muscles that will be weakened from the surgery. Practice Kegel exercises before your surgery and so yous'll know how it should feel. For more data, read the resource Pelvic Floor Musculus (Kegel) Exercises for Men.

‌ Do non do pelvic floor musculus (Kegel) exercises while you have a Foley catheter in identify.

Buy supplies

4% chlorhexidine gluconate (CHG) solution is a skin cleanser that kills germs for 24 hours after you employ it. Showering with it earlier your surgery will help lower your risk of infection after surgery. You tin buy a four% CHG solution clarified skin cleanser (such as Hibiclens^®) at your local pharmacy without a prescription.

You also need to purchase a saline enema (such as Fleet^® saline enema) for your bowel training. You lot tin can buy this at your local pharmacy without a prescription.

7 days earlier your surgery

Follow your healthcare provider'south instructions for taking aspirin

If you take aspirin or a medication that contains aspirin, you may need to change your dose or stop taking it seven days earlier your surgery. Aspirin can cause bleeding.

Follow your healthcare provider's instructions. Don't terminate taking aspirin unless they tell you to. For more information, read the resource Common Medications Containing Aspirin, Other Nonsteroidal Anti-inflammatory Drugs (NSAIDs), or Vitamin E.

Stop taking vitamin E, multivitamins, herbal remedies, and other dietary supplements

Terminate taking vitamin E, multivitamins, herbal remedies, and other dietary supplements 7 days earlier your surgery. These things can crusade bleeding. For more information, read the resource Herbal Remedies and Cancer Treatment.

2 days before your surgery

Stop taking nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs)

Stop taking NSAIDs, such as ibuprofen (Advil^® and Motrin^®) and naproxen (Aleve^®), 2 days before your surgery. These medications can cause bleeding. For more information, read the resource Common Medications Containing Aspirin, Other Nonsteroidal Anti-inflammatory Drugs (NSAIDs), or Vitamin E.

one twenty-four hour period before your surgery

Follow a light diet

Follow a light diet, such every bit a small sandwich, eggs, toast, crackers, or soup. Limit the amount of dairy products you lot eat and drinkable, and avert fried foods and foods with a lot of seasoning.

Note the time of your surgery

A staff member from the Admitting Office volition call y'all afterwards 2:00 p.thousand. the day before your surgery. If your surgery is scheduled for a Monday, they'll call you on the Fri earlier. If you don't get a call by seven:00 p.m., call 212-639-5014.

The staff member will tell you what time to arrive at the hospital for your surgery. They'll likewise remind you lot where to go.

Do your bowel preparation

The night earlier your surgery, use a saline enema as instructed on the box.

Shower with a 4% CHG solution antiseptic skin cleanser (such as Hibiclens)

The dark before your surgery, shower using a 4% CHG solution antiseptic skin cleanser.

1. Employ your normal shampoo to wash your pilus. Rinse your head well.
2. Apply your normal lather to wash your confront and genital area. Rinse your body well with warm water.
3. Open the iv% CHG solution canteen. Pour some into your manus or a clean washcloth.
4. Move away from the shower stream. Rub the iv% CHG solution gently over your body from your neck to your feet. Don't put it on your face or genital area.
5. Motion back into the shower stream to rinse off the 4% CHG solution. Employ warm h2o.
6. Dry yourself off with a make clean towel afterward your shower.
7. Don't put on any lotion, foam, deodorant, makeup, powder, perfume, or cologne afterward your shower.

Sleep

Get to bed early and get a full nighttime's sleep.

Instructions for eating earlier your surgery

‌
Do not eat anything afterward midnight the night before your surgery. This includes difficult candy and gum.

The morning of your surgery

Instructions for drinking before your surgery

‌  Yous can drink a total of 12 ounces of water betwixt midnight and 2 hours before your scheduled inflow time. Do not drink anything else.

Do not drink anything starting ii hours before your scheduled inflow time. This includes water.

Take your medications as instructed

If your healthcare provider told you to take certain medications the morning of your surgery, accept only those medications with a sip of h2o. Depending on what medications y'all have, this may be all, some, or none of your usual morning medications.

Shower with a four% CHG solution clarified skin cleanser (such as Hibiclens)

Shower with a four% CHG solution antiseptic skin cleanser earlier you go out for the hospital. Employ it the same way you did the night earlier.

Don't put on any lotion, cream, deodorant, makeup, pulverization, perfume, or cologne after your shower.

Things to call back

• Article of clothing something comfortable and loose-plumbing fixtures.
• If you article of clothing contact lenses, wear your glasses instead. Wearing contact lenses during surgery can impairment your eyes.
• Don't wearable any metal objects. Remove all jewelry, including torso piercings. The equipment used during your surgery can crusade burns if it touches metal.
• Don't put on any lotion, cream, deodorant, makeup, powder, perfume, or cologne.
• Exit valuable items (such every bit credit cards, jewelry, and your checkbook) at home.

What to bring

• A pair of loose-fitting pants. Sweat pants are a good pick.
• Brief-manner underwear that's ane to ii sizes larger than you usually habiliment.
• Sneakers that lace upwardly. You may have some swelling in your anxiety, lace upwards sneakers can accommodate this swelling.
• Your breathing device for slumber apnea (such equally your CPAP device), if you have ane.
• Your incentive spirometer, if you have 1.
• Your Wellness Care Proxy Form and other advance directives, if you have completed them.
• Your cell phone and charger.
• Only the money you may want for small-scale purchases (such equally a newspaper).
• A instance for your personal items (such as eyeglasses, hearing aid(s), dentures, prosthetic device(southward), wig, and religious manufactures), if y'all take i.
• This guide. Your healthcare team will use information technology to teach you how to care for yourself after surgery.

Once you're in the infirmary

Yous'll be asked to country and spell your name and nascency appointment many times. This is for your prophylactic. People with the same or a like name may be having surgery on the same day.

Get dressed for surgery

When information technology'due south fourth dimension to change for surgery, you'll get a hospital gown, robe, and nonskid socks to wear.

Encounter with a nurse

You'll come across with a nurse before surgery. Tell them the dose of any medications yous took after midnight (including prescription and over-the-counter medications, patches, and creams) and the time you took them.

Your nurse may identify an intravenous (IV) line in ane of your veins, unremarkably in your arm or hand. If your nurse doesn't place the IV, your anesthesiologist will do it in the operating room.

Run across with an anesthesiologist

You'll too meet with an anesthesiologist before surgery. They will:

• Review your medical history with y'all.
• Ask you if you've had any bug with anesthesia in the by, including nausea or pain.
• Talk with you most your condolement and condom during your surgery.
• Talk with you lot well-nigh the kind of anesthesia you'll get.
• Answer your questions about your anesthesia.

Get ready for your surgery

When it'southward time for your surgery, y'all'll need to remove your hearing aids, dentures, prosthetic devices, wig, and religious articles, if you have them.

You lot'll either walk into the operating room or a staff member volition bring you there a stretcher. A fellow member of the operating room team will aid you onto the operating bed and place compression boots on your lower legs. These gently inflate and debunk to help blood flow in your legs.

Once you're comfortable, your anesthesiologist volition give yous anesthesia through your Four line and you'll fall asleep. You'll also go fluids through your Iv line during and after your surgery.

During your surgery

Later you're fully asleep, a breathing tube will be placed through your mouth and into your windpipe to help yous breathe. A urinary (Foley) catheter will too be placed to bleed urine from your float.

In one case your surgery is finished, your incision will be closed with sutures. Your breathing tube is usually taken out while you're still in the operating room.

Dorsum to pinnacle

After Your Surgery

The data in this department volition tell you what to wait later on your surgery, both during your hospital stay and afterward you leave the hospital. You'll larn how to safely recover from your surgery.

As yous read through this section, write down any questions you want to inquire your healthcare provider.

What to expect

When you wake upwardly afterwards your surgery, yous'll be in the Post Anesthesia Care Unit (PACU) or recovery room.

A nurse will be keeping track of your torso temperature, pulse, claret force per unit area, and oxygen levels. Yous may be getting oxygen through a thin tube that rests below your olfactory organ or a mask that covers your nose and mouth. You'll also have compression boots on your lower legs.

You lot'll take a urinary catheter in your bladder to monitor the amount of urine you're making. You may also have a Jackson-Pratt^® (JP) drain to depict out fluid that collects nether your incisions.

You lot may accept a hurting pump called a patient-controlled analgesia (PCA) device. For more information, read the resources Patient-Controlled Analgesia (PCA). Your hurting medication will be given through an IV line.

Your nurse volition tell you how to recover from your surgery. Below are examples of means you can help yourself recover safely.

• You'll be encouraged to walk with the help of your nurse or physical therapist. We'll give you medication to relieve pain. Walking helps reduce the adventure for claret clots and pneumonia. It also helps stimulate your bowels and then they begin working again.
• Utilise your incentive spirometer. This will help your lungs expand, which prevents pneumonia. For more than data, read the resource How to Utilise Your Incentive Spirometer.

Commonly asked questions

What is the Recovery Tracker?

Nosotros want to know how you're feeling after you leave the infirmary. To assistance united states of america keep caring for you, nosotros'll send questions to your MyMSK business relationship every day for 10 days after you leave the hospital. These questions are known as your Recovery Tracker.

Fill out your Recovery Tracker every 24-hour interval before midnight (12:00 am). It merely takes 2 to 3 minutes to consummate. Your answers to these questions will aid us understand how you lot're feeling and what you need.

Based on your answers, nosotros may reach out to you for more data or ask you to call your surgeon'south office. Yous can always contact your surgeon's role if you take whatever questions. For more information, read the resource Nigh Your Recovery Tracker .

Will I have pain afterward my surgery?

Your healthcare providers will inquire you about your hurting often and give you medication as needed. If your pain isn't relieved, tell one of your healthcare providers.

Typical hurting afterward prostate surgery includes:

• Hurting in your abdomen in the area of your incisions
• Gas pains
• Pain in another part of your trunk, such as your dorsum and shoulders
• Pressure level in your rectum, as if you need to take a bowel move. The prostate gland lies merely to a higher place the rectum, so this feeling is mutual. Information technology volition ordinarily go away with time.

What other symptoms may I accept afterwards my surgery?

Gas pains after your laparoscopic or robotic-assisted prostatectomy

If y'all had a laparoscopic or robotic-assisted prostatectomy, the gas used during your surgery may use pressure level and cause pain in unlike areas of your body, especially your shoulders. This will get away after a few days. Walking effectually will assistance your body absorb the gas faster and reduce your pain.

Bladder spasms

You may have bladder spasms subsequently surgery. These can feel similar sudden and intense cramping pains in your lower abdomen and penis. You may also feel an urgent need to urinate. These spasms ordinarily get improve with time.

Bruising

You lot'll have some bruising on your abdomen, penis, and scrotum. This will go away within 1 to ii weeks after your surgery.

Bloating

You may take bloating in your belly for several days. Walking can help relieve gas and bloating. Avoid carbonated (fizzy) drinks until you showtime to laissez passer gas.

How can I manage my pain at home?

Y'all may yet take some hurting when you become home and volition probably be taking pain medication.

Follow the guidelines below to help manage your pain at home.

• Take your medications as directed and as needed.
• Phone call your healthcare provider if the medication prescribed for you doesn't ease your pain.
• Don't drive or potable alcohol while y'all're taking prescription pain medication. Some prescription hurting medications can make yous drowsy. Alcohol tin can make the drowsiness worse.
• As your incision heals, you'll take less pain and need less pain medication. An over-the-counter pain reliever such as acetaminophen (Tylenol^®) or ibuprofen (Advil^® or Motrin^®) will ease aches and discomfort.
  • Follow your healthcare provider's instructions for stopping your prescription pain medication.
  • Don't take more of any medication than the corporeality directed on the label or as instructed past your healthcare provider.
  • Read the labels on all the medications you're taking, especially if you're taking acetaminophen. Acetaminophen is an ingredient in many over-the-counter and prescription medications. Taking too much can harm your liver. Don't take more than one medication that contains acetaminophen without talking with a member of your care team.
• Pain medication should help y'all resume your normal activities. Take enough medication to do your activities and exercises comfortably. It's normal for your pain to increase a little as yous start to exist more active.
• Continue rail of when yous take your hurting medication. It works best 30 to 45 minutes after you accept it. Taking it when you first accept pain is better than waiting for the pain to get worse.

How tin I reduce the swelling in my penis and scrotum?

You'll accept swelling and bruising of your penis and scrotum. Your scrotum may become equally big equally a grapefruit. This is normal and will gradually go away once your catheter is removed.

You can help reduce the swelling by raising your scrotum on a rolled towel while yous're sitting or lying downwardly. It too helps to wearable brief mode underwear instead of boxer shorts.

Practise I need to alter my nutrition?

The first few days after your surgery, you should have light foods (sandwich, yogurt, soup, and liquids) until you have your first bowel movement. Avoid foods that can cause gas, such as beans, broccoli, onions, cabbage, and cauliflower. One time you take your offset bowel movement, you can go dorsum to your regular diet, as tolerated.

Drinking plenty of liquids is of import while your catheter is in place after your surgery. Soups and broth are good choices until you regain your ambition.

How will my bowel function change afterward surgery?

• You lot may not accept a bowel move for upward to v days after your surgery. This is normal.
• If you're passing gas and haven't had a bowel motion past the second evening you're habitation from the hospital, take MiraLAX until your bowel movements are back to normal.
• If you haven't had a bowel movement in 4 days, call your healthcare provider.
• If you oasis't passed gas in 2 days, telephone call your healthcare provider.
• Don't use an enema or a suppository for at least 6 weeks afterward your surgery.

How can I prevent constipation?

• Take 1 capsule of docusate sodium (Colace^®) 3 times a twenty-four hour period. This is a stool softener with few side effects.
• Walking can assist stimulate your bowels so they begin working again.
• Beverage viii (8-ounce) glasses (two liters) of liquids daily. Potable water, juices, soups, ice cream shakes, and other drinks that don't have caffeine. Drinks with caffeine, such every bit coffee and soda, pull fluid out of the trunk.
• Slowly increase the cobweb in your nutrition to 25 to 35 grams per day. Fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and cereals incorporate fiber. If you have an ostomy or have had recent bowel surgery, check with your helathcare provider before making whatever changes in your diet.

Can I shower?

Aye. Yous can shower 24 hours later your surgery. Taking a warm shower is relaxing and can help decrease muscle aches. Use soap when you shower and gently launder your incision. Pat the areas dry out with a towel later showering, and leave your incision uncovered (unless in that location is drainage). Call your healthcare provider if you see any redness or drainage from your incision.

Don't have tub baths until you talk over it with your healthcare provider at the first date after your surgery.

How do I intendance for my incisions?

The location of your incision will depend on the type of surgery you had. It's normal for the skin below your incision to feel numb, because some of the nerves were cut. The numbness will go away over fourth dimension.

• Past the fourth dimension you're fix to go out the hospital, your surgical incision will have begun to heal.
• Yous and your caregiver should look at your incision with your nurse before you go out the hospital so you know what it looks like.
• If any liquid is draining from your incision, you should write downward the amount and color. Telephone call your medico's office and speak with the nurse about any drainage from your incision.

Modify your bandages at least once a day and more often if they go wet with drainage. When there is no longer any drainage coming from your incision, they can be left uncovered.

If you go dwelling house with Steri-Strips^™ (thin pieces of tape) on your incision, they'll loosen and fall off past themselves. If they haven't fallen off within 10 days, you may remove them.

If you become abode with glue over your sutures (stitches), it will also loosen and peel off on its ain, similarly to the Steri-Strips. Don't pick at the glue or attempt to pare it off.

When is information technology safety for me to bulldoze?

You lot may resume driving when your catheter is removed as long as y'all aren't taking pain medication that may make you lot drowsy.

Don't ride on a bicycle or motorbike for 3 months afterward your surgery.

What exercises tin I do?

Exercise will help yous proceeds force and feel better. Walking and stair climbing are excellent forms of exercise. Gradually increase the distance you walk. Climb stairs slowly, resting or stopping equally needed. Inquire your healthcare provider earlier starting more than strenuous exercises.

When tin I lift heavy objects?

Check with your healthcare provider before you exercise any heavy lifting. Usually, you shouldn't lift anything heavier than 10 pounds (4.v kilograms) for at to the lowest degree half-dozen weeks later on your surgery. Ask your healthcare provider how long y'all should avoid heavy lifting.

Volition I have any tubes or drains when I get home?

Urinary catheter

When you go home, you'll withal take the urinary catheter (run across Figure 5). Your nurse will teach you how to care for it and volition give you supplies to take home. The catheter is usually removed 7 to 14 days after surgery. Taking care of your catheter is a large function of taking intendance of yourself later on surgery. For more information, read the resource Caring for Your Urinary (Foley) Catheter.

Figure five. Urinary (Foley) catheter

You may have blood, stringy pieces of tissue, and blood clots in your urine while you have your catheter in. This is normal. Information technology happens considering the incisions (surgical cuts) within your trunk are healing and the scabs are coming off. Potable 1 (8-ounce) glass of water every hour while you're awake to help pass the blood.

You may likewise have blood or urine leaking from the tip of your penis around the catheter when you're walking or having a bowel movement. As long every bit y'all're seeing urine draining into your drainage purse, this is normal. If you lot don't see urine in your drainage pocketbook, call your healthcare provider.

Go along the tip of your penis clean and dry out. Utilize the lubricating gel that your nurse gave y'all around the tip of your penis. This will prevent irritation.

Jackson-Pratt drain

Yous may also go habitation with your Jackson-Pratt bleed (come across Figure 6). Your healthcare provider will decide when to remove the drain, depending on how much fluid is coming out. If you'll need to get dwelling house with the drain still in, your nurse will teach you how to care for information technology. For more than data, read the resources Caring for Your Jackson-Pratt® Drain.

Figure 6. Jackson-Pratt bleed

What should I expect later on my catheter is removed?

For 2 days after your catheter is removed, your float and urethra volition exist weak. Don't push button or put endeavour into urinating. Let your urine pass on its own. Don't strain to have a bowel movement.

Are there special instructions to follow after my catheter is removed?

After your catheter is removed, you should decrease your daily liquid intake to what you normally potable. You should be drinking iv to 6 (8-ounce) spectacles of liquid every twenty-four hour period.

• Limit the amount of liquids you lot drink after 7:00 p.thou., and empty your bladder before you go to bed. This might prevent your having to go up at night.
• Limit how much alcohol and caffeinated liquids you drink if you're experiencing a lot of urine leakage.
• Speak with your healthcare provider before you resume your Kegel exercises.

After your catheter is removed, call your healthcare provider if you:

• Can't urinate.
• Have severe hurting in your lower abdomen when you're urinating.

Will I have problem controlling my urine?

The muscles that concord urine in your float will exist weak afterwards your prostate is removed. This is why you may take trouble controlling your urine.

Other reasons you may take urinary leakage include:

• Your bladder is full
• Y'all're tired
• You lot drinkable alcohol or drinks that contain caffeine

Information technology may take several months to regain full control of your float.

In one case your catheter is removed, you can practise exercises to strengthen your muscles. These are the pelvic flooring muscle (Kegel) exercises y'all adept before your surgery.

You may also have urine leakage after your catheter is removed. Information technology will slowly decrease over time. You may accept some leakage when you strain, cough, or lift things. This is called stress incontinence.

At first, you may notice that your float control is improve at night. This is because there is less pressure on your float when you lot're lying downward. For the beginning few months after your surgery, you may feel that yous take to urinate often. Your bladder will take time to expand afterwards it has been kept empty by the catheter.

For nigh people, urinary control will not be a problem. Your muscle strength will go on to improve for up to 12 months after surgery. If afterwards 12 months you're having problems with controlling your urine, talk with your surgeon. Surgical procedures such as a urethral sling or an artificial urinary sphincter may help. For additional information, visit the National Association for Continence website www.nafc.org.

‌ Call your healthcare provider correct away if y'all have severe hurting in your lower belly when you're urinating or if you lot can't urinate. The catheter may need to be put back in.

When tin I go dorsum to piece of work?

Well-nigh people are able to return to work about 2 to 4 weeks after surgery. You lot may exist comfortable with desk or part work once your catheter is taken out. If your work requires heavy physical activity, yous may need a longer fourth dimension to recover. Talk with your surgeon about when it will exist rubber to return to work.

When can I resume sex?

You lot may resume sexual activity after your urinary catheter is removed.

Will I be able to get an erection?

Erectile dysfunction, usually called ED, means not existence able to get an erection. After your prostate surgery, it volition take fourth dimension (weeks to months) for your erectile office to recover. In the initial weeks later on having your catheter removed, you lot may non be able to attain erections hard plenty for sex, even with the apply of medications like sildenafil citrate (Viagra). Your healthcare team will talk with you almost your options to try to improve your ability to achieve an erection.

What are my options for treating erectile dysfunction?

Nosotros recommend taking medication for erectile dysfunction on a daily basis. This is to promote blood flow to your penis in order to keep these tissues salubrious. Many insurance companies don't cover sildenafil citrate (Viagra) prescriptions. Check with your insurance provider before surgery to meet what your policy covers.

Your healthcare provider will give you information nearly your medication plan. Keep following this plan until your see your surgeon during your post-operative (post-op) visit.

Your plan may be one of the following:

Medication	Normal dose	Challenge dose
sildenafil citrate (Viagra)	Take 25 mg 6 nights per week. To make the 25 mg dose, split up a 100 mg pill into iv pieces. Employ a pill cutter from your local drug store.	Accept 100 mg ane night per week.
sildenafil citrate (generic)	Have one (20 mg) pill half-dozen nights per week.	Take 5 (xx mg) pills 1 night per calendar week. This is a full of 100 mg.
tadalafil (Cialis) 20 mg pills	Take 1 (20 mg) pill every other day.	Don't have a claiming dose. A 20 mg dose of tadalafil (Cialis) is the highest dose yous should have.
tadalafil (Cialis) 5 mg pills	Accept one (5mg) pill 6 nights per week.	Accept 4 (5 mg) pills 1 night per week. This is a total of 20 mg.

About the challenge dose

• When you accept the claiming dose, take the medication on an empty breadbasket. Take it about 2 hours before your evening meal.
• The medication takes 30 to hr to start working. It will last in your organization for up to viii hours. At whatsoever time during these 8 hours, attempt to get sexually angry through contact with a partner or yourself. Write down what happened and tell your healthcare provider during your next visit.
• If you lot oasis't had any response afterward trying the claiming dose for four weeks, telephone call your healthcare provider. They may refer you to our Sexual Medicine squad.

What if the pills aren't working?

You may non be able to reach erections hard plenty for sex right away, even with pills like Viagra. This will take fourth dimension. Taking the medication your healthcare provider prescribed to you tin help ameliorate your ability to reach an erection, but it may not work for anybody.

If the medication isn't working for you, at that place are other things you can exercise to achieve an erection. If you're interested in learning about other treatment options for erectile dysfunction, brand an date with our Male person Sexual and Reproductive Medicine Program past calling 646-888-6024.

When volition I get my pathology results?

Your surgeon will receive your results 10 to xiv days afterward your surgery. If you lot don't receive a phone call later 14 days, telephone call your surgeon'southward part.

What should I talk to my healthcare provider about?

• Your terminal pathology report
• Your PSA results
• Whatsoever problems with your recovery
• Any other handling that you may need

What kind of follow-upwardly care will I need?

You'll need to have prostate-specific antigen (PSA) blood tests washed later your surgery. PSA is a normal protein fabricated by your prostate gland. PSA levels typically increase when cancer is nowadays. If the cancer has been completely removed, the PSA level shouldn't exist detectable.

• Have a PSA blood examination done at the following times:
  • six to 8 weeks subsequently surgery
  • 3 to 6 months subsequently surgery
  • 12 months after surgery
• Starting 12 months after your surgery, have a PSA blood test done every 6 months. Exercise this until v years following your surgery.
• Starting 5 years after your surgery, have a PSA blood exam done every 12 months. Practice this for life.
• Your healthcare provider may inquire you to accept PSA claret tests done more often. If they practice, your nurse will requite you more data.

If possible, take your PSA blood exam done at a MSK location. If you lot can't have it done at a MSK location, yous can become to a medical role closer to where you live. Have the results faxed to your MSK healthcare provider'southward function.

Can I continue at MSK for my follow-up care?

Aye. We offer comprehensive follow-upwards care for men who were treated here for prostate cancer in our Survivorship Program. Your doctor will assistance you decide when you're ready for this step. The programme will aid support you as you recover from the physical and emotional furnishings of prostate cancer, as well equally spotter for whatever signs of the cancer coming back.

An NP will work closely with your doctor and will be responsible for your care. The NP is a fellow member of the prostate cancer treatment team at MSK and an proficient in the care of cancer survivors. Your NP volition:

• Look for signs of the cancer returning.
• Manage any effects of handling, such every bit pain and fatigue.
• Recommend screening tests for other cancers.
• Provide counseling nigh living a healthy lifestyle, such every bit diet, practise, and quitting smoking.

During visits with your NP, you will:

• Talk with you about your medical history.
• Perform a concrete exam.
• Order tests, such as x-rays, scans, and blood tests.
• Make referrals to other healthcare providers, if needed.
• Prescribe medication, if needed.

If you lot'd similar more data about our Survivorship program, talk with your healthcare provider or visit our Survivorship Center online at world wide web.mskcc.org/experience/living-across-cancer

How can I cope with my feelings?

After surgery for a serious affliction, yous may accept new and upsetting feelings. Many people say they felt weepy, pitiful, worried, nervous, irritable, and angry at one time or some other. You may find that y'all can't control some of these feelings. If this happens, information technology's a good thought to seek emotional support.

The first step in coping is to talk about how yous feel. Family and friends can assistance. Your nurse, physician, and social worker can reassure, support, and guide you. It's e'er a practiced idea to allow these professionals know how you lot, your family, and your friends are feeling emotionally. Many resources are available to patients and their families. Whether y'all're in the hospital or at habitation, the nurses, doctors, and social workers are hither to help you and your family and friends handle the emotional aspects of your illness.

What if I have other questions?

If yous have any questions or concerns, delight talk with your healthcare provider. You tin reach them Monday through Friday from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.

After 5:00 p.m., during the weekend, and on holidays, call 212-639-2000 and inquire for the person on call for your healthcare provider.

When to call your healthcare provider

Call your healthcare provider if:

• Y'all have a fever of 101 °F (38.3 °C) or higher.
• Take astringent pain in your lower abdomen (belly) when you're urinating.
• Aren't able to urinate.
• You accept swelling or tenderness in your calves or thighs, especially if 1 leg is more swollen than the other.
• You become curt of jiff or are coughing up claret.

Back to superlative

Support Services

This section has a list of support services that may help you get ready for your surgery and recover safely.

As you lot read through this department, write down whatsoever questions yous desire to ask your healthcare provider.

MSK support services

For more online information, visit the Cancer Types section of world wide web.mskcc.org.

Albeit Office
212-639-7606
Call if you have questions near your infirmary admission, including requesting a individual room.

Anesthesia
212-639-6840
Phone call if y'all have questions virtually anesthesia.

Blood Donor Room
212-639-7643
Telephone call for information if you're interested in donating blood or platelets.

Bobst International Centre
888-675-7722
MSK welcomes patients from around the world. If yous're an international patient, call for help arranging your care.

Counseling Center
646-888-0200
Many people find that counseling helps them. We provide counseling for individuals, couples, families, and groups, equally well as medications to help if you feel anxious or depressed. To make an appointment, ask your healthcare provider for a referral or call the number to a higher place.

Female person Sexual Medicine and Women'southward Health Program
646-888-5076
Cancer and cancer treatments tin take an touch on on your sexual health. Our Female Sexual Medicine and Women's Health Program can help if yous're dealing with cancer-related sexual health challenges such as premature menopause or fertility problems. Call for more information or to brand an date. Nosotros tin can aid you lot take activeness and accost sexual health problems before, during, or after your treatment.

Nutrient Pantry Program
646-888-8055
The food pantry programme provides nutrient to people in need during their cancer handling. For more information, talk with your healthcare provider or call the number above.

Integrative Medicine Service
646-888-0800
Integrative Medicine Service offers many services to complement (become along with) traditional medical care, including music therapy, mind/body therapies, dance and motion therapy, yoga, and touch therapy.

Male Sexual and Reproductive Medicine Programme
646-888-6024
Cancer and cancer treatments can have an bear on on your sexual wellness. Our Male person Sexual and Reproductive Medicine Programme can aid if you're dealing with cancer-related sexual health challenges such as erectile dysfunction (ED). Phone call for information or to brand an appointment. We can help you have action and address sexual wellness issues earlier, during, or subsequently your treatment.

MSK Library
library.mskcc.org
212-639-7439
Y'all tin can visit our library website or speak with the library reference staff to find more than information about your specific cancer blazon. You tin can as well visit LibGuides on MSK'due south library website at libguides.mskcc.org

Patient and Caregiver Educational activity
www.mskcc.org/pe
Visit the Patient and Caregiver Education website to search our virtual library. There you can detect written educational resources, videos, and online programs.

Patient and Caregiver Peer Support Program
212-639-5007
You may discover it comforting to speak with someone who has been through a treatment similar yours. You can talk with a sometime MSK patient or caregiver through our Patient and Caregiver Peer Support Program. These conversations are confidential. They may take place in person or over the phone.

Patient Billing
646-227-3378
Call if you have questions most preauthorization with your insurance company. This is also called preapproval.

Patient Representative Part
212-639-7202
Call if you lot have questions about the Health Care Proxy form or if you have concerns nigh your care.

Perioperative Nurse Liaison
212-639-5935
Call if you have questions nearly MSK releasing any information while you're having surgery.

Private Duty Nursing Part
212-639-6892
You may request private nurses or companions. Call for more data.

Resources for Life After Cancer (RLAC) Program
646-888-8106
At MSK, care doesn't terminate after active treatment. The RLAC Program is for patients and their families who have finished treatment. This programme has many services, including seminars, workshops, support groups, counseling on life after treatment, and assistance with insurance and employment issues.

Social Work
212-639-7020
Social workers assistance patients, family, and friends deal with bug that are common for cancer patients. They provide individual counseling and support groups throughout the course of treatment and can help you communicate with children and other family members. Our social workers tin can too assistance refer yous to community agencies and programs, as well as financial resources if y'all're eligible.

Spiritual Intendance
212-639-5982
Our chaplains (spiritual counselors) are available to listen, help support family members, pray, contact community clergy or faith groups, or simply be a comforting companion and a spiritual presence. Anyone can request spiritual support, regardless of formal religious amalgamation. MSK'south interfaith chapel is located near Memorial Hospital'southward main vestibule. It's open 24 hours a solar day. If you have an emergency, call 212-639-2000. Enquire for the chaplain on phone call.

Tobacco Treatment Program
212-610-0507
If you want to quit smoking, MSK has specialists who can help. Phone call for information.

Virtual Programs
world wide web.mskcc.org/vp
MSK's Virtual Programs offer online instruction and back up for patients and caregivers, even when you can't come up to MSK in person. Through live, interactive sessions, you can larn about your diagnosis, what to await during treatment, and how to prepare for the various stages of your cancer care. Sessions are confidential, complimentary, and led by proficient clinical staff. If you lot're interested in joining a Virtual Programme, visit our website at www.mskcc.org/vp for more information.

External back up services

Access-A-Ride
web.mta.info/nyct/paratran/guide.htm
877-337-2017
In New York City, the MTA offers a shared ride, door-to-door service for people with disabilities who can't take the public bus or subway.

Air Charity Network
www.aircharitynetwork.org
877-621-7177
Provides travel to handling centers.

American Cancer Lodge (ACS)
www.cancer.org
800-ACS-2345 (800-227-2345)
Offers a variety of information and services, including Promise Society, a free place for patients and caregivers to stay during cancer handling.

Cancer and Careers
world wide web.cancerandcareers.org
A resources for education, tools, and events for employees with cancer.

CancerCare
www.cancercare.org
800-813-4673
275 Seventh Avenue (Betwixt West 25^th & 26^th Streets)
New York, NY 10001
Provides counseling, back up groups, educational workshops, publications, and financial assistance.

Cancer Back up Customs
world wide web.cancersupportcommunity.org
Provides support and education to people affected past cancer.

Caregiver Action Network
www.caregiveraction.org
800-896-3650
Provides instruction and support for people who care for loved ones with a chronic illness or disability.

Corporate Affections Network
www.corpangelnetwork.org
866-328-1313
Offers costless travel to treatment across the state using empty seats on corporate jets.

Gilda'south Club
world wide web.gildasclubnyc.org
212-647-9700
A identify where men, women, and children living with cancer find social and emotional support through networking, workshops, lectures, and social activities.

Adept Days
www.mygooddays.org
877-968-7233
Offers financial assistance to pay for copayments during handling. Patients must take medical insurance, come across the income criteria, and be prescribed medication that'south part of the Good Days formulary.

Healthwell Foundation
www.healthwellfoundation.org
800-675-8416
Provides financial assistance to comprehend copayments, health care premiums, and deductibles for certain medications and therapies.

Joe'south House
www.joeshouse.org
877-563-7468
Provides a listing of places to stay near treatment centers for people with cancer and their families.

LGBT Cancer Project
http://lgbtcancer.com/
Provides back up and advocacy for the LGBT community, including online support groups and a database of LGBT-friendly clinical trials.

LIVESTRONG Fertility
www.livestrong.org/we-tin-help/fertility-services
855-744-7777
Provides reproductive information and support to cancer patients and survivors whose medical treatments accept risks associated with infertility.

Await Good Feel Better Program
www.lookgoodfeelbetter.org
800-395-LOOK (800-395-5665)
This plan offers workshops to learn things you can do to help you feel better about your advent. For more information or to sign up for a workshop, phone call the number higher up or visit the program's website.

National Cancer Institute
www.cancer.gov
800-iv-CANCER (800-422-6237)

National Cancer Legal Services Network
www.nclsn.org
Free cancer legal advancement plan.

National LGBT Cancer Network
www.cancer-network.org
Provides education, training, and advocacy for LGBT cancer survivors and those at hazard.

Needy Meds
www.needymeds.org
Lists Patient Aid Programs for brand and generic name medications.

NYRx
world wide web.nyrxplan.com
Provides prescription benefits to eligible employees and retirees of public sector employers in New York Country.

Partnership for Prescription Assistance
www.pparx.org
888-477-2669
Helps qualifying patients without prescription drug coverage get complimentary or low-cost medications.

Patient Access Network Foundation
www.panfoundation.org
866-316-7263
Provides aid with copayments for patients with insurance.

Patient Abet Foundation
www.patientadvocate.org
800-532-5274
Provides access to care, financial assistance, insurance assistance, chore retention assistance, and access to the national underinsured resource directory.

RxHope
www.rxhope.com
877-267-0517
Provides assistance to assist people get medications that they have trouble affording.

Prostate cancer support services

The American Urologic Association Foundation
www.auafoundation.org
866-746-4282
Offers complimentary information about prostate diseases.

MSK Incontinence Specialist
646-497-9068
If you think yous'd do good from a consultation with a urologic surgeon specializing in incontinence, talk with your surgeon for a referral.

MSK Prostate Cancer Support Group
646-888-8106
This is a monthly meeting for men who have been treated for prostate cancer. Call for more information or to register.

National Association for Continence
world wide web.nafc.org
Provides information and back up for people dealing with incontinence.

National Comprehensive Cancer Network (NCCN)
www.nccn.org
215-690-0300
Has information and resources for people living with cancer and their caregivers, including back up groups and educational activity. The publication Prostate Cancer Guidelines for Patients may be helpful.

Prostate Cancer Foundation
www.pcf.org
800-757-CURE (800-757-2873)
Provides prostate cancer education and support programs.

US Likewise
www.ustoo.org
800-808-7866
Provides prostate cancer pedagogy and support programs. Meetings are open up to people living with cancer and their caregivers. US TOO has a monthly newsletter called Hotsheet.

Back to top

Educational Resource

This section has the educational resources mentioned in this guide. These resources will help y'all get set up for your surgery and recover safely later on surgery.

As y'all read through these resources, write down any questions you want to ask your healthcare provider.

• About Your Recovery Tracker
• Mutual Medications Containing Aspirin, Other Nonsteroidal Anti-inflammatory Drugs (NSAIDs), or Vitamin E
• Herbal Remedies and Cancer Treatment
• How to Use Your Incentive Spirometer
• Pelvic Floor Musculus (Kegel) Exercises for Men
• Caring for Your Urinary (Foley) Catheter
• Caring for Your Jackson-Pratt® Drain

Back to top

Source: https://www.mskcc.org/cancer-care/patient-education/about-your-prostate-surgery

Posted by: smithaftervare.blogspot.com

Share this post