Radical Prostatectomy

Post Radical Prostatectomy Surgery


Catheter Care

Your catheter is very important to allow healing of the bladder and urethra. Leg bags can be concealed on the thigh. Large drainage bags are useful for nighttime. Drain before the bags get too full. The tip of the penis may get sore from the catheter rubbing. Use plain soap and water to wash this area daily or more often as needed. You may apply Neosporin daily to this area.

Wound Care

Some incision pain is expected. Call if there is genital increasing redness, tenderness, or discharge from the incision site. Scrotal swelling is normal and will improve within several weeks.

Diet

You may return to your normal diet immediately. Alcohol, spicy foods, and drinks with caffeine may cause some irritation or sense of the need to void despite the fact that the catheter is emptying the bladder. If these foods don’t bother you however there is no reason to avoid them in moderation. More importantly is to keep your urine flowing freely, drink plenty of fluids during the day (8-10 glasses). The type of fluids (except alcohol) is not as important as the amount. Water is the best but juices, tea, soda are all acceptable.

Activity

Your physical activity is to be restricted, especially during the first two weeks home. During this time use the following guidelines:

  • No lifting heavy objects (anything greater than 15 lbs).
  • No driving a car and limit long car rides.
  • No strenuous exercise.
  • However, you should not remain in bed or sedentary. This could increase your risk of DVT (Deep Vein Thrombosis). These blood clots to the heart and lung can be very dangerous. If your thigh or calf becomes warm, red, or tender, call the office IMMEDIATELY.
Bowels

The rectum and the prostate are next to each other and any very large and hard stools that require straining to pass can cause bleeding. Pain medications are very constipating. You will be given stool softeners. Use a mild laxative if needed and call if you are having problems. (MOM 2-3 tablespoons or Dulcolax tablets for example).

Medication

You should resume your pre-surgery medication unless told not to. You may be discharged with Iron tablets to build up your blood count and stool softeners to keep the stool soft. Pain pills (Vicodin or Tylenol with Codeine) may also be given to help with wound and catheter discomfort. Tylenol (Acetaminophen) or Advil (Ibuprofen) which have no narcotics are better if the pain is not too bad (and you can tolerate those medications!)

Hygiene

You may shower or bathe as soon as you get home.

Problems You Should Report to Us
  • Fevers over 100.5 Fahrenheit.
  • Heavy bleeding or clots (See notes above about blood in urine).
  • Drug reactions (Hives, rash, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea).
  • CALL IMMEDIATELY IF THE CATHETER FALLS OUT OR STOPS DRAINING.
Follow-Up

You will need a follow-up appointment to monitor your progress. Call for this appointment at (760) 346-4299. Most people will not have good urinary control when the catheter is first removed. Come to the office with a small supply of adult diapers (ATTENDS or DEPENDS) that can be purchased at any drug store.


If you have any questions, please feel free to call our office.

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