What is the Prostate? The prostate gland is located deep inside the groin, just below the bladder in men and surrounds the top portion of the tube that drains urine from the bladder. The prostate's primary function is to produce the fluid that nourishes and transports sperm, also known as seminal fluid. Prostate problems are common, especially in older men.
What is a Prostatectomy? A prostatectomy is a surgical procedure for the partial or complete removal of the prostate. It may be performed to treat prostate cancer or benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) or enlarged prostate.
If you are scheduled for a prostatectomy, please watch the following video in its entirety. It contains information you need to know regarding your hospital stay, catheter care and recovery.
Before Your Surgery:
- You should have nothing to eat after midnight the night before your surgery. You may have clear liquids up to 3 hours prior to surgery.
- A nurse from PCI's urology team at the hospital will call to discuss which medications you should take the night before and the morning of your surgery. They will also discuss when to discontinue any blood thinners you may be taking.
- Stop all herbal supplements for at least 7 days.
Hospitalization:
- Expect to be in the hospital for one night. Most patients are ready to leave the hospital the following day.
- If you use a breathing device, such as a CPAP machine, bring it with you to the hospital the day of your surgery.
- Opiate pain pills will be offered after surgery. These can be taken as needed for pain. Remember, these can cause constipation and contain acetaminophen commonly known as Tylenol.
Immediately After Surgery
- There will be incisions across your mid to low stomach area. The incisions will be closed with dissolvable sutures and surgical glue.
- You may have some bruising and swelling on your stomach, flanks, penis and scrotum. This may be quite dramatic and dark purple. This will go away over several weeks.
- Wear loose waist sweatpants or athletic pants after surgery.
- You will have a Foley catheter after surgery. The catheter remains in place for approximately 7 to 14 days to allow for healing. You will have an appointment at the office for catheter removal. Please watch the video above to learn more about catheter care.
- Pads can be purchased at any drugstore, big box store, or Amazon. To learn more about various pad types, please watch the informational video above.
Recovery
- You will have an appointment at the office for catheter removal. At this appointment, the surgeon will review the final pathology results in more detail. Family is encouraged to accompany you.
- You should be walking 5 to 10 minutes at least 4 times daily. Increase your activity as you can tolerate it. Climbing stairs at home is ok. Restrictions include:
- No lifting more than 10 lbs
- No pushing
- No pulling
- No straining
- No strenuous exercise, including weight lifting, bicycling, swimming or running
- No lawn mowing or snow shoveling
- No vacuuming
- No sitting on a saddle such as a motorcycle or bicycle for 12 weeks
- No driving for 7 to 10 days. In general, we recommend against driving while the catheter is in and while taking pain medications.
- Most men will have difficulty achieving erections after surgery. This will depend on your current erectile function, ability to preserve the nerves and your overall health. Erections will be discussed at your 6 or 12 week post-op visit.
- You will have several appointments for follow up within the first 3 months after surgery. You will see the doctor 7 to 14 days after surgery to remove the catheter and review the pathology report. You may be scheduled to see either the doctor or nurse practitioner 6-12 weeks after surgery for a PSA.