Prostatectomy Recovery

Prostatectomy recovery

        Prostatectomy recovery depends on what kind of surgery was performed: radical prostatectomy, laparoscopic prostatectomy or robotic prostatectomy. In case of open radical prostatectomy the patient must not make any effort for 3 months in order to permit the wound to close. The patient can stay in bed, in a lifted position, can walk but he is not allowed to lift weights. The patient can feel a discomfort when urinating. Also the patient must not have any type of sexual intercourse before 2 months as this may cause him to bleed.

       Diet is not an essential factor for prostatectomy recovery, the patient does not have to keep a strict diet but he must avoid types of food that can make him have abdominal pains. He should also avoid excessive alimentation and types of food that can produce constipation. He should drink at least 2 liters of liquid per day, such as: soups, teas and water. For a better recovery the patient should take vitamins.

       After the surgery the patient must wear a urinary bore which may lead to infections. For this reason the patient should take antibiotics for a period of 7-14 days. At home it is very important to clean the urethral opening. One can do this using water and soap. The person has to wear a urinary large bag or a portable leg bag. Usually patients chose to wear the leg bag as it easier to carry around but this has an inconvenience; the leg bag has to be emptied at every 2hours. One should keep a bag below the level of the bladder in order to facilitate drainage. The person is not allowed to take baths after the surgery until the wounds are healed but one can wash itself and even take showers.

       After the surgery the catheter will be removed after a couple of days depending on what kind of surgery has been performed. One must not remove the catheter by itself; this operation must be performed by a specialist. It is very likely that one bleeds immediately after removing the catheter.

       For prostatectomy recovery it is very important that the patient walks after the surgery. This is very important because it improves circulation and reduces pressure. At home it is essential that the patient should not stay only in bed, he should try to walk progressively and not to tire himself.

       The sexual dysfunctions may be healed but that depends on the size of the tumor, and also on the age of the patient. Recovery may take months and sometimes even years. In case the prostate has been totally removed and as well the seminal vesicle, the person no longer emits the semen.

       If one experiences: separation of the skin in the incision line, warmth of the incision, fever, nausea, vomiting, persistent pain, inability to urinate after the removal of the catheter, swelling of the legs or anything else that it seems unusual, one must immediately see the doctor.