One of our physicians has recommended that you have a surgical procedure called a radical prostatectomy for the treatment of prostate cancer. The following information will discuss some of the things you can expect before and after surgery.
ANATOMY AND PHYSIOLOGY
Please refer to the booklet "Living With Prostate Cancer."
BEFORE SURGERY
You will need to arrange a preoperative history and physical with your regular medical doctor. He/she will order routine blood work and an electrocardiogram. You may be asked to donate one or two units of your own blood prior to surgery.
Please begin your bowel prep the day prior to surgery. Follow the instructions you have been given as to the diet and medications.
Stop aspirin or aspirin-containing products 10 days before surgery. If you are on coumadin, ask your medical doctor when to stop this.
ADMISSION TO THE HOSPITAL
All patients are admitted early the morning of surgery. Routine bloodwork and an electrocardiogram will be done after admission if not done at your doctors office. You will then be taken to the preoperative holding room, where you will meet with an anesthesiologist who will discuss general anesthesia and the various options for relief of postoperative pain.
THE SURGERY
A radical prostatectomy is usually completed in a 2-3 hour period. Following the surgery you can expect to be in the recovery room for 1-2 hours before going to your hospital room. Your urologist will see you in the recovery room and speak with your family or friends following surgery.
AFTER SURGERY
Plan to be in the hospital 2-5 days. You can expect the following tubes or drains to be in place:
- Foley catheter - this tube will drain the urine from your bladder and exit through the end of your penis. This catheter will remain for 10-14 days.
- Jackson-Pratt drains - these 2 drains will exit from either side of your midline incision and drain small amounts of fluid that would otherwise collect in the pelvic area and delay healing. When the drainage is less that 45cc/day, your urologist will pull them out.
DIET
Sips of ice and water are allowed the day of surgery. Your diet will be advanced upon direction from your surgeon.
PAIN MANAGEMENT
Following surgery you will have pain at the incision site and possibly from bladder spasms. Your doctor will prescribe analgesics to be delivered IV or orally.
For bladder spasms, two medications are ordered - B&O suppositories and ditropan. Both relax the bladder muscle and relieve spasms.
At the time of your discharge from the hospital, you will be given a prescription for pain medication for use at home.
ACTIVITY
On the day of surgery you may be allowed to sit up in a chair. While in bed you should turn from side to side and flex your legs from time to time. Intermittent compression stockings will remain on your legs for 2 days in order to help prevent a blood clot from forming in your veins.
The day after surgery, your nurse will assist you to get out of bed and ambulate. This will be difficult at first, but will become easier with time. Each day you will become stronger and be able to tolerate more activity.
INCENTIVE SPIROMETER
Following surgery you will be given a hand-held "breathing machine." You should use this for 20 breaths an hour, when you are awake. This will allow the lungs to expand and thus, help prevent fever and pneumonia.
DISCHARGE
Your physicians will review specific instructions regarding medications, catheter care, activity at home and follow-up appointments.
You will be required to wear the foley catheter at home for approximately 10-14 days. The staples from the incision are usually removed one week post op by a nurse in our office. You will be given an appointment.
FOLLOW-UP OFFICE APPOINTMENT
You will generally be scheduled for an office appointment two weeks after your hospital discharge. Please be certain to call the office as soon as possible to make this appointment. At that time your foley catheter will be removed. There may be some urinary incontinence or dribbling for several days to several weeks following removal of the catheter, and this will be discussed further with you at the follow up appointment.
Updated 4/03
Main Phone: 952.920.7660
Billing Office: 952.920.2046
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