An estimated 288,300 men in the United States will be diagnosed with prostate cancer this year and about 34,700 men will die of the disease, according to American Cancer Society.
If you’re in the advanced stages of prostate cancer, your doctor is likely to suggest prostate surgery. This form of surgery is called a prostatectomy and involves the removal of the prostate gland. While these procedures have a high success rate, it’s still considered to be a major surgery so you need to know what to expect.
7 Things To Expect After Surgery
1. You’ll Be Asked To Move Around
It’s common for doctors to ask you to walk a little on the same day of the surgery. Doing this discourages the formation of blood clots and shows the doctor how you’re dealing with recovery after the procedure.
2. You Could Be Discharged The Next Day
Most people who undergo prostate surgery are discharged by the next day so they can recover at home. As long as you’re not showing any signs of clotting or infection, it’s likely that your recovery is progressing well. You should still ask your doctor about the signs of infection so you can go to the emergency room if you see them.
3. You’ll Need Painkillers
There’s usually a lot of pain and soreness from the procedure so your doctor should send you home with painkillers. Most people find that ibuprofen or acetaminophen are enough but let your doctor know if they aren’t working.
4. There Could Be Bloating
Depending on the type of prostatectomy you had, there may be some bloating after the procedure. This should only last for a couple of days so tell your doctor if it persists.
5. You Might Have Spasms
Sometimes, you can have bladder spasms after the procedure. While these may not be painful, they can give you the uncomfortable, persistent urge to use the bathroom. Some people also have incontinence after their catheter is removed. This may last for a few months or even up to a year. If this becomes disruptive, talk to your doctor about your options.
6. You’ll Go Home With The Catheter
It’s customary to keep the catheter in for seven to ten days after the procedure. At that point, your doctor will remove it. They may also request some tests to determine if you need further treatment.
7. Recovery Can Vary
Generally, most people return to work or can undertake strenuous activity within six to eight weeks of the procedure. If you’re ready for sex, don’t be surprised if things go a little differently. Some people have trouble getting or maintaining erections so talk to your doctor about how to proceed.
Though many urologists consider prostate surgery to be a fairly simple procedure when compared to others, it’s still important to know what the risks are. Generally, there is a risk of infection, bleeding, blood clots, and damage to the organs. There are also specific risks depending on the type of procedure that’s used. The most common form of prostatectomy is radical retropubic prostatectomy as this gives the surgeon
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