Health Library

Health Library Explorer
A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W X Y Z A-Z Listings
A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W X Y Z
Click a letter to see a list of conditions beginning with that letter.
Click 'Topic Index' to return to the index for the current topic.
Click 'Library Index' to return to the listing of all topics.

Discharge Instructions for Radical Prostatectomy

You had a procedure called radical prostatectomy. This removed the entire prostate and nearby tissues. The information below will help you know what to do as you recover from surgery.

Activity

  • Don’t drive until your healthcare provider says it’s OK. This is often after your catheter is removed and you are no longer taking pain medicine.

  • For the first 2 weeks after surgery, limit physical activity. This will let your body rest and heal.

  • Talk with your healthcare provider before going back to your normal activity level.

  • Don’t lift anything heavier than 10 pounds until your healthcare provider says it’s OK.

  • Don't go on long car rides.

  • Don't climb stairs or do strenuous exercise. Don’t mow the lawn or use a vacuum cleaner.

  • Take naps if you feel tired.

Home care

  • Prevent constipation:

    • Eat fruits, vegetables, and whole grains.

    • Unless directed otherwise, drink 6 to 8 glasses of water a day (enough to keep your urine light-colored). This will also help keep a healthy flow of urine.

    • Use a laxative or a stool softener if your healthcare provider says it’s OK.

  • Take care of your catheter. Ask for an information sheet and training before leaving the hospital:

    • Keep the catheter well secured.

    • Use either leg bags or external (straight drainage) bags, or both.

    • Empty your bag when it’s half full. You may see some blood in the bag. This is normal after surgery and while the catheter is in place.

    • Use plain soap and water to wash the outside of the catheter and the head of your penis daily, or more often if needed.

  • Return to your normal diet.

  • Shower as normal.

  • Finish the antibiotics that your healthcare provider prescribed.

  • Take pain medicine if needed and as prescribed.

  • Think about wearing sweatpants while you have the catheter. They may be more comfortable than other pants.

Follow-up

Make a follow-up appointment as directed.

When to call your healthcare provider

Call your healthcare provider right away if you have any of the following:

  • Fever of 100.4°F (38°C) or higher, or as directed by your provider

  • Shaking chills

  • Heavy bleeding, clots, or bright red blood from the catheter

  • Catheter that falls out or stops draining

  • Bad-smelling discharge from your catheter

  • Redness, swelling, warmth, or pain at your incision site

  • Drainage, pus, or bleeding from your incision

  • Trouble breathing

  • Hives or rash

  • Nausea and vomiting

  • Diarrhea

Online Medical Reviewer: Marc Greenstein MD
Online Medical Reviewer: Raymond Kent Turley BSN MSN RN
Online Medical Reviewer: Rita Sather RN
Date Last Reviewed: 9/1/2022
© 2000-2024 The StayWell Company, LLC. All rights reserved. This information is not intended as a substitute for professional medical care. Always follow your healthcare professional's instructions.