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