Prostate removal (prostatectomy) is a major surgery. The latest option is robotic prostate surgery which is minimally invasive. The latter option ensures lower rate of side effects and quicker recovery. Successful recovery demands patience and keeping tabs on any side effects/symptoms of cancer recurrence.
Here are some tips to help you recover well after prostatectomy:
Plan Ahead
You will need someone to drive home after surgery. It is important to enquire doctor about restrictions after surgery, assistance needed after getting shifted to home, and time needed to get back to work and resume normal activities. It is recommended to plan off from work and driving assistance after surgery.
Adhere to Doctor’s Instructions
You must follow post-surgery instructions carefully. When you adhere to all activity, dietary, and lifestyle restrictions and advice offered by the doctor and take medications exactly as prescribed, the chances of side effects become rare. Recovery becomes easier. You must also clean and care of wound and opening of urethral properly. It is better to inform your doctor about any concerns between scheduled and follow-up appointments.
Pain
Prostatectomy may lead to soreness and discomfort. The doctor will prescribe you some medication for pain relief. You must take it as prescribed, and in a timely manner. Not taking medications on time may make pain worse.
Constipation
Bowel movements can be affected due to effects of anesthesia, pain medication, and lower activity levels. You must drink plenty of water to help get things moving again. Also walk as much as you can, and consume a lot of fresh fruits and vegetables. Avoid straining to get a bowel movement. The best thing to do is to call a doctor to recommend a safe stool softener. Laxative will also help relieve the condition.
Call Doctor
You must immediately call a doctor if you observe any or a combination of the following symptoms:
- High fever
- Trouble urinating
- Bleeding
- Increased pain
- Blood in urine
- Something wrong with your incision
The faster you act the better chances of recovery!
Avoid Accidents
Prostatectomy may lead to urinary incontinence. Since, prostate gland surrounds the urethra right at the exit of the bladder, traditional extirpación de próstata may produce damage to the muscles responsible for controlling urination. Urinary incontinence may exist for a few weeks to a few months after radical prostatectomy. Doctors will ask you to wear protective pads to prevent leaks. It is rare for a patient to experience long-term incontinence.
Sexual Side Effects can be Treated!
Sexual dysfunction is a side effect of prostate surgery. Since, prostate is located close to nerves responsible for controlling erection; these can be affected during the surgery. The surgeon may remove some of these nerves to ensure all traces of cancer are removed successfully.
However, the nerves can recover with time (around 4-24 months or longer). Patients can maintain an erection sufficient for intercourse within or after this period of time. Medications and devices can also help. Most men are successful in encountering with and overcoming these challenges. Don’t hesitate to call your doctor to explain your case and know about your treatment options.
Additional Therapy
It is common for a pathologist to look for signs of cancer. They will check the prostate and surrounding tissues (removed by the surgeon). Once the results are analyzed, you may require a hormone therapy or radiation therapy which is helpful in eliminating all traces of cancer and prevent cancer from reoccurrence.
For recurring cancer, the doctor may recommend advice radiation therapy for 3 to 6 months. Hormone therapy (mainly androgen deprivation treatment) can be started soon after surgery.
