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Date issued: February 2016

For review: February 2018

Ref: A-240/Ward/SP/Radical Prostatectomy Lynher Ward v2

PDF:  Radical Prostatectomy Lynher ward [pdf] 127KB

At home following your Radical Prostatectomy

When you go home, you may still feel tired. As you return to your normal routines this will improve. General discomfort may be experienced around your abdomen and scrotum but taking pain relief medication such as Paracetamol will help.

Swelling in the penis and scrotum are common but wearing supportive underwear will improve the swelling. The District nurse will visit to remove your sutures and advise regarding the management of your catheter.

You will be given specific instructions about how long your catheter is to stay in by the consultant. The catheter must not be removed in the community. If issues occur and recatheterisation is required this must be completed by a Urologist in the hospital.

Your catheter must remain on free drainage and flip flow valves must not be used following this type of surgery.

Drinking

Whilst your catheter is in place it is important that you drink more than usual (2-3 litres a day). Once the catheter has been removed your drinking can be reduced to 1-1.5 litres per day.

Diet

You may return to your normal diet. Eat a healthy balanced diet, with fresh fruit and vegetables to prevent constipation.

Bowel Function

After your operation your bowel function may change. It is important that you do not become constipated especially whilst the catheter is in place. If necessary you may be given medication to help your bowels open regularly.

Suppositories or enemas must not be given following this type of surgery.

Physical Exercise

It is advisable to walk around and to increase your walking distance daily. You should not do any heavy lifting, pushing or straining for about 3 months i.e. mowing the lawn, pushing a heavy shopping trolley. Listen to your body and rest when you are tired.

Bathing/Showering

You can bath and shower as normal with your catheter in place.

Driving

You must not drive for at least 4 weeks. You must be confident in being able to do an emergency stop before driving. It is also advisable to contact your insurance company to check that you are suitably covered.

Work

You will need to obtain a sick certificate from your General Practitioner, following discharge from hospital.

You may be able to return to work between six weeks and three months after the operation. This will depend on the type of work you do and your general recovery. Nurses and doctors will advise you on returning to work.

Travel

If you have a holiday booked please ensure you have adequate insurance cover.

Sexual Relationships

After the initial recovery period you may be concerned about your ability to achieve an erection. Trying to achieve an erection is advised as soon as you feel comfortable. If you can achieve an erection, sexual intercourse can be resumed when you feel ready. Although sensation remains the same during sexual intercourse, ejaculation rarely takes place. It is possible that you will not be able to have an erection after your operation.

Erection difficulties can be treated so please discuss with the doctor on follow up appointment if this is an issue and you need advice. Please do not be embarrassed about asking questions regarding sexual activity.

Follow up appointments

Details of your follow up appointment are included on your discharge summary. Dates of follow up appointments will be sent to you in the post once arranged.

Contacts

If you have any questions regarding your diagnosis or problems associated with your surgery either contact your General Practitioner or one of the following:

Vanessa Willcox: Urology Nurse Specialist Telephone: 01752 763944

Lynher ward 01752 792274