Prostate Health

Prostate surgery aftercare is just as important as pre-surgery care. If you’ve had your prostate and its neighboring lymph nodes taken out because of prostate cancer, you’d have an idea what prostate surgery aftercare is about. Part of what’s involved in prostate surgery aftercare is usually discussed by the surgeon to his patient. The surgeon is also the best person to assist people in arranging for additional prostate surgery aftercare and further treatments.

Prostate Surgery Aftercare To-dos

Here’s what happens after surgery. A patient winds up with an incision in his lower abdomen along with staples to ensure the skin stays closed. There are also a couple of drainage tubes toward the sides of the incision.

The information below on prostate surgery aftercare will help men at home as they hurdle their surgery recovery period.

Prostate surgery aftercare activities. People can shower once staples are removed. Lifting weights above five pounds is a no-no. Driving cars without the doctor’s consent isn’t also recommended. Other things to avoid are sitting for extended periods and going up/down stairs more than three times a day within the first week of being home. Lay off strenuous activities like running and straining for a good six weeks.

Prostate surgery aftercare diet. People can resume their normal food diet once home. Do avoid constipation as this causes strain when engaged in bowel movement. If needed, use laxatives or stool softeners. Drink three to four quarts of fluids daily, unless liquid intake is restricted for medical reasons. Steer clear of alcohol and caffeine.
Prostate surgery aftercare for Foley catheter. A Care sheet will be provided for patients that include instructions regarding catheter homecare. Make sure the catheter is securely fastened to the leg. Clean the catheter at least two times daily. Should the penis tip become irritated or sore, apply a small amount of antibiotic ointment on it and in the surrounding area of the catheter, right where it inserts into the urethra.
Prostate surgery aftercare after removal of catheter. Drink plenty of liquids throughout the recovery phase. Patients drop by the office a week after prostate surgery for staples removal, three weeks later for catheter removal and six weeks after for follow-up and post-op Prostate Specific Antigen testing. When coming for catheter removal, bring adult diapers or pads to absorb leaks or drips that may follow catheter removal.

Good prostate surgery aftercare is essential to fast and worry-free recovery. Proper prostate surgery aftercare will make the weeks following surgery go by faster and with less problems. The key to effective prostate surgery aftercare is to keep the affected area clean at all times and to keep backbreaking activities at a minimum.

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