Prostate Cancer by Neil H. Baum

Author:Neil H. Baum [Baum, Neil H.]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Johns Hopkins University Press
Published: 2023-10-15T00:00:00+00:00

What to Expect after Surgery

Some of the things you might encounter after your surgery are highlighted below.

Abdominal Distention, Constipation, or Bloating.—Make sure he is taking the stool softener if so directed; drinking prune juice or milk of magnesia can help. If he hasn’t had a bowel movement 24 hours after surgery, you may want to get him an over-the-counter suppository.

Bladder Spasms.—Bladder spasms are typically associated with a sudden onset of lower-abdominal discomfort, a strong urge to urinate, or sudden leakage of urine from around the catheter. His surgeon may give him medication at the time of discharge in case he encounters these problems. If they still persist despite the medication, contact your physician.

Bloody Drainage around the Foley Catheter or in the Urine.—Under stress, such as during physical activity or bowel movement, a little bloody drainage is not uncommon immediately after prostate surgery. This should improve once he ceases the activity and rests for a short while. If it does not, or if you see clots in the urine, or if he has no urine output for two hours, contact his physician.

Bruising around the Port Sites.—This is not uncommon and should not worry you. This will clear up as healing continues.

Lower-Leg/Ankle Swelling.—This is not abnormal and is not cause for serious concern. The swelling should go away in a week or two. Elevating his legs while sitting will help him. If he has painful swelling or redness in the legs, you need to contact his physician; this could indicate a blood clot.

Perineal Discomfort (Pain between the Rectum and Scrotum).—This may last for several weeks after surgery, but it should resolve on its own. If he is suffering significant pain despite pain medication, contact his physician. Elevating his feet on a small stool when he has a bowel movement, applying hemorrhoid ointment, and increasing the fiber and water intake in his diet can be beneficial.

Scrotal/Penile Swelling and Bruising.—This is not abnormal and is not cause for serious concern. You both might notice scrotal/penile swelling anywhere from immediately after surgery to a few days later. It should go away on its own in a week or two. He might try elevating his scrotum on a small rolled-up towel when sitting or lying down to reduce swelling. Also, wearing supportive underwear (briefs, not boxer shorts) can help.

This early post-op period essentially ends with the visit to have the catheter removed. At this first visit, the urologist will also examine the surgical sites. Your partner may experience bladder leakage the day the catheter is removed, so it is a good idea to attend this clinic visit with an adult urinary pad for him to wear inside his underclothes. His next appointment, depending on the urologist’s preference, will likely be in four to six weeks.

Further recovery for the next few weeks is generally a time of recuperation with some changes in bodily function while slowly progressing to normal activities. You will likely find that he becomes tired easily over the next several weeks. Prostate cancer surgery takes a toll on the body, and recovery is a process, not an event.

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