Discharge Instructions for Radical Prostatectomy
Discharge Instructions for Radical Prostatectomy
You had a procedure called radical prostatectomy (removal of the entire prostate and surrounding tissues). This sheet will help you know what to do following surgery.
Activity
Don’t drive until your healthcare provider says it’s OK. This is usually 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 allow your body to rest and heal.
Talk to 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.
Avoid long car rides.
Avoid climbing stairs and strenuous exercise. Don’t mow the lawn or use a vacuum cleaner.
Take naps if you feel tired.
Home care
Avoid constipation:
Eat fruits, vegetables, and whole grains.
Unless directed otherwise, drink 6 glasses 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 notice 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 catheter and the head of your penis daily, or more often if needed.
Return to your normal diet.
Shower as usual.
Be sure to finish the antibiotics that your doctor prescribed.
Be sure to take pain medicine if needed and as prescribed.
Consider wearing sweat pants 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 above 100.4°F (38°C) or shaking chills
Heavy bleeding, clots, or bright red blood from the catheter
Catheter that falls out or stops draining
Foul-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
Updated:  
March 21, 2017
Reviewed By:  
Brown, Kim, APRN,Greenstein, Marc, DO