POST
RADICAL PROSTATECTOMY SURGERY INSTRUCTION SHEET
CATHETER CARE:
Your catheter is very important
to allow healing of the bladder and the urethra. You may use either leg bags or external bags. Drain before the
bags get too full. The tip of the penis may get sore from the catheter
rubbing. Use plain soap and water to
wash this area daily or more often as needed. You may see some blood in the
drainage tubing or bag on and off during the time that the catheter is in
place. As long as the catheter is
draining well, a little blood is normal and requires no treatment. A lubricating cream or ointment may make the tips of the penis
less sore (for example Vitmamin A &
D ointment).
DIET:
You may return to your normal
diet immediately. Because of the raw
surface in the bladder from the surgery, alcohol, spicy foods and drinks with
caffeine may cause some irritation or sense of the need to void despite the
fact that the catheter is emptying the bladder. However, if these foods don't bother you there is no reason to
avoid them in moderation. More importantly
is to keep your urine flowing freely, drink plenty of fluids during the
day (8 - 10 glasses). The type of fluids (except alcohol) is not
as important as the amount. Water is
best but juices, coffee, tea, and soda are all acceptable. Food rich in protein will aid in wound
healing. Fluid, fiber, and fruits in
your diet will help prevent constipation.
Follow dietitian recommendations if instructed.
ACTIVITY:
Your physical activity is to be
restricted, especially during the first two weeks home. During this time use the following
guidelines:
a. No lifting heavy objects (anything
greater than 10 lbs).
b. No driving a car and limit
long car rides.
c. No strenuous exercise, limit
stair climbing to minimum.
BOWELS:
The rectum and the prostate are
next to each other and any very large and hard stools that require straining
can cause bleeding. You will be given
stool softeners (usually) but these are not laxatives. A bowel movement every other day is
reasonable. Use a mild laxative if
needed and call if you are having problems.
(Milk of Magnesia 2-3 Tablespoons, or 2 Dulcolax tablets as example)
MEDICATION:
You should resume your
pre-surgery medication unless told not to.
You may be discharged with iron tablets to build up your blood count and
stool softeners to keep the stool soft.
Pain pills (Tylox or Tylenol with Codeine) may also be given to help
with wound and catheter discomfort.
Tylenol (acetoaminophen), Advil (Ibuprofen), and Aleve (naproxen) which
have no narcotics are better if the pain is not too bad (and you can tolerate
those medications!)
HYGIENE:
You may shower or bathe as soon
as you get home.
PROBLEMS YOU SHOULD REPORT TO US:
a. CALL IMMEDIATELY
IF THE CATHETER FALLS OUT OR STOPS DRAINING.
b. Any increase in redness, or swelling in the incisional area.
c. If feeling chilled or feverish, take temperature and report if
over 100.5 degrees.
d. Nausea, vomiting, or abdominal distention.
e. Persistent constipation, diarrhea, or blood in stool.
f. Pain not relieved by pain medication and rest.
g. Difficulty, frequency, or burning with urination.
h. Shortness of breath, cough, or chest congestion/pain
i. Drug reactions (Hives,
rash, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea).
j. Bleeding from incision
FOLLOW-UP:
You will need a follow-up appointment to monitor your progress. Call for this appointment at the number above when you get home or from the phone in your hospital room before leaving. Usually the first appointment will be about 5-7 days after your surgery to remove your skin staples or sutures and then 14-21 days after surgery to remove the catheter (these numbers vary for each individual). When the catheter is removed most people will not have good urinary control at first. Come with a small supply of adult diapers (ATTENDS or DEPENDS) (not liners or pads) that can be purchased at any drug store