Complications of prostate cancer surgery

Early concerns include bleeding, infection, blood clots, urine leakage where the bladder is rejoined to the urethra, and reactions related to anaesthesia. Later concerns can include urinary leakage, narrowing that obstructs urine flow, erectile difficulty, lymph-fluid swelling, and an abdominal or groin hernia.

A catheter protects the new connection while it heals. Leakage may occur after catheter removal because the urinary sphincter and pelvic floor need to adapt. Scar narrowing can instead produce a weak stream, straining, incomplete emptying, or inability to pass urine.

Erection nerves run close to the prostate and may be stretched, bruised, or removed during cancer surgery. Recovery varies with nerve preservation and health before surgery. Ejaculation no longer occurs after prostate removal, so natural conception is not possible; orgasm sensation may remain but can feel different.

Follow the catheter-care instructions, keep the drainage bag below bladder level, and avoid pulling on the tubing. Walk regularly as advised and use prescribed clot-prevention medicine. Once the team confirms it is appropriate, correctly performed pelvic-floor exercises can support urinary control.

Discuss erection rehabilitation early if it matters to you; options may include tablets, vacuum devices, injections, or specialist sexual counselling. Use absorbent products that protect the skin while leakage improves, and report ongoing irritation. Attend pathology and follow-up appointments to review cancer findings and next treatment decisions.

Contact the surgical team urgently if the catheter stops draining, falls out, or is accompanied by increasing lower-abdominal pain. Fever, shaking chills, worsening wound redness, pus, heavy bleeding, persistent vomiting, or new painful swelling in one leg also requires prompt assessment.

Go to emergency care for chest pain, sudden shortness of breath, fainting, severe confusion, or uncontrolled bleeding. After catheter removal, inability to pass urine with a painful, enlarging lower abdomen is also an emergency and should not wait for a scheduled visit.

Ask whether nerve-sparing is appropriate, how catheter problems are handled after hours, and when pelvic-floor or erection rehabilitation should begin. Discuss fertility preservation before treatment if relevant. Clarify lifting and driving restrictions, the follow-up plan, and which urinary changes need testing for scar narrowing.