What should you know about post radical prostatectomy?

Radical prostatectomy removes the prostate and commonly the seminal vesicles; nearby lymph nodes may also be assessed. A urinary catheter supports drainage while the connection between the bladder and urethra heals. Urine leakage, urgency, tiredness, and temporary blood staining can occur during recovery.

Erection changes may occur because nerves and blood vessels near the prostate can be affected. Improvement, if it happens, may take time and depends on the operation and your health. The pathology result and follow-up prostate-specific antigen testing help your team plan next steps.

Keep the catheter secured, empty the bag as instructed, and wash your hands before and after handling it. Follow the medication plan, prevent constipation as advised, and take short walks. Avoid strenuous exercise, heavy lifting, cycling, and sexual activity until your surgeon gives permission.

Pelvic floor exercises can help urinary control when your team says it is safe to begin; a continence or pelvic health specialist can check your technique. Keep follow-up appointments even if you feel well, and bring questions about continence, erections, fertility, and return to work.

Call your care team for fever, increasing wound redness, pus, worsening pain, a catheter that stops draining, large clots, or persistent vomiting. Get urgent help for chest pain, severe breathlessness, fainting, or sudden one-sided leg swelling and pain.

Ask when the catheter will be removed, how your pathology will guide follow-up, when to start pelvic floor exercises, and what support is available for urine leakage or erection changes. Ask when radiotherapy or brachytherapy might be discussed if further treatment is needed.