Recovery after radical prostatectomy

Radical prostatectomy removes the prostate and may include nearby tissues or lymph nodes. A urinary catheter is commonly left in place while the connection between the bladder and urethra heals. Bruising, pelvic soreness, tiredness, and temporary urine leakage can occur. Bowel habits may also change because of medicines, reduced activity, or the operation itself.

Urinary control often needs time and practice to recover. Erections may be affected because nerves and blood vessels lie close to the prostate; the outlook depends on the operation and your health. Your clinician may discuss rehabilitation options rather than waiting for changes to resolve without support.

Follow the catheter instructions carefully, keep the drainage system positioned as shown, and never pull the tube. Walk frequently for short periods, avoid heavy lifting until cleared, and prevent constipation with the plan supplied by your team. Drink according to your discharge advice and take prescribed pain relief before discomfort stops you moving.

Pelvic-floor exercises may help urinary control when your team says it is safe to begin. Keep follow-up appointments for catheter removal, wound review, pathology discussion, and cancer surveillance. Ask before restarting sexual activity, driving, work, or medicines that affect bleeding.

Call your surgical team for a blocked or leaking catheter, inability to pass urine after catheter removal, worsening wound redness, fever, increasing pelvic pain, or blood that does not settle. Seek emergency help for severe breathlessness, fainting, heavy bleeding, or sudden chest pain. Difficulty passing urine can need prompt assessment; it should not be ignored.

Ask when the catheter will be removed, how to perform pelvic-floor exercises, and which leakage pattern is expected during healing. Ask when to resume driving, lifting, work, and sexual activity, and how urinary or erectile rehabilitation will be arranged. Also ask how the pathology result shapes your next review.