What should you know about removing prostate cancer surgery?

A prostatectomy removes the prostate gland and the seminal vesicles; nearby lymph nodes may be assessed depending on the cancer features. The surgeon reconnects the bladder to the urethra, and a catheter usually stays in place while this join heals. The operation can be performed through an open incision or with robotic assistance. It may affect bladder control, erections, ejaculation, and fertility, so these topics deserve discussion before treatment.

The pathology report examines the removed tissue and helps the team decide whether further treatment or closer monitoring is appropriate. Prostate cancer care may also include radiotherapy or other approaches, depending on the tumour and your overall health.

Before surgery, give the team a complete list of medicines, supplements, allergies, and previous operations. Arrange help with meals, transport, and heavier household tasks for the early recovery period. Follow catheter, wound, walking, bathing, and pelvic-floor instructions exactly as provided. Keep follow-up appointments so urinary symptoms, healing, and prostate-specific blood tests can be reviewed.

Ask how to manage constipation, when driving is suitable, and which activities should wait. Difficulty passing urine can require prompt assessment, especially after the catheter is removed.

Contact your surgical team urgently for fever, worsening redness or swelling around an incision, heavy bleeding, severe or increasing pain, repeated vomiting, new leg swelling, chest pain, or shortness of breath. Seek immediate emergency care for severe breathing trouble, fainting, or chest pain. If the catheter stops draining, becomes dislodged, or you cannot pass urine after removal, contact the team without delay.

Ask which surgical approach is planned, whether lymph nodes will be assessed, how catheter care works, and what the pathology report may change. Ask about pelvic-floor exercises, erection and continence support, fertility implications, follow-up testing, and whether radiotherapy could be considered.