Treatment after prostate cancer surgery

The surgical specimen is examined for tumour features, margins and spread. These findings, together with your PSA result over time, help your team decide whether observation is suitable or whether additional treatment should be discussed. Follow-up also covers urinary control, erections, bowel symptoms, mood and fertility concerns.

Additional treatment is not chosen from the operation alone. Depending on the findings, options can include [Radiotherapy](/treatments/radiation-oncology/radiotherapy/), [Brachytherapy](/treatments/radiation-oncology/brachytherapy/) or other specialist treatments. [Prostate Cancer](/conditions/prostate-cancer/) can behave differently from one person to another.

Attend PSA appointments even when you feel well, because PSA changes can be detected before symptoms. Follow pelvic-floor guidance if offered, keep track of urinary leakage and discuss medicines or devices for sexual recovery. Gradually increase activity according to your surgeon’s instructions and avoid heavy lifting until cleared.

Tell your team about difficulty passing urine, fever, wound changes, leg swelling or worsening pain. Persistent leakage or erectile changes are common topics in follow-up and deserve practical support rather than silent coping. Some people may be referred for [Robotic Cancer Surgery](/treatments/surgical-oncology/robotic-cancer-surgery/) information when discussing surgical approaches.

Seek prompt medical advice for inability to pass urine, heavy bleeding, fever with chills, worsening abdominal pain, a painful swollen leg or breathlessness. Contact the surgical team if the catheter stops draining or the wound becomes increasingly red or wet. Emergency help is needed for severe breathlessness, collapse or sudden chest pain.

Ask when PSA will be checked, what result pattern needs action, what the pathology report means, and how urinary and sexual recovery will be supported. If further treatment is proposed, ask about its goal, timing and side effects, including whether [Targeted Radioisotope Therapy](/treatments/radiation-oncology/targeted-radioisotope-therapy/) or [Bone-Strengthening Therapy](/treatments/supportive-and-palliative-care/bone-strengthening-therapy/) is relevant.