What to expect from prostate removal surgery for prostate cancer

A surgeon removes the prostate and may remove nearby lymph nodes when this is part of the plan. The bladder is then connected to the urethra, and a catheter allows urine to drain while that join heals. The approach may be open, laparoscopic, or robot-assisted; the team explains the incision sites and expected hospital stay.

After surgery, urine leakage and changes in erections can occur because the prostate sits close to the bladder outlet, urinary sphincter, and nerves involved in erection. Recovery differs between people, and rehabilitation may include pelvic-floor exercises, medicines, or other support.

Follow instructions about eating, medicines, bowel preparation, and activity before surgery. At home, keep the catheter and incision clean as instructed, drink according to your team’s advice, walk gently, and avoid heavy lifting until cleared. Attend the catheter-removal and pathology appointments; the pathology report helps determine the next monitoring plan.

Call the surgical team for a blocked catheter, worsening wound redness, increasing pain, persistent vomiting, or fever. Seek urgent care for heavy bleeding, severe abdominal pain, inability to pass urine after catheter removal, chest pain, sudden breathlessness, or a painful swollen leg.

Which surgical approach is planned? When can the catheter come out? What exercises support bladder control? How will erectile-function treatment be timed? When will pathology results guide further care?