Page 2 - Radical Prostatectomy - Discharge Instructions

Radical prostatectomy

Discharge instructions

Medications

Most men will be prescribed a strong painkiller such Starting pelvic floor exercises (Kegel) soon after the
as acetaminophen with codeine (e.g. Tylenol #3™) catheter is removed may help you gain bladder
to be used as needed. Milder painkillers such as control earlier. The success of these Kegel exercises
acetaminophen (e.g. Tylenol™) or ibuprofen (e.g. depends on proper technique and some men have
Advil™) may be used for lesser discomfort. difficulty identifying and isolating the muscles of the
pelvic floor after surgery. Care must be taken to learn
You may be advised to take iron tablets to speed to contract the correct muscles. These would be the
the restoration of any blood lost at surgery. same group of muscles that you would use if you
Antibiotics may also be prescribed. Please take these needed to suddenly stop your urine stream (you do
medications as advised by your urologist. not however normally do these exercises while you
are voiding). Often, men contract the abdominal
You should be able to continue with your usual or thigh muscles, while not working the pelvic floor
medications. If you are on blood thinners, you should muscles. Once you find the correct muscles, try
discuss with your urologist when to resume these drugs squeezing them hard for a count of three to ten
as they may increase the risk of bleeding after surgery. seconds, and then let them relax. Try increasing the
number and time of these squeezes and continue
Follow-up these several times a day. For example, suppose you
start by being able to do only five strong squeezes:
Arrangements will be made for you to be seen try doing three sets of five once or twice a day for a
usually within a few weeks from the date of surgery week, and then try increasing your Kegel exercises to
for removal of your catheter. Your catheter should be three sets of eight strong squeezes.
removed only under the direction of your urologist. This
involves deflating the catheter balloon after which All of the tissue removed at surgery will be carefully
it should slide out easily with minimal discomfort. It is examined to determine the extent of prostate cancer
quite common to have dribbling leakage of urine for within the gland. The report of this examination will
a while after the catheter is removed. An absorbent be discussed with your urologist at your follow-up
pad, purchased from any pharmacy, should be appointment.
available when your catheter is removed. After the
catheter is removed, should you have any difficulty Please arrange your follow-up appointment as soon
urinating, you should contact your urologist. as possible after your discharge from hospital.

Follow-up

Please contact your urologist’s office within the next week to arrange for a follow-up appointment
in _________ weeks/months.
or

Your follow-up appointment has been arranged for __________________________ (time)

on ___________________________________ (date) at _______________________________________________________(location)

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information contained in or referenced by this brochure. cua.org 29E-RPDE-06-10
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