Robotic-Assisted Radical Prostatectomy HF#6302

 

This surgery is one treatment for prostate cancer.  the prostate gland is removed.  the lymph nodes in the pelvis and lower abdomen may be biopsied.

 

 

 

Surgery Risks

 

• Infection
• Bleeding
• Loss of bladder control, this may be short or, rarely, long term.
• Problems with erections (in 10-30% of cases).  This depends on many factors.
• Rectal injury
• Scarring at the bladder neck.

 

Before Surgery

 

Try to be in the best condition for surgery.

• Exercise
• Eat a healthy diet
• Take iron pills, if ordered.

The day before surgery, you will need to do a bowel prep to clean out your bowels.  You will be given a handout and directions for this.

 

After Surgery

 

Your abdomen may look like this…..

 

 

• Plan to stay in the hospital for one night.  Your ride home can be more comfortable if you sit on 1-2 pillows. Have your driver keep these in the car.
• The urine catheter will stay in for 7-10 days.
• Your nurse will teach you how to take care of your catheter and urine bags before you leave the hospital. 

 

Activity While in the Hospital

 

• You may be out of bed soon after surgery.
• Moving and walking helps you to recover.
• Pain pills will make it easier for you to move.
• You will be asked to walk 4 times a day and sit in a chair for each meal.

 

Home Care

 

• You may shower, but no tub baths, swimming or hot tubs while the catheter is in and until your wounds are healed. This is often 10-14 days.
• You may climb stairs and take short walks several times a day.
• Nothing strenuous such as jogging, aerobics, or running, for the first 4 weeks.  Slowly increase weekly.
• Do not lift over 20 pounds for the first 3 weeks. 
• Expect your urine to be light cherry to pink.  It will clear over time.
• Drink at least 8 to 10 (8 oz.) glasses of fluid each day while you have the catheter in.  After the catheter is out, you can decrease to 6-8 glasses of fluid daily.
• For the first 4-5 days after surgery, eat small meals throughout the day.  Avoid eating large meals as this may cause bloating. 
• No driving for 2 weeks and while you are on narcotic pain medicine..
• When you go home, you will be given antibiotics, pain pills, and stool softeners.
• Do not strain, avoid constipation.
• No intercourse for 6 weeks.
• No biking for 8 weeks after surgery.  This includes mobile, stationary bikes, or recumbent bikes.

 

When to Call the Doctor

 

• Temperature over 100.4°F by mouth, for two readings taken 4 hours apart.
• Shaking chills.
• Increasing redness, swelling, or warmth of an incision.
• Pus or excess blood from an incision.
• Pain not controlled by pain pills.
• Swelling, tenderness or pain in your feet, legs, calves, or thighs.
• Catheter is not draining.
• Large blood clots or bloody urine you cannot see through.
• If you have shortness of breath or chest pain.  Call 911.

 

Follow-up

 

One Week after Surgery

 

At this clinic visit you will have your wounds checked.  We will talk with you about your final pathology report.  Be sure to bring your list of questions.

 

We will do a voiding trial.  We will fill your bladder with saline through the catheter, then take out the catheter and have you urinate what was put into your bladder.  We will compare the amount in with the amount out to make sure you can empty your bladder well enough.  

 

Expect to have dribbling or loss of control, this most often occurs when going from lying to standing.  Please bring some adult diapers with you for this visit. You will start Kegel exercises a few days after the catheter is out.  These can help strengthen the muscles that control urination.  You will be given directions on how to do this exercise.

 

Phone Number

 

Urology Clinic:  (608) 263-4757, this is a 24 hour number.  

 

After hours, weekends, and holidays this connects you to the message center.  Ask for the urology doctor on call or the doctor on call for Dr. _____________________________.

Leave your name and phone number with the area code.  The doctor will call you back.

 

Toll Free: 1-800-323-8942.

The information provided should not be used during any medical emergency or for the diagnosis or treatment of any medical condition. A licensed physician should be consulted for diagnosis and treatment of any and all medical conditions. Call 911 for all medical emergencies. Any duplication or distribution of the information contained herein is strictly prohibited.

Last Updated: 10/08/2010

Copyright © 08/26/2010 University of Wisconsin Hospitals and Clinics Authority. All rights reserved. Produced by the Department of Nursing. HF#6302

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