On the day of your prostate surgery, you'll start by changing into a hospital gown and having crucial signs checked. A nurse will confirm when you last ate and remove any jewelry. The surgical area will be shaved to prevent infections, often with the nurse's help. You'll receive relaxation medication about an hour before surgery. The anaesthetist will either put you to sleep completely or numb the lower part of your body. After surgery, you'll spend time in recovery where they will monitor your essential signs. Pain management and an overnight stay may be needed, especially for drastic procedures like a radical prostatectomy. Let's explore each step in greater detail to prepare you.
Essential signs like blood pressure and pulse are checked, and the patient changes into a hospital gown.
Nurses shave the surgical area to ensure a clean site, minimizing post-operative infections.
Relaxation medication is administered about an hour before surgery to enhance patient comfort.
Anaesthetic is given either as general or spinal, with staff maintaining a sterile environment.
Post-surgery recovery includes vital sign monitoring, pain management, and a urinary catheter for 7-10 days.
Upon arriving at the hospital for your prostate surgery, you'll undergo several pre-surgery preparations to make certain everything goes smoothly.
First, a nurse will check your essential signs, including blood pressure, pulse, and breathing rate.
You'll be asked to change into a hospital gown and wear surgical stockings to improve circulation during your hospital stay. Identification bands will be placed on your wrists to make sure all staff can correctly identify you.
For a sterile environment, you'll need to remove all jewelry except wedding rings.
The nurse will also review a checklist, confirming details like the timing of your last meal and drink.
If necessary, they may assist with shaving the skin over the surgical area to minimize infection risks.
Once your pre-surgery preparations are complete, the next step may involve shaving the skin over the surgical area.
This step helps guarantee a clean surgical site and reduces infection risk. The nurse will assist you with the shaving process, either before you enter the operating room or under anaesthetic.
You'll be informed about the shaving protocol beforehand to make certain you're comfortable with it. The focus is primarily on the operation area where the incision will be made.
This part of the preparation is vital for minimizing post-operative infections, which can complicate your recovery. Trust that these steps are in place to enhance your comfort and safety throughout the surgical procedure.
Before heading into the operating room, you might be given relaxation medication to help calm your nerves and ease any anxiety.
This medication is typically administered by a nurse about an hour before surgery and can be in the form of a tablet or injection.
One common side effect is a dry mouth, which you can alleviate by rinsing with water, though you should avoid eating or drinking anything else.
The use of relaxation medication is a standard practice to guarantee you're as comfortable and relaxed as possible.
If you receive this medication, you may be transported to the operating theatre on a trolley.
Otherwise, you'll likely walk there.
This step helps maintain calmness before your procedure.
In the anaesthetic room, a controlled environment adjacent to the operating theatre, you'll receive the anaesthetic that guarantees your comfort and safety during prostate surgery.
The anaesthetic process is meticulously managed to guarantee peak patient safety. Here's what you can expect:
Types of Anaesthesia: You'll receive either general anaesthesia, inducing complete unconsciousness, or spinal anaesthesia, numbing your lower body while keeping you aware.
Administration Methods: General anaesthesia may be administered through inhalation or intravenous methods, with a breathing tube placed for airway management.
Theatre Staff: Dressed in gowns, hats, and masks, they guarantee a sterile environment to minimize infection risk.
Preparation: The anaesthetic process begins shortly before you're transferred to the operating room, ensuring you're ready for surgical procedures.
Following the careful administration of anaesthesia and the completion of your prostate surgery, you'll move into the post-surgery recovery phase.
Initially, you'll be in the recovery room where your crucial signs will be closely monitored for any immediate complications. If you've had a radical prostatectomy, expect to stay overnight. Less invasive surgeries like TURP might allow you to be discharged the same day.
Pain management will shift from IV medications to oral pain relievers such as ibuprofen or acetaminophen. A urinary catheter placed during surgery will remain for about 7-10 days to aid healing.
Follow-up appointments are essential for monitoring your progress, managing side effects, and scheduling catheter removal, which usually happens within one to two weeks.
You can start walking within hours after prostate surgery to boost circulation and prevent complications. Nurses will assist you initially, and with pain management, you might walk independently in 24 hours. Full recovery varies individually.
You'll need about four weeks to recover from a robotic prostatectomy, while traditional surgery takes up to six weeks. Avoid strenuous activities and heavy lifting for at least a month. Catheter removal happens 7-10 days post-surgery.
Imagine trying to sit on a cushion of needles; that's how it can feel right after prostate surgery. You'll find it uncomfortable due to soreness, but using cushions and following your surgeon's advice will ease the discomfort.
After prostate surgery, you might need to wear adult diapers temporarily due to urinary incontinence. Many patients regain control within weeks to months. It's essential to follow guidance on pelvic floor exercises to improve bladder control and reduce reliance.
On the day of your prostate surgery, you'll undergo meticulous pre-surgery preparations, follow a specific shaving protocol, and receive relaxation medication to ease your anxiety. You'll be administered anaesthesia to guarantee you're comfortable and pain-free during the procedure. Post-surgery, you'll move to recovery where you'll be closely monitored and given detailed care instructions. By understanding each step, you can approach the day with confidence, knowing that you're in expert hands and on the path to recovery.
#1: https://www.cancerresearchuk.org/about-cancer/prostate-cancer/treatment/surgery/on-the-day#:~:text=On%20the%20day%20of%20your%20operation%2C%20you%20need%20to%20do,come%20and%20talk%20to%20you.#2: https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/health/conditions-and-diseases/prostate-cancer/prostatectomy-what-to-expect-during-surgery-and-recovery#3: https://www.verywellhealth.com/prostate-surgery-in-detail-3157328