7 Steps to a Successful Prostate Removal Surgery

Prostate removal surgery, also known as prostatectomy, can treat prostate cancer or enlarged prostate (benign prostatic hyperplasia, or BPH). Even if you are a good candidate for prostate removal surgery, the thought of undergoing the actual procedure might be overwhelming. Here are some things you can do to help make your surgery a success.

One of the most important things you can do for successful prostate removal surgery is to choose a doctor with the right expertise and experience. The more experience the doctor has performing prostate removal surgery, the better able he or she is to anticipate and prevent complications.

Where you have your surgery is just as important as who performs your surgery. Your risk of complications and even death can be higher at one hospital compared to another in the same city. Healthgrades.com presents this information in an easy-to-understand ratings format.

Bring a list of questions to your doctor appointment. Ask about the types of surgery available, preservation of sexual function, possible complications, recovery time, and how to manage pain after the procedure. Having realistic expectations will help you and your loved ones stick with your treatment plan.

Ask about TURP (transurethral resection of the prostate). It’s the gold standard treatment for an enlarged prostate. If you have prostate cancer, you still have options. Ask about minimally invasive and laparoscopic prostate removal procedures. Compared to open surgeries, these approaches result in smaller incisions, shorter hospital stays, less pain, and shorter recovery periods. If your doctor doesn’t offer a minimally invasive procedure, find one who does and ask if you are a good candidate for less invasive approaches.

Here are things you’ll need to do before surgery.
1) Provide your detailed medical history and a list of medications you take.
2) Get all preoperative testing that your doctor orders.
3) Take or stop medications exactly as directed.

Recovery time varies depending on the specific surgical approach, type of anesthesia, your general health, your age, and other factors. You will have a catheter in your penis to drain urine and give your urethra time to heal. The catheter will stay in place for a few days to a couple of weeks, depending on the type of surgery. Full recovery times range from a few weeks to a few months.

You won’t be able to drive immediately after prostate removal surgery, so arrange for a ride to and from the hospital. You may go home the same day or stay in the hospital for up to four days. Ask your doctor: what kind of restrictions you’ll have; what kind of assistance you will need at home; and when you can return to work and other activities. Arrange for driving assistance and time off work as needed.