The healing process and possible complications should be well monitored after prostate cancer. As with any surgery, postoperative care and the recovery process is important after prostate surgery. Some complications such as bleeding and pain are quite common in the postoperative period of prostate surgery. In addition, it is recommended to check the patient for the signs of infection in the surgical site.
Things to Do After Prostate Surgery
After prostate surgery, you will not be allowed to stand up, as a requirement of postoperative care. During this period, a washing solution in the form of serum will be applied to your bladder and it will be continuously drained through a catheter. This solution is intended to prevent coagulation of minor bleeding that can develop after surgery, and keep the urinary tract open.
Your doctor may end this procedure the next day or the same night, depending on his/her preferences. This process will be ended once you stand up and walk. From that moment on, the water you drink and the urine you pass will take over the task of this washing solution, and will protect you from coagulation that can occur after surgery.
Postoperative Care after Prostate Surgery
After a healthy operation and discharge, there are some rules that you must follow. There is a risk of bleeding for the first several months after surgery. Therefore, there are some points to take into consideration. The length of the recovery period after prostate cancer surgery varies depending on some conditions. There are factors such as the type of surgery, the stage of disease, and the patient's health status. However, overall recovery time is short.
Points to take into consideration after a Prostate Surgery
- Do not sit on hard floors.
- Avoid getting constipated.
- Stay away from hot and spicy foods.
- Do not sit for long periods of time.
- Do not lift heavy things.
- Avoid long and strenuous activities.
- Pay attention to rest.
- Consume at least 3 liters of water per day.
- Regularly use the drugs prescribed by your doctor.
- Do not drive for the first week during the recovery period after surgery. In addition, stay away from activities such as cycling, exercising, and horseback riding for 6 months, which may strain the groin area.
- Do not wear trousers that tighten the groin area.
- Do not consume drinks that contain alcohol and caffeine.
- Do not shower in a sitting position after the surgery, unless your doctor tells you otherwise.
Sexual Intercourse after Prostate Surgery
Sexual intercourse after prostate surgery is an important issue that requires attention. The fluid that appears during ejaculation is produced by the prostate gland. Thanks to this function, it enables the sperm to function; and therefore, it is essential for pregnancy.
In the body, there are nerves passing very close to the prostate and reach the penis. These nerves pass within a few millimeters from the prostate. Therefore, they can be affected by radiation and surgical intervention during any surgical procedure. These are the nerves that provide an erection.
In some patients, urinary leakage may occur during sexual intercourse after prostate surgery. This does not happen to every man and is harmless and temporary.
Bleeding After Prostate Surgery
Bleeding after prostate surgery is among the most common problems. To prevent the problem, a drain system is installed in the surgical area, and in addition to this system, some treatments are also performed to prevent bleeding. Although bleeding after prostate surgery is not a sign of important problems, you should definitely contact your physician if the condition has become chronic.
There is a number of risks that can occur after prostate surgery. These risks may include urination problems, urinary incontinence, bleeding, and sexual dysfunction. In this article, we will talk about the bleeding problem faced after prostate surgery.
Urinary Incontinence after Prostate Surgery
Urinary incontinence and/or inability to urinate are the common side effects after prostate surgery. This side effect usually ends in a short time.
Transient urinary incontinence (incontinence) develops in consequence of disruption or discomfort in the sphincter muscles which control the release of urine. This type of incontinence is generally similar to the stress incontinence that women often experience after vaginal delivery.
After prostate cancer surgery, the goal is basically to recover quickly, have full control over the bladder and become sexually active again.
Conditions that will Occur as a Result of the Surgical Removal of the Prostate
- After the removal of the prostate gland or seminal vesicles, the patient will not be able to ejaculate despite having an orgasm. A person whose prostate gland has been removed can have children only with the help of environments such as laboratories and some medical studies.
- There is no loss of sensation or inability to have an orgasm in the penis.
- Although the person is less likely to achieve a full erection, it is possible for him to regain his previous erectile ability.
- If cancer has not invaded the nerves and the nerves have not been injured during the surgery, only a short-term change is observed in erectile ability.
