Enlarged Prostate

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What to Expect After Discharge

  • Pain Control: Normally there is no pain after this surgery other than some burning with urination which is also expected and will decrease with each urination., If the catheter is left in you may experience bladder spasms (cramping in the lower abdomen). Check with your doctor regarding scheduling of catheter removal.
  • Showering: You may shower at home. If you are discharged with a catheter, do not disconnect the drain bag from your catheter. Pay attention to the area where the catheter enters the tip of the penis. After your shower, dry the area, as well as your drain bag well.
  • Activity: Taking walks is very important. Prolonged sitting or lying in bed should be avoided. Climbing stairs is fine. Driving should be avoided for at least two weeks after the surgery, except to come for your post-op visit. Bouncing in a car, even as a passenger, can result in bleeding. Absolutely no heavy lifting (greater than 20 pounds) or exercising (jogging, swimming, treadmill, biking) for four weeks or until instructed by your doctor. You can expect to return to work in approximately 3- 4 weeks as per your physician's instructions.
  • Sexual Activity: You should avoid sexual intercourse for 6 weeks following your surgery.
  • Diet: Your appetite may be decreased after surgery which is normal. Try to eat frequent, small meals.
  • Avoid Constipation: You may take stool softeners or a laxative if necessary. Do not use enemas. Be sure to include fruits, vegetables and bran in your diet. You should avoid straining to have a bowel movement since this may increase bleeding.
  • Fever: If you have a fever over 101degrees Fahrenheit, call your physician's office. Be sure to complete the full course of antibiotics prescribed by your physician.
  • Urination: It is normal for you to intermittently see blood in your urine. This can occur intermittently for 3-4 weeks following surgery. Increase your fluid intake, if not medically contraindicated, in order to dilute the urine. If your urine appears to be thick and bloody, or you have a lot of blood clots, call your physician. You will also have urinary urgency (the rapid urge to urinate with little warning) when the catheter is first removed. This will resolve with time.
Follow-up Appointment: When you are discharged from the hospital, you will need to call the Institute at 516.734.8500 to schedule a follow up appointment with your surgeon. If you are discharged from the hospital with your catheter in place, you will need an appointment within a week of your discharge date. If you are asked to remove your catheter before your appointment, you will be given an instruction sheet at the time of discharge.