Why is this procedure done?
The prostate is a part of the mans body that helps make semen. The prostate is located at the base of the penis and in front of the rectum. The prostate is on all sides of the urethra at the base of the bladder in men. The urethra starts at the small opening at the end of the penis and joins the bladder. Sometimes, the prostate interferes with a man being able to pass urine. ‚
A prostatectomy is a procedure that removes all or a part of the prostate gland. Some of the tissue around the prostate may be removed. Lymph nodes in the area may be included. This surgery is done to: ‚
- Remove an enlarged prostate that is blocking the passage of urine
- Treat prostate cancer
- Treat prostate bleeding caused by an enlarged prostate
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What will the results be?
- If your prostate was enlarged, you will be able to pass urine more easily.
- Your doctor may also take small pieces of the prostate to look for signs of illness or cancer.
- Any bleeding should stop.
- If you had prostate cancer, the tumor will be removed.
What happens before the procedure?
- Your doctor will take your history. Talk to the doctor about:
- All the drugs you are taking. Be sure to include all prescription and over-the-counter (OTC) drugs, and herbal supplements. Tell the doctor about any drug allergy. Bring a list of drugs you take with you.
- Any bleeding problems. Be sure to tell your doctor if you are taking any drugs that may cause bleeding. Some examples are Coumadin, ibuprofen, Aleve (naproxen), or aspirin. Certain vitamins and herbs, such as garlic and fish oil, may also add to the risk for bleeding. You may need to stop these drugs as well. Talk to your doctor about all of your drugs.
- When you need to stop eating or drinking before your procedure.
- Your doctor will do an exam and may order:
- Digital rectal exam ¢ ˆ ’ You would be asked to bend over a table or to lie on your side holding your knees close to your chest. The doctor would put a finger into your rectum to feel the prostate.
- PSA blood test
- Urine test
- Ultrasound
- You will not be allowed to drive right away after the procedure. Ask a family member or a friend to drive you home.
What happens during the procedure?
- Once you are in the operating room, the staff will put an IV in your arm to give you fluids and drugs. You will be given a drug to make you sleepy. The drug will also help you stay pain free during the surgery.
- Sometimes, the doctor will give you a special drug to make you numb for the surgery. Other times, you are fully asleep.
- You will have a tube in your bladder to drain urine.
- This surgery can be done in different ways. Your doctor will decide which one is best for you. Your doctor may make a cut in one of a few places. Sometimes, there is a cut on the lower belly. Other times, the cut is made between the rectum and the scrotum. Sometimes, the doctor will make a few small cuts. Talk to your doctor about how your surgery will be done.
- Your doctor will remove the prostate gland. You may have other tissues near the prostate taken out as well.
- The cut or cuts will be closed with stitches or staples. A bandage will be put over the cut.
- Your prostate gland and other tissue will be sent to the lab for tests.
- The procedure takes about 3 to 4 hours.
What happens after the procedure?
- You will go to the Recovery Room and the staff will watch you closely. You may have to stay in the hospital for 1 to 4 days.
- Within a day or two, you will get out of bed to a chair. The staff will help you begin to walk around. Doing coughing and deep breathing exercises will help keep your lungs clear. You will get drugs to help with your pain.
- Keep your cut dry for the first 24 hours. The dressing or bandage will need to be changed if soaked or leaking.
- You will have a small tube called a catheter in your bladder. The catheter will help drain urine. Your urine may contain blood and small clots. The catheter will be removed by your doctor in about 7 to 10 days. A bag will collect the urine and can be emptied when full.
- Your doctor may also leave a tube to drain the fluids coming out of the surgery cuts. The tube may be removed before you leave the hospital.
- The staff will tell you how to take care of your cuts and tubes before you leave the hospital.
What drugs may be needed?
The doctor may order drugs to: ‚
- Help with pain
- Prevent infection
- Treat side effects like an upset stomach or throwing up
- Help with hard or loose stools
- Help with problems with sex
What problems could happen?
- Infection
- Bleeding or blood clots
- Hole in the bladder
- Problems with urine control
- Problems with erection
- Reduced sexual activity
- You may not be able to father a child
Where can I learn more?
American Urological Association Foundation ‚
http://www.urologyhealth.org/urology/index.cfm?article=120 ‚
http://www.urologyhealth.org/urology/index.cfm?article=31 ‚
Consumer Information Use and Disclaimer
This information is not specific medical advice and does not replace information you receive from your health care provider. This is only a brief summary of general information. It does NOT include all information about conditions, illnesses, injuries, tests, procedures, treatments, therapies, discharge instructions or life-style choices that may apply to you. You must talk with your health care provider for complete information about your health and treatment options. This information should not be used to decide whether or not to accept your health care providers advice, instructions or recommendations. Only your health care provider has the knowledge and training to provide advice that is right for you. ‚
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Copyright ‚ © 2015 Clinical Drug Information, LLC and Lexi-Comp, Inc. ‚