Prostate Surgery: What You Need To Know
Here’s an overview of what to expect before, during and after prostate surgery, including strategies for prostate surgery recovery.
0
By Darren Davey Mens Health Prostate Surgery Recovey 9 December 2024

SUMMARY

This article offers an overview of what to expect before, during, and after prostate surgery, including various surgical types, common recovery challenges, and supportive strategies.

KEY POINTS

  1. It describes different prostate surgery options (e.g. radical prostatectomy, TURP, laser surgery), and explains how factors like surgical technique and patient health influence recovery.
  2. It outlines typical recovery phases, hospital stay of 1–2 days, catheter use, common complications like urinary incontinence and erectile dysfunction, and emphasises the importance of pelvic floor exercises, light activity, and medical follow-ups to support long-term healing.

Prostate surgery, commonly performed to treat prostate cancer or benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), involves the removal of part or all of the prostate gland. The procedure depends on the condition being treated, overall health, and surgical goals. For men in Adelaide, here’s an overview of what to expect before, during and after prostate surgery:

Types of Prostate Surgery

  1. Radical Prostatectomy:
    This is often used to treat localised prostate cancer and involves removing the entire prostate gland, sometimes with nearby tissues and lymph nodes.
    • Techniques: Open, laparoscopic, or robotic-assisted.
  2. Transurethral Resection of the Prostate (TURP):
    Typically performed for BPH, TURP removes part of the prostate to relieve urinary symptoms.
  3. Prostate Laser Surgery:
    Minimally invasive, using lasers to remove or shrink prostate tissue.

Preparation for Surgery

Before surgery, your healthcare provider will conduct tests such as blood work, imaging, and a physical exam. You may also need to stop taking certain medications and follow the fasting instructions.

What to Expect During Recovery

  • Hospital Stay: 1 – 2 days for most procedures. Minimally invasive techniques often allow faster recovery.
  • Short-Term Effects: Pain, fatigue, and urinary catheter use for a week or two post-surgery.
  • Long-Term Recovery: Urinary incontinence and erectile dysfunction are common side effects, improving gradually over 6 – 12 months.

How to Support Recovery

  1. Perform pelvic floor exercises to strengthen bladder control.
  2. Stay active with light movements like walking.
  3. Follow your doctor’s advice for medications and follow-ups.

Prostate surgery is an effective treatment with significant recovery potential. For tailored advice, consult a healthcare provider.

While prostate surgery protocols are similar across Australia, having access to trusted local follow-up care, whether you’re in Adelaide or beyond, helps you stay on track with your recovery.

Want to get in touch?

We particularly welcome enquiries from men in Adelaide and the surrounding regions. If you’re in Adelaide and want local support, feel free to get in touch.

FOR MORE INFORMATION AND TO BOOK AN APPOINTMENT JUMP TO HERE: MEN’S HEALTH PHYSIO