Prostate Cancer Surgery Recovery Time: What To Expect
Healing depends on factors like age, overall health, and the type of surgery performed. Here’s a breakdown of recovery milestones and what to expect.
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By Darren Davey Mens Health Prostate Surgery Recovey 11 March 2025

SUMMARY

This article outlines expected recovery timelines and milestones following prostate cancer surgery, emphasising what patients might experience in the short, intermediate, and long term.

KEY POINTS

  1. In the first month, patients typically stay in the hospital for 1–2 days, use a catheter for 1–2 weeks, and are encouraged to walk but avoid heavy lifting.
  2. Over 3 to 12 months, most men gradually regain urinary control (usually by 6–12 months), while recovery of sexual function may take 12–24 months depending on nerve sparing and other factors.

Recovering from prostate cancer surgery, or radical prostatectomy, is a journey that varies for each individual. For men in Adelaide, this recovery depends on factors like age, overall health, and the type of surgery performed (open, laparoscopic, or robotic-assisted). Here’s a breakdown of recovery milestones and what to expect.

Short-Term Recovery (0 – 4 Weeks)

  • Hospital Stay: Most patients stay 1 – 2 days after surgery. Robotic procedures may allow for shorter stays.
  • Catheter Use: A urinary catheter is placed during surgery and usually removed after 1 – 2 weeks.
  • Physical Activity: Light activities like walking are encouraged. Avoid heavy lifting and strenuous exercise during this period.

Intermediate Recovery (4 – 12 Weeks)

  • Urinary Incontinence: Leakage is common, but it typically improves with pelvic floor exercises.
  • Energy Levels: Fatigue may persist but gradually improves as you resume normal activities.
  • Return to Work: Many men can return to light office work in 4 – 6 weeks, depending on their job demands.

Long-Term Recovery (3 – 12 Months)

  • Bladder Control: Most men regain significant urinary control within 6 – 12 months.
  • Sexual Function: Erectile recovery can take 12 – 24 months. Factors like nerve-sparing surgery and pre-surgery health impact the timeline.
  • Physical Recovery: Most physical limitations are resolved by 3 – 6 months, and you can resume regular exercise.

Tips for a Smooth Recovery

If you live in Adelaide or nearby regions, you’ll also want to familiarise yourself with local post-operative support services and follow-up care options.

  • Stay Active: Light activities like walking improve circulation and healing.
  • Pelvic Floor Exercises: Start these exercises early to improve urinary control.
  • Follow-Up Care: Regular visits to your health care professional to improvement is progressing as expected.

Prostate surgery recovery requires patience and a proactive approach. With time and support, most men regain a good quality of life. For personalised advice, consult your healthcare provider.

Whether you’re based in Adelaide or elsewhere in Australia, recovery from prostate surgery follows similar stages, but having local support can make a difference.

Want to get in touch?

If you’re in Adelaide and would like more information or wish to book a local consultation, call 0419842228 or email men@physioprime.com.au

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