HealthWise KnowledgeBase
Radical Prostatectomy
What To Expect After Surgery
Prostatectomy usually requires Reference general anesthesia Opens New Window and a hospital stay of 2 to 4 days. A thin, flexible tube called a catheter usually is left in your bladder to drain your urine for 1 to 3 weeks. Your doctor will give you instructions about Reference how to care for your catheter at home. Bladder control can be poor for a few months after the catheter is removed.
Although prostatectomy often removes all cancer cells, be sure to get follow-up care. This may lead to early detection and treatment if your cancer comes back. Your regular follow-up program may include:
- Physical exams.
- Reference Prostate-specific antigen (PSA) tests, to watch PSA levels and to measure the speed of any changes in those levels.
- Reference Digital rectal exams.
- Reference Biopsies as needed, to look at suspicious tissue.
| By: | Reference Healthwise Staff | Last Revised: September 12, 2012 |
| Medical Review: | Reference E. Gregory Thompson, MD - Internal Medicine
Reference Christopher G. Wood, MD, FACS - Urology, Oncology |
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