Prostate cancer is the second most common type of cancer affecting men in the U.S. When discovered early, men have a better chance of beating the disease through a variety of treatment options. One option for eliminating prostate cancer is prostatectomy. In this procedure, doctors remove the prostate in order to clear the body of cancer cells present there. The success rate of a prostatectomy is linked to the stage of the cancer and the experience of the surgeon. Patients who have a low-risk cancer prognosis and a skilled surgeon show success rates between 76%-98%.
There are two types of prostatectomy surgeries: open and robotic. For both variations the tips below can help patients recover from surgery.
- Keep your catheter and urethra clean.
- Take medicine for pain relief.
- Rest and avoid lifting more than 15 pounds.
- Take note of recovery progress and side effects.
- Talk with your doctor about your recovery.
It’s important to understand that recovery from prostate cancer takes time. In some cases, returning to full health—including sexual health—can take anywhere from 6-12 months. If you’re concerned about the risk of prostate cancer, talk with your primary care physician about the signs and symptoms.