Prostate Cancer Surgery Recovery Time

Typically patients will stay in the hospital overnight after surgery and then need to recuperate at home for one to two weeks before returning to work.

Prostate cancer surgery recovery time. Most men return to work within one to six weeks. Typically the catheter will stay in place for 24 hours for procedures that shrink the prostate and up to two weeks for surgeries that remove the prostate tissue. Most patients can return to full activity within four weeks of the procedure. Within a week you should increase the amount you are walking.

You won t be able to drive immediately after a prostatectomy so arrange for a ride to and from the hospital. You can probably go home in two or three days. After surgery a catheter thin flexible tube is inserted through the penis and into the bladder. What to expect after prostate cancer surgery.

Within a few hours of the surgery most patients are able to move around and eat a normal dinner. If you work from home you could return to work sooner. Most people take off work for three to four weeks. Follow your doctor s post surgery instructions carefully.

The catheter needs to be in place until your urethra heals usually about two or three weeks. A foley catheter will remain in place until your surgeon thinks it should be removed. While you are in the hospital you will probably be given pain medication by mouth and through a vein intravenously in your hand. That s because surgery can injure any of the nerves muscles and blood vessels involved in getting an erection.

By one month after surgery your life should start getting back to normal. Adhere to all activity. One month after surgery. Men should refrain from jobs that require lifting and strenuous physical activity for six weeks.

You can usually leave the hospital after 1 to 2 days and return to normal activities in 1 to 2 weeks. It remains in place for about a day to help urine drain while the prostate heals. After the surgery you may experience ed for a few weeks a year or longer. Different men will feel they are able to return to work at different times depending on their operation and the success of their recovery.

Once you arrive home following the procedure try walking every hour for at least 10 minutes. Ask your doctor. 9 tips for recovering from prostate removal. Doctors recommend no strenuous activity or heavy lifting for at least one month after surgery.