Textbook of
Robotic Urologic
Surgery.



Release Date:
January, 2007

Michael Esposito,
Vincent Lanteri
&
Jeffrey Stock

ROBOTIC RADICAL PROSTATECTOMY | Erection Rehabilitation | Foley Catheter Instructions | Pre-Op Instructions

POST OPERATIVE INSTRUCTIONS:
ROBOTIC LAPAROSCOPIC RADICAL PROSTATECTOMY

The majority of patients are discharged on postoperative day number one following this procedure.

Patients are considered for discharge provided they:

1  Can tolerate liquids and solid food
2. Are without fever
3. Able to walk independently
4. Have been instructed and are able to care for the Foley bladder catheter
5. Have minimal pain which is relieved by oral pain medication
6. Have an active intestinal tract (pass flatus/ gas or have a bowel movement)

A drainage tube was inserted and in most cases it will be removed prior to discharge and the site covered with a bandage. This site will remain slightly open and will take several days to dry up and begin to heal.

The other incision sites will be covered by butterfly stitches and these will fall off on their own. Please allow these to come off on their own either in the shower or otherwise.

The catheter must be protected and cleaned 2-3 times daily with warm water where it enters the penis. Putting Lidocaine jelly (provide thru the hospital) on the tip of your penis few times a day while the catheter is in place can help reduce the discomfort at the tip of the penis which you may or may not experience. Do not allow the catheter to pull or tug. For general catheter instructions click here.

Keep your urine flowing freely by drinking plenty of water during the day
(6- 8 glasses), preferably before 8PM.

You may have blood in the urine (red or pink urine) If this occurs get off your feet and rest quietly, drink more fluids, Call our office if bleeding persists or increases.

If you do not have a follow up appointment with our office, please call on the next business day to schedule an appointment for your catheter removal. Please bring 1 or 2 small incontinence pads and a change of underpants on your appointment for your catheter removal.

Avoid straining during bowel movements and take the stool softener as prescribed (Colace 100 mg. twice daily, which is over the counter).

You may shower at home. Do not soak in bath or swim in a pool. Eat and drink what you like (eat lightly), but restrict to the use of alcohol, spicy foods, and caffeine.

Take all your regular medication and those prescribed to you upon discharge, including pain relievers as needed and antibiotics. Do not resume aspirin or blood thinners until instructed to do so.

If you have a reaction to the medicine - discontinue its use and call the office for further instructions.

Don't be afraid of physical activity, but be careful not to overdo it, especially until your scheduled appointment to have your catheter removed. We recommend multiple short walks throughout the day before your follow-up visit.

We strongly recommend that you:

DO NOT DRIVE
DO NOT TAKE LONG RIDES IN THE CAR
DO NOT STRAIN YOURSELF OR EXERCISE
DO NOT CLIMB STAIRS FAST
DO NOT PERFORM HEAVY LIFTING
DO NOT PLAY SPORTS
 

CONTACT US IMMEDIATELY IF:

• You have any lower leg or ankle swelling or pain

• Temperature over 101

• Urine stops draining from your catheter into the bag

• You have pain that is not relieved by the prescribed medication

• You have a large amount of blood clots in your urine

• You have bladder spasms that are not relieved by your pain medication
   

YOU MAY EXPERIENCE:

Bruising around any incision sites: This is normal and will go away in a short period of time

Constipation: If you don't have a bowel movement within 48 hours after surgery, take Milk of Magnesia 1 oz. three times a day until your first bowel movement. You may also eat dry prunes 5-8 after each meal.

Penile / Scrotal Bruising and/or swelling: This is normal. It should go away in about 14 days. You can also use a Jockey or snug fitting underwear.

Bladder Spasms: This is normal. You may feel bladder pain or cramping, a sudden urge to urinate, or burning sensation weather you have a catheter in or not. You may also have leaking around the catheter, if you experience any of the above and feel that it is uncontrolled or severe, please call our office. 

Perineal Pain: (area between your rectum & scrotum) this is normal. It may last several weeks after surgery. You may feel more comfortable using a donut shaped pillow. Call us if the pain medication does not help.

Keep in mind that pain medication will constipate you, extra strength Tylenol is preferred.

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 Radical Prostatectomy (prostate removal)

New Jersey Center for Prostate Cancer and Urology has two locations:
in Maywood at 255 W. Spring Valley Avenue and in Monmouth Medical Center at 255 Third Ave., Long Branch.
Call us for more information: Maywood (201) 487-8866 Monmouth Medical Center (732) 403-5506