Leaking Urine After Surgery To Remove The Prostate Gland
Surgery to remove the prostate gland is called radical prostatectomy. Around 70 out of 100 men have problems controlling their bladder 6 months after a radical prostatectomy.
When you wake up from your operation you have a tube into your bladder to drain urine. This is a urinary catheter. You have this in place for a couple of weeks and then you go back to hospital to have the catheter removed.
You’re likely to have some urine leakage when the catheter is taken out. Its a good idea to have a supply of incontinence pads at home and to take a couple with you to hospital. You can buy these at supermarkets and pharmacies.
Its hard to say how long it will take for you to get back your bladder control. This varies between men and depends on:
- the type of surgery you had
- whether you had any problems before or during your operation
Most people get better within 3 to 6 months of their operation. But for some, it takes 1 or 2 years. A small number of men might have permanent urinary problems.
Complications And Recovery After Prostate Surgery
The healing process and possible complications should be well monitored after prostate cancer. As with any surgery, postoperative care and the recovery process is important after prostate surgery. Some complications such as bleeding and pain are quite common in the postoperative period of prostate surgery. In addition, it is recommended to check the patient for the signs of infection in the surgical site.
Less Common Side Effects Of Turp
Less common unwanted effects of surgery include:
- urinary symptoms do not change sometimes surgery does not cure your urinary problems. Even though the blockage has been cleared, the bladder irritability may continue and you may still have symptoms such as being unable to empty your bladder completely, and nocturia
- erectile dysfunction some men are unable to get or maintain an erection sufficient for sexual intercourse after surgery. This is more of a problem for men who had erectile difficulties before their operation. This problem may be treated by medication
- urethral strictures when scarring occurs in and around the urinary tract, it can cause further blockage to urine flow. Strictures may need to be dilated or need further surgery
- urinary incontinence sometimes surgery results in being unable to hold or control the flow of urine. This may be due to continuing bladder problems or, less often, to sphincter muscle damage
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Possible Complications After Prostate Surgery
Radical prostatectomy is major surgery, and as with any surgery, risks are involved. Problems that can occur during or shortly after surgery include:
- Reactions to anesthesia
- Blood clots in the legs or lungs
- Damage to nearby organs
- Infections at the surgery site.
- Rarely, part of the intestine might be injured during surgery, which could lead to infections in the abdomen and might require more surgery to fix. Injuries to the intestines are more common with laparoscopic and robotic surgeries than with the open approach.
- If lymph nodes are removed, a collection of lymph fluid can form and may need to be drained.
- In extremely rare cases, a man can die because of complications of this operation. Your risk depends, in part, on your overall health, your age, and the skill of your surgical team.
To minimize your risk of post-operative bleeding, follow your surgeons instructions on wound care and take any prescribed antibiotics. If you experience any unusual bleeding or other symptoms, be sure to contact your doctor right away.
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Symptomatic treatment of an enlarged prostate usually involves a combination of medication and lifestyle changes. A diet rich in fruits and vegetables may be the best option if you suffer from chronic urination. It will help the body adjust to the increased size of the prostate. Also, taking regular urination intervals will help retrain the bladder to function properly. Inactivity also contributes to urine retention, and cold temperatures can increase the urge to urinate.
Invasive treatment of enlarged prostate includes medication that relieves the pressure on the urethra and bladder. However, if the condition is severe, it may require surgical intervention. If treatment is not successful, the enlarged prostate can become a potentially life-threatening disease. As the hormone levels in the body change, the enlarged prostate can lead to various complications, including urinary retention and even cancer. This is why it is critical to see a doctor for further evaluation.
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What Happens After Urethral Sling Surgery
Patients usually recover from this surgery quickly. Its best to limit demanding activities for approximately six weeks after surgery to avoid having the sling loosen before healing is complete.
After surgery, there may be swelling that makes it difficult to urinate. Youll have a catheter coming out of the urethra for two to three days. After this, the catheter is removed and just about everyone is able to void on their own. In rare cases, the catheter may have to be reinserted for a few days or up to a week if you cannot urinate.
After the swelling goes down, youll gradually be able to urinate on your own and empty your bladder. However, your normal urination pattern may not return for a few weeks.
The majority of men whove had this procedure have been cured of their urinary incontinence and no longer use pads. The others usually improve to the point where they dont use as many pads as they were before.
Cost Of Enlarged Prostate Treatment Without Insurance
At New York Urology Specialists, we offer affordable treatment for men. Our prices are low for patients without insurance and for those who have high insurance copays, high deductibles, or insurance plans that do not cover treatment costs.
At New York Urology Specialists, we offer a flat-fee all-cost-includedRezum procedure. The procedure is performed in our office under local anesthesia. Men from other states can save thousands of dollars over local hospital fees by coming to New York Urology Specialists for treatment. Please contact us for current prices and discounts for patients without insurance or with high insurance deductibles.
At New York Urology Specialists, we offer a flat-fee all-cost-includedUrolift procedure. The procedure is performed in our office under local anesthesia. Men from other states can save thousands of dollars over local hospital fees by coming to New York Urology Specialists for treatment.
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Can This Be A Long
The causes of late Haematuria following endoscopic and open prostatectomywere studied.
More than 400 patients had their urine tested for sediments between 1994-1996, with 90 developing post-surgical cases involving an investigation into possible urological disorders such as cancer or bladder inflammation .
The study found that among the 30 individuals who developed late-stage PCE within two years after surgery, six had legitimate medical reasons behind its occurrence , making them eligible candidates not just suspects.
Urological causes accounted for another eight cases, with the remaining 16 being idiopathic in nature, meaning no specific underlying physical cause could be identified.
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While In The Hospital
It’s important to your recovery to start moving as soon as possible. Most men are out of bed and walking around the unit on the same day as their surgery. Your nurse will assist you until you can manage on your own. When you first get up, raise the head of your bed, take a couple of deep breaths, and allow your body to adjust to the change in position. Dangle your feet over the side of the bed for a few minutes, then slowly stand up. Be careful because getting up too quickly can make you light-headed.
Get out of bed at least three times each day preferably more. This helps prevent lung infections and blood clots. You may be prescribed an injectable blood thinner to further reduce the risk of blood clots. The more time you spend out of bed, the faster you will recover and the faster your bowel function will return to normal. Your nurse will also give you an oral stool softener and mild laxative to prevent constipation.
In addition to walking, you will be encouraged to do two other things that help prevent complications: Use an incentive spirometer , and wear compression stockings while in bed. Both will be provided and the nurses will instruct you on how to use them.
Are There Side Effects From Having A Urinary Catheter
Yes, there can be side effects or unwanted changes in your body when you use a urinary catheter. Side effects are different from person to person. Some people have no or very mild side effects. The good news is that there are ways to deal with most of the side effects. There are several side effects that you may have if you have a urinary catheter. They are bladder spasms, blood in your urine, and infections.
Urinary tract infections. Infections of the urinary tract are very common. An infection is when germs enter your body causing you to have a fever or pain, redness, and swelling in one part of your body. To lower your risk of getting an infection:
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Where Can I Find Prostate Cancer Support Groups
Even though once you complete the surgery you most likely will find yourself cancer-free, the anxiety and stress may never totally go away. The support of your friends and family is essential in these moments, but the most relief you will find is among people that have gone through the same experience.
We advise you to search locally for prostate cancer or cancer survivors support groups and discuss your journey in beating this. You will find there plenty of people that lived through the same emotions and painful experiences and you will gather your strength to overcome this and not let it define the rest of your life.
If physical presence is not an option for you, there are plenty of forums and online communities that gather around this subject. You can find people that share their experiences and advice below:
- https://www.cancerforums.net/forums/14-Prostate-Cancer-Forum
- http://community.prostatecanceruk.org/
- http://www.topix.com/forum/health/prostate-cancer
Prostate cancer surgery is not as severe of a surgery as other ones. The recovery, especially after robotic surgery, usually lasts up to 2 to 3 weeks and patients can return to work and to living their normal lives.
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The Morning Of Your Surgery

Instructions for drinking before your surgery
You can drink a total of 12 ounces of water between midnight and 2 hours before your scheduled arrival time. Do not drink anything else.Do not drink anything starting 2 hours before your scheduled arrival time. This includes water.
Take your medications as instructed
If your healthcare provider told you to take certain medications the morning of your surgery, take only those medications with a sip of water. Depending on what medications you take, this may be all, some, or none of your usual morning medications.
Shower with a 4% CHG solution antiseptic skin cleanser
Shower with a 4% CHG solution antiseptic skin cleanser before you leave for the hospital. Use it the same way you did the night before.
Dont put on any lotion, cream, deodorant, makeup, powder, perfume, or cologne after your shower.
Things to remember
- Wear something comfortable and loose-fitting.
- If you wear contact lenses, wear your glasses instead. Wearing contact lenses during surgery can damage your eyes.
- Dont wear any metal objects. Remove all jewelry, including body piercings. The equipment used during your surgery can cause burns if it touches metal.
- Dont put on any lotion, cream, deodorant, makeup, powder, perfume, or cologne.
- Leave valuable items at home.
What to bring
Once youre in the hospital
Get dressed for surgery
When its time to change for surgery, youll get a hospital gown, robe, and nonskid socks to wear.
Meet with a nurse
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When To See A Doctor
Most people begin to feel better and have an improved urine flow within 4 to 6 weeks after TURP surgery.
Overall, the risk of serious complications after TURP surgery is quite low. But as with all surgeries, there are some potential health risks associated with the procedure that require medical attention and intervention.
Reasons to seek medical attention after TURP surgery include:
- reduced urine flow or urinary symptoms, such as incontinence or urinary urgency 6 weeks post-surgery
- blood in the urine that is severe or lasts longer than 4 to 6 weeks
- severe clots of blood in urine or urine that is entirely red
- weakness and fatigue that does not improve after 4 weeks
- impotence or erectile dysfunction
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A Open Prostate Surgery
The surgeon makes a single, long incision on the skin and carefully removes any inflammation or obstruction around the prostate.
1) Radical retropubic Surgery
The surgeon will make an incision in your lower abdomen, from the belly button to just above the public bone. You can either be under general anesthesia or receive spinal/epidural Numbing alongside sedation during this operation its up to you!
If the surgeon determines that cancer has spread to nearby lymph nodes, they may also remove some of these organs at this time . The nodes are sent off for testing in hopes it will show whether or not there are any signs/symptoms associated with them being locally operated on. Suppose you dont have anything unusual happening within your body. In that case, you wont need extra procedures like laparoscopic surgery, which could lead us down an inevitable path toward worse side effects than before!
2) Radical perinealSurgery
The radical perineal approach is a less-used surgical option because it can lead to erection problems, and the nearby lymph nodes cant be removed. However, this cut may only require an incision in your behind . If youre not concerned about getting hard or having something removed from there, it makes a recovery easier! Of course, the final result will depend on how well the procedure was performed. Still, either way, they both seem pretty effective, so give them both a try before making up your mind.
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Transurethral Electro Resection Of The Prostate
Removing the enlarged part of the prostate is usually the best long-term treatment for an enlarged prostate gland. The portion of the gland that is not squeezing the urethra stays in place. The outside capsule around the gland is also untouched.
Transurethral electro-resection of the prostate is the traditional way to remove prostate tissue using minimally invasive surgical techniques. No outside incision is needed. Theres less pain, fewer complications and faster healing.
Incontinence Pads And Sheets
You might need to wear pads when you first start going out. There are different types of pads. You might be able to get some pads for free on the NHS, although this may depend on the service in your area. Some GP practices have a continence nurse you can see.
It can also help to visit places where you know there are toilets. Or you can telephone beforehand to find out about toilets and how easy they are to get to.
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How Is Contracture Of The Bladder Neck Treated
The contracture may be treated by dilation, a nonsurgical procedure that can be performed in a doctorâs office. Tubes of increasing diameter are inserted through the urethra so that the opening can be gradually widened to allow a urinary catheter to be inserted to drain urine from the bladder.
A surgical procedure called a transurethral incision may be performed to relieve symptoms of bladder neck contracture. It is performed while the patient is under anesthesia. A resectoscope is inserted through the urethra to allow the surgeon to visualize the bladder neck. Using the cystoscope, tiny incisions can be made in the bladder neck to open it so that the urine can flow more easily out of the bladder.
Possible Side Effects Of Prostate Surgery
Radical prostatectomy is the most common surgery for prostate cancer. It removes the entire prostate gland and some of the surrounding tissue.
The major possible side effects of radical prostatectomy are urinary incontinence and erectile dysfunction. However, these side effects can also occur with other forms of prostate cancer treatment.
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Your Care After Radical Prostatectomy
You have been diagnosed with prostate cancer. Your type of treatment for prostate cancer depends on the extent and stage of your cancer. Treatment options include:
-
Watchful waiting
Hormone ablation therapy
This handout tells you what to expect after surgery for prostate cancer. You can have either the robotic-assisted laparoscopic prostatectomy or the open radical retropubic prostatectomy. The perineal prostatectomy is rarely done. The entire prostate gland is removed. In some cases, we may biopsy the lymph nodes in the pelvis and lower abdomen.
RoboticAssisted Laparoscopic Prostatectomy
You will have 5-6 small incisions in your lower abdomen. We close these incisions with glue on the skin surface. You will likely stay in the hospital for one night.
Open Retropubic Radical Prostatectomy
You will have one incision from your belly button down to your pubic bone. We close the incision with staples on the skin surface. We will take the staples out at your 2 week follow-up visit. You will stay in the hospital two nights.
Perineal Radical Prostatectomy
You will have an incision between the scrotum and the rectum. We will close the incision with sutures that will dissolve over time. You will likely be in the hospital two nights.
Risks of Surgery
-
Scarring at the bladder neck
Before Surgery
To be in the best health before surgery:
Diet