Discharge Instructions for Laser Prostatectomy

Activity

• Limit physical activity for the first week after surgery. This will give your body time to rest and heal.

• Ask your doctor before going back to your normal activity level.

• Don't go for long car rides. Don’t drive until your doctor says it’s OK. This is often after your catheter is removed and you're no longer taking pain medicine.

• Don’t lift anything heavier than 10 pounds until your doctor says it’s OK.

• Don't climb stairs or do any strenuous exercise. Also, don't do chores such as mowing the lawn or vacuuming until your doctor says it’s OK.

Other home care

• If your doctor prescribed antibiotics, take them as directed. Do not stop taking them just because you feel better. You need to take the full course of antibiotics. They help keep you from getting an infection.

• Eat high-fiber foods to prevent constipation. Also use laxatives, stool softeners, or enemas as directed by your doctor.

• You should receive an information sheet about caring for your urinary catheter. Ask for a sheet if you did not receive one. Follow the sheet’s instructions. They should include:

  • Keep the catheter well secured to the leg or belly (abdomen).

  • Use leg bags, external (straight drainage) bags, or both.

  • Empty the bag when it’s half full. You may see some blood in the bag. Don’t be alarmed. This is normal after surgery and while the catheter is in place.

  • Use mild, plain soap and water to wash the head of your penis. Wash it daily or more often if needed.

  • Wash the catheter daily with plain soap and water to prevent infection.

• Return to your normal diet.

• Drink plenty of fluids during the day (enough to keep your urine light colored). This will help keep urine flowing freely.

• Make sure your doctor clears you for baths so that your incisions heal well. You can shower as normal.

• Wear loose-fitting sweatpants while the catheter is in place. Sweatpants are more comfortable than other pant styles.

• After surgery, it can take time for sexual function to fully return. Stay away from sexual activity for 3 to 4 weeks. In some cases, semen enters the bladder rather than out of the penis (retrograde ejaculation.) It is not dangerous.

Follow-up

Make a follow-up appointment as directed by your doctor.

Call 911

Call 911 right away if you have shortness of breath.

When to call your doctor

Call your doctor right away if:

• You have a fever of 100.4°F (38°C) or higher, or as directed by your doctor.

• You have shaking chills.

• You have hives or a skin rash.

• You have nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea.

• Your catheter falls out or stops draining.

• There's a foul-smelling discharge from your catheter or urethra (at tip of penis).