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Prostate removal - Recovery

Alternative Names

Prostatectomy; Suprapubic prostatectomy; Transurethral resection of the prostate; TURP; Open prostatectomy; Laser prostatectomy; Transurethral needle ablation; TUNA

Expectations after surgery:

Most men who have prostate surgery have improved symptoms and urine flow rates.

TURP usually can relieve the symptoms of an enlarged prostate. However, reports find that within 10 years, about 20% of men will need another surgery to remove more prostate tissue.

Patients who have less-invasive procedures such as TUMT or TUNA are more likely to need surgery again in 5-10 years.

Patients recovering from surgery for an enlarged prostate may have:

Blood in the urine
Burning with urination
Frequent or urgent urination

Convalescence:

The hospital stay after open prostatectomy is 4 - 7 days. Complete recovery from surgery can take 3 weeks.

To help you recover:

Drink plenty of fluids to help flush liquids through the bladder.
Avoid coffee, cola drinks, and alcoholic beverages because these can irritate the bladder and urethra.
Do not do any lifting for 3 - 4 weeks.
Use a stool softener to help prevent constipation, which can delay the healing process.

Male reproductive anatomy

Prostate gland

Prostatectomy - series

TURP - series

Reviewed last on: 9/7/2008
Louis S. Liou, MD, PhD, Assistant Professor of Urology, Department of Surgery, Boston University School of Medicine. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, A.D.A.M., Inc.

References

Kirby R, Lepor H. Evaluation and Nonsurgical Management of Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia. In: Wein AJ, ed. Campbell-Walsh Urology. 9th ed. Philadelphia, Pa: Saunders Elsevier; 2007; chap 87.

Roehrborn CG, McConnell JD. Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia: Etiology, Pathophysiology, Epidemiology, and Natural History. In: Wein AJ, ed. Campbell-Walsh Urology. 9th ed. Philadelphia, Pa: Saunders Elsevier; 2007; chap 86.

Fitzpatrick JM. Minimally Invasive and Endoscopic Management of Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia. In: Wein AJ, ed. Campbell-Walsh Urology. 9th ed. Philadelphia, Pa: Saunders Elsevier; 2007; chap 88.

Mattiasson A, Wagrell L, Schelin S, Nordling J, Richthoff J, Magnusson B, et al. Five-year follow-up of feedback microwave thermotherapy versus TURP for critical BPH, a prospective randomized multicenter study. Urology. 2007;69:91-96.

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