Life after prostate removal (radical prostatectomy) involves adjusting to potential urinary incontinence and erectile dysfunction (ED), which often improve significantly but can require management like pelvic floor exercises, medications, or lifestyle changes, with permanent infertility and "dry orgasms" being expected, though overall quality of life can remain high with support and patience. Recovery varies, but focusing on physical rehab, open communication with partners, and emotional support helps manage the journey.
You may wonder if you can survive or live without a prostate. The answer is yes. Prostatectomy, like any surgery, comes with some risks and side effects. Your healthcare team works to lower these risks.
You are likely to have problems controlling your bladder after a radical prostatectomy. Being unable to control when you pee and leaking urine is called incontinence. You might also need to pass urine more often than usual, and it might be harder to hold it in.
A traditional, open radical prostatectomy requires two days hospitalization and recovery lasting about 2 months. With robotic-assisted surgery, the recovery time is as little as 2-3 weeks.
How can you care for yourself at home?
A radical prostatectomy is a major operation with some possible side effects. You may not need this type of surgery if you have a slow growing prostate cancer.
Bleeding and Infection: Primary Immediate Dangers
Bleeding and infection are big dangers right after prostate surgery. They need careful care after the surgery. These issues can really affect how well you recover and the success of the surgery.
Prostate removal is major surgery, so expect some soreness and pain. You'll receive IV pain medications at first, and your doctor may prescribe you pain medication to use at home. You will also have a urinary catheter in place for about the first week, which you might find uncomfortable.
However, for most men, regaining full control of their urine is a gradual process that takes several weeks or months. By six months, most men who were continent before the surgery no longer need pads, though some prefer to wear just a liner for security even if they do not leak.
Yes, healthcare providers generally consider a prostatectomy to be a major surgery. A surgeon will surgically remove part or all of your prostate. Some surgery techniques are less invasive than others. Your surgeon will explain which technique they recommend and why.
Modern, robot-assisted, minimally invasive surgery uses small incisions and computer-controlled instruments. Open prostatectomy requires a longer recovery time than the minimally invasive one. Abstaining from alcohol for several weeks after prostatectomy is recommended to avoid irritating the bladder.
After radical prostatectomy, mental health issues are frequently associated with urinary and sexual symptoms, namely urinary incontinence, erectile dysfunction, and sexual impotence, resulting in symptoms of depression and reduced quality of life one year after surgery [10,11,12].
Removing the prostate makes it easier to look for future rises in PSA levels that may show the cancer has come back.
Many men feel depressed and anxious after prostate surgery. These feelings can come from the surgery, hormone changes, or the shock of a cancer diagnosis.
Urine Catheter/Urinary Control
The catheter will remain for approximately six to nine days after the operation. We will attach the catheter to a leg bag that you can hide under your pants. At nighttime, we recommend that you switch to a regular urinary bag that you place on the side of the bed.
Can I live without a prostate? Yes. But if it's removed, you won't be able to have children without seeing a reproductive specialist. There may be some issues with sexual or urinary function.
Side effects of prostatectomy. The major possible side effects of radical prostatectomy are: Urinary incontinence (being unable to control urine) Erectile dysfunction (problems getting or keeping erections)
Possibility of Prostate Regrowth
Over time, the remaining prostate tissue can continue to grow, leading to a recurrence of symptoms. Studies indicate that regrowth rates vary, with some patients experiencing significant regrowth within five to ten years post-surgery.
Until you can urinate on your own, you will need to have a thin, flexible tube called a catheter placed into your penis. It carries urine out of your bladder. Urinary tract infection. This type of infection can happen after any prostate procedure.
A person may develop IBS following a prostatectomy. IBS symptoms include abdominal pain with bowel movements. Other possible symptoms can include: diarrhea, constipation, or both.
You may also have a spinal anaesthetic so you can't feel anything in your lower body afterwards, to make you more comfortable. The operation usually takes two to four hours but can take longer. As well as the prostate, your surgeon will also take out the seminal vesicles.
One or more of these prostate cancer treatments may be recommended, and for some men, surgery is never necessary.
While prostate removal surgery may result in some side effects, such as erectile dysfunction and urinary incontinence, these are often treatable. However, in some cases, surgery may result in infertility.
The prostate sits below the bladder and in front of the rectum, so problems in one area can affect the other. While a severely enlarged prostate can put pressure on the rectum and make bowel movements more difficult, this is uncommon.
Diet is key. Drink plenty of fluids throughout the day as the bowel prep will make you lose fluid. Clear liquids are best. You should stop eating or drinking by midnight.