Scheduled For Prostate Cancer Surgery? How To Prepare For The Procedure
If you've been diagnosed with prostate cancer, and you're scheduled for surgery, now's the time to make some preparations. Your doctor will provide you with post-operative recovery instructions, which you should follow. However, there are steps you should take prior to surgery, as well. These steps will help to ensure a better recovery for you. Here are four steps you should take before your scheduled surgery.
Understand the Procedure
If you're going in for prostate cancer surgery, the first thing you need to do is familiarise yourself with the process. There are three different types of prostate cancer surgery. Those are robot-assisted radical prostatectomy, open radical prostatectomy, and simple prostatectomy. The robot-assisted radical prostatectomy is a minimally invasive procedure that allows for a speedier recovery period. The open radical prostatectomy is an invasive surgery technique that removes the entire prostate. The simple prostatectomy is a simpler procedure that involves the removal of a portion of the prostate. Your doctor will be able to discuss the type of surgery you'll be undergoing.
Learn Proper Catheter Care
If you're scheduled for prostate cancer surgery, it's important that you learn proper catheter care. During surgery, you'll receive a urinary catheter, which will remain in place for at least a couple of weeks following the procedure. The medical staff will teach you how to care for your catheter once you go home. You'll need to follow those instructions. While you have the catheter in place, be sure to let your doctor know if you experience any pain or discharge from the catheter.
Plan for Recovery Comfort
Now that you're planning for your prostate cancer surgery, be sure to plan for recovery comfort. You can expect to experience some discomfort once you get home. One way to alleviate the discomfort is to take your prescription pain medication as prescribed by your doctor. Another way to ensure your comfort is to have a doughnut cushion on hand when you return home from surgery. You might experience some discomfort and pressure in your pelvic region, especially when sitting. You can alleviate the discomfort by sitting on a doughnut cushion until you've completely healed.
Make Some Lifestyle Changes
Now that you're scheduled for prostate cancer surgery, you'll need to make a few lifestyle changes; at least until after you've recovered. To ensure a successful surgery and recovery, it's important that you refrain from smoking, or from consuming alcoholic beverages. These practices can interfere with the healing process.
For more information about prostate cancer surgery, talk to your doctor.
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