For early prostate cancer, removal of the prostate is often the best course of action, which will get rid of the entire tumor as long as it is still confined to the prostate. Surgery recovery involves a few minor short term problems, such as having to wear a catheter and dealing with urinary incontinence and constipation. Long term problems generally involve erectile dysfunction, which can sometimes be permanent and thus other solutions, such as Viagra, must be used.

There will be a catheter in place in your urethra for about a week, as well as a drainage tube coming out of your abdomen to drain fluids from the surgery. The drain will typically be removed rather quickly, but the catheter will have to remain in for about a week or so. Oral pain killers will be given to help deal with any lingering pain from the operation. Where the catheter enters the urethra will need to be washed in a shower daily, although baths are off-limits at first.

Bowel movements will be abnormal at first, with lots of constipation and so stool softenters will be prescribed. Light, small meals and clear liquids should be consumed at first, until bowel movements return to normal, which should be in a few days.

One problem you may have is with swelling of the scrotum. This is a harmless condition that usually doesn’t cause any pain, but you may need to wear some kind of support and keep it elevated until the swelling goes back down. It will also be recommended that you get some regular activity, such as walking, as much as possible when you are able. This will help to facilitate the healing process.

After about a week, the catheter will be removed and you will be given a set of instructions for getting your urinary control back to normal. At first, you will probably experience urinary incontinence, but only a few days should be necessary for getting this under control. Sexual ability, however, is the big problem with prostate surgery. Recovery in this area can take months or years, and it may never return to the same level. Erectile dysfunction is the big problem, and Viagra is often prescribed, as well as a vacuum pump.

Prostate surgery recovery in general is often very fast, with only a few inconveniences in the short term. Erectile dysfunction is often the long term side effect, although depending on the extent of the tumor and the skill of the surgeon, sometimes nerve-sparing surgery can be attempted which will leave erection ability intact.