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What to expect
Return to activity
Follow up schedule
When to go to emergency
What to expect
- Bruising and swelling – Minor bruising and swelling around the incisions and abdomen is common and will resolve over time.
- Dressings and wounds – You will have small incisions where the robotic instruments entered. These will be covered with waterproof dressings initially and will be reviewed by a nurse when you return to have your catheter removed.
- Sutures – The sutures holding the incisions together are absorbable and do not need to be removed.
- Catheter – You will leave Hospital with a urinary catheter to allow healing of the anastomosis (area where bladder is sutured to the urethra). This will be removed 10-14 days post operatively. Some urine leakage, blood staining and discomfort is common.
- Pain – It is normal to experience some pain or discomfort; you will be discharged from hospital with painkillers.
Return to activity
- Driving – no driving for at least 2 weeks following surgery.
- Work – you will require some time off work. The duration depends on your occupation (please discuss with your surgeon).
- Lifting – avoid heavy lifting or straining to open bowels for 6 weeks after surgery, to minimize the risk of secondary bleeding or hernia.
- Activities – walking is fine and encouraged after surgery. Strenuous activity including running, gym, golf, cycling and swimming should be avoided for 6 weeks.
Follow up schedule
- Removal of urinary Catheter 10-14 days post operatively.
- Routine follow up is conducted after 8 weeks with a PSA blood test.
When to go to emergency
- Uncontrolled pain – despite discharge medication.
- Fever, chills or shakes – this may indicate infection.
- Blood clots or blocked catheter – if your catheter stops draining, please contact our rooms immediately or present to your closest emergency department; the catheter is not to be removed/replaced without discussion with your surgeon.