Anne Arundel Urology

Transurethral Resection of the Prostate (TURP) and Greenlight Laser Photoselective Vaporization of the Prostate (PVP)

Your recent prostate surgery requires very special post hospital care. Despite the fact that no skin incisions were made, the operative site in the prostate is quite raw and is covered with only a thin layer of tissue which prevents bleeding. Certain precautions are needed to ensure that this healing layer is not disturbed over the next 6 (six) weeks.

Because of the raw surface around your prostate and the irritating effects of urine, you may expect frequency of urination and/or urgency (a strong desire to urinate) and perhaps even more getting up at night. This will usually resolve or improve slowly over the healing period. You may see some blood in your urine over the first six weeks. Do not be alarmed, even if the urine was clear for a while. If you should have bleeding, decrease your activity and drink plenty of fluids until it clears again.

Diet

You may return to your normal diet immediately. Because of the raw surface, alcohol, spicy foods and drinks with caffeine, carbonation, etc. may cause some irritation or frequency, and should be used in moderation. To keep your urine flowing freely and to avoid constipation, drink plenty of fluids during the day (8-10 glasses).

Activity

Your physical activity is to be restricted, especially during the first two weeks. During this time use the following guidelines:

  1. No heavy lifting or straining (anything greater than 10 lbs.) for 4 weeks.
  2. No driving a car and limit long car rides for the first several days.
  3. NO strenuous exercise.
  4. NO sexual intercourse until authorized by one of your doctors (usually at least 2 weeks).
  5. NO severe straining during bowel movements - take a laxative if necessary.

***ANYTHING THAT CAUSES ABDOMINAL STRAINING MUST BE AVOIDED***

Bowels

It is important to keep your bowels regular during the post-operative period. The rectum and the prostate are adjacent to each other and any very large and/or hard stools that require straining can cause bleeding. A bowel movement every other day is reasonable. Use a mild, over-the-counter laxative if needed and call if you are having problems. (Miralax, Milk of Magnesia or Dulcolax tablets for example).

Medications

You should resume your pre-surgery medication unless told not to. In addition, you will often be given an antibiotic to prevent infection. These should be taken as prescribed unless you are having an unusual reaction to the antibiotic. Unless otherwise directed, aspirin should be held for 2 weeks. Resuming any other blood thinners (Coumadin aka warfarin, Plavix, etc.) will determined on an individual basis and should be discussed with your surgeon.

Problems You Should Report To Us

Follow-Up

Call to schedule a postoperative follow-up appointment in 14 days.

Office phone 8 AM to 4 PM Weekdays – (410) 266-8049
After 4 pm, Weekends and Holidays – (443) 481-3003