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Radical Prostatectomy Discharge Teaching Instructions

You will be discharged from the hospital with a Foley catheter to drain urine from your bladder. This will remain in for approximately 2 to 3 weeks from the date of surgery.

To care for your catheter follow these instructions:

  • Clean the end of your penis (meatus) and catheter 3 times/day with a soapy wash cloth and apply bacitracin ointment.

  • During the day you may wear the leg bag to collect your urine, and at night change to a larger drainage bag.

  • Cleanse the inside end of catheter and bag tubing with separate betadine or alcohol wipe each time you change over bags.
  • Rinse the catheter bag with warm soapy water after each use. Wear a leg strap to secure the catheter loosely to your leg.
Diet:

  • Eat a high fiber diet try to avoid constipation.

  • Drink plenty of fluids at least 6-8 cups/day.

    Notify your doctor if any of the following occur:

  • Signs and symptoms of wound infection:
    •

Drainage, Redness , or Warmth of the incision. Keep the wound area clean and dry.

  • Temperature greater than 101 degrees.

  • Leg swelling or leg tenderness.

    You may experience:

  • A dull achiness in rectal area.

  • Swelling of your genitals (usually within the first week (elevate scrotum with towel while in bed)

  • Bladder spasms causing leaking of urine around the catheter and an urgency to urinate. This may also occur when having a bowel movement.

  • You will be incontinent of urine when your catheter first comes out. Don’t be discouraged, only a small percentage of men do not regain urine control.

  • To help you to regain bladder control. Practice doing "Sphincter exercises". That is: Tighten and relax of your muscles that you use to have a bowel movement. Do this several time a day

    • Activity:

  • Continue to walk as tolerated, avoid overexertion.

  • Avoid any strenuous activity until you receive permission from you doctor.

  • Avoid heavy lifting.

Home supplies:

1- leg bag

1-night bag

1-Irrigation kit

1-Catheter leg Strap.

  • If you develop problems call Dr. Qualey or Dr. Paul during clinic hours at 828-1418. After clinic hours call the Medical Message Center at 828-7575 and they will contact your physician.