The 5 most important things to know about recovering from radical prostatectomy with Dr. Vu Truong

Dr. Vu Truong is Urologist specialized in radical prostatectomy, specifically laparascopic surgery in Vancouver, B.C.

1. [00:15] Only your urologist should remove and/or re-insert the catheter: When something goes wrong with the catheter after you leave the hospital, remember that only your urologist should manipulate it. The anastomosis placed inside your penis can be damaged easily which can have huge impacts on your urinary continence and voiding function.
2. [01:43] Regaining control of your bladder: The faster you learn how to control your bladder, the faster you will recover from the surgery. Strongly recommended is to see a pelvic floor physiotherapist.
3. [03:07] Catheter care: Catheter doesn’t require any special treatment. You just need to clean it with soap and clean water, and learn how to connect the tube to the bag and empty the bag.
4. [04:28] Wound care: If you had an open prostatectomy, you’ll have an incision in your lower abdomen which will be closed using surgical staples or absorbable sutures. You will need to go see your surgeon to get the staples out. For absorbable sutures, you don’t need to do anything.
5. [06:20] When to see your urologist: You will need to go see to your urologist 7 to 21 days after the surgery. After that, PSA is done every 3 months for the first year of the surgery, and 6 months for Year 2 through 5, and annually indefinitely. For more info visit http://ifiweretom.ca