Wounds and dressings
We recommend leaving the wound dressings in place for 48 hours after surgery. The dressings are showerproof but if you think they have become wet and not attached properly, please remove them. When you remove the dressing it might be more comfortable to do this in the shower, pat the skin dry with a clean towel or air dry. If needed, apply a new dressing to protect you from catching the clips. Look for signs of infection such as redness (redness may be harder to see on brown or black skin) around the wound (more than 2cm), pain, swelling, leaking or odour. If you are worried about your wound, please contact the practice nurse at your GP surgery.
Pain management
Managing pain well will help your recovery. Below is a video about pain relief after surgery. This video is not specific to your surgery, but all of the information is relevant. Access Acute Pain Management video (opens in new window) >
For advice about pain relief at home, please access painkillers to take home patient information leaflet (opens in new window) >
Eating and drinking
Food and drink provide essential nutrients needed by our bodies to heal and recover after surgery. Try to eat healthily before and after your operation. If your appetite is affected, try eating little and often.
Bowel
It is common for your bowel movements to be altered after your operation (poo more often or less than before or more urgently). This is caused by many things, such as the anaesthetic, painkillers, change in diet and reduced mobility. When you leave hospital, you will be provided with some laxatives. If you become constipated, please take the laxatives following the instructions. If your constipation persists and you are unable to poo, please call the Surgical Assessment Unit (SAU) or Same Day Emergency Care (SDEC) using the telephone numbers in the 'key contacts' list at the top of the page. Do not use enemas or suppositories at home as they could cause injury to the rectum (bottom).
Exercise and fitness
Exercising and keeping fit helps our bodies to stay healthy. Before you go home after your operation, you will see the physiotherapist who will give you advice about your mobility and provide you with the following patient information leaflets:
When you feel able to exercise, do so gradually and build up slowly. If you would like advice on fitness and exercise, please contact Derby County Community Trust or Burton Albion Community Trust.
Catheter and catheter removal
After your operation you will have a catheter. When you leave hospital, you will be given a 'catheter passport' booklet. Access my urinary catheter passport (opens in new window) >
Pelvic floor exercises
After removal of your catheter, you will be asked to perform pelvic floor exercises. These exercises will help you to regain control of your bladder. For more information:
Difficulty achieving an erection
Your ability to get and keep an erection will be affected by this operation. For more information, access video about erection advice after prostate removal (opens in new window) >
Leaving hospital
Access leaving hospital page > for general advice about leaving hospital (this is not specific to your operation).
Further information
If you need any further information or have any questions, please see the 'key contacts' list at the top of the page and contact the relevant person. If you are unsure who to contact, please telephone your consultant's secretary who will advise you.
