Discharge Instructions for Laser Prostatectomy

You had a procedure called laser prostatectomy. During this surgical procedure, part of your prostate gland was removed. This was done to ease urinary problems due to prostate enlargement. Here are some instructions to help you care for yourself once you are back home.

Activity

• Limit physical activity for the first week after surgery. This will give your body time to rest and heal.

• Ask your healthcare provider before going back to your normal activity level.

• Don't go for long car rides. Don’t drive until your provider says it’s OK. This is often after your catheter is removed and you're no longer taking pain medicine.

• Don’t lift anything heavier than 10 pounds until your provider says it’s OK.

• Don't climb stairs or do any strenuous exercise. Also, don't do chores such as mowing the lawn or vacuuming until your provider says it’s OK.

Other home care

• Finish all of the antibiotics your healthcare provider prescribed to you, even if you feel better. Antibiotics help keep you from getting an infection.

• Eat high-fiber foods to prevent constipation. Also use laxatives, stool softeners, or enemas as directed by your provider.

• You should receive an information sheet about caring for your urinary catheter. Ask for a sheet if you did not receive one. Follow the sheet’s instructions, some of which should include:

  • Keep the catheter well secured to the leg or belly (abdomen).

  • Use leg bags, external (straight drainage) bags, or both.

  • Empty the bag when it’s half full. You may see some blood in the bag. Don’t be alarmed. This is normal after surgery and while the catheter is in place.

  • Use plain soap and water to wash the head of your penis daily. Or wash it more often if needed.

  • Wash the catheter daily with plain soap and water to prevent infection.

• Return to your normal diet.

• Drink plenty of fluids during the day (enough to keep your urine light colored). This will help keep urine flowing freely.

• Shower as normal.

• Wear loose-fitting sweatpants while the catheter is in place. Sweatpants are more comfortable than other pant styles. 

Follow-up

Make a follow-up appointment as directed by your healthcare provider.

Call 911

Call 911 right away if you have:

• Shortness of breath

When to call your healthcare provider

Call your healthcare provider right away if you have:

• Fever of 100.4°F (38°C) or higher, or as directed by your provider

• Shaking chills

• Hives or skin rash

• Nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea

• Catheter falls out or stops draining

• Foul-smelling discharge from your catheter or urethra (at tip of penis)