Recovery differs after an operation for an enlarged prostate and removal of the prostate for cancer. Use your surgeon's discharge instructions for your exact operation, medicines and activity limits.
Illustrative image — not a hospital or patient photograph.
Understand your early recovery
Some operations can cause temporary burning, urgency, light bleeding or urine leakage. Ask what is expected after your procedure and contact the team if symptoms worsen rather than steadily improve.
Use prescribed medicines as directed. Confirm any changes to your usual medicines and exactly when to restart a medicine that was paused, particularly blood thinners.
Return to activity gradually
Walk gently and increase activity within your discharge plan. Avoid heavy lifting or strenuous exercise until your team says it is safe; return-to-work, driving and sex advice depends on the operation.
Keep stools soft with suitable fibre and the fluid amount agreed with your team. Ask for help with constipation rather than straining; take bowel medicines only if advised.
Follow the catheter and review plan
If you go home with a catheter, follow the taught care routine and keep the removal appointment. Do not pull it out yourself. Know whom to contact if drainage stops.
Start pelvic floor exercises when your team advises. Attend reviews for urinary control and any tissue results; after cancer surgery, keep the specific cancer follow-up plan. Ask about sexual recovery if needed.
