5 Tips For Prostate Surgery Recovery

If you need surgery for benign prostate hyperplasia (BPH), these 5 tips for prostate surgery recovery may help you get well after you have the procedure. The prostate surgery procedure, called transurethral resection of prostate (TURP), relieves the symptoms of benign prostate hyperplasia (BPH). BPH is a condition in which the prostate becomes enlarged, causing difficulty with urination. Excess tissue, which may or may not be cancerous, blocks the urethra. If your doctor recommends the prostate surgery procedure, use these 5 tips to have a smooth and safe recovery:

1. Stay in the hospital for 1 to 3 days or as long as your doctor recommends. The amount of time you spend in the hospital will vary depending on how well you recover from the prostate surgery. During this time, you will have a catheter, which helps flush blood out of the urethra as it heals.
2. You can resume a normal diet right away. Eating a healthy, balanced diet can help your body recover from the trauma of surgery. Avoid drinking alcohol or eating heavy, fatty foods. Drink plenty of water to help flush the bladder.
3. Move around as much as possible. Your doctor or nurse will show you exercises to keep the blood flowing, as well as deep breathing exercises. These help keep blood out of the lungs during your recovery. However, avoid lifting heavy items or operating heavy machinery.
4. Take your medications as prescribed. After prostate surgery, you will be given an antibiotic to help prevent infection. You may also be given a medication to relieve painful bladder spasms that are a side effect of the procedure.
5. Avoid straining while having a bowel movement. This can aggravate the incision from the prostate surgery. If you find that you are constipated, talk to your doctor. He or she may prescribe a laxative.