Recovery Time after Robotic Prostate Surgery

I will be having robotic surgery next month.  I am a single man and I live alone.  How many days or weeks should I have a live-in helpper once I come home from the hospital?  I prefer to stay home alone, I have too many women and family members offering to move in to help me.  Am I expected to be very sore, that I can not do for myself?  How long should I have to wear the bag after the prostate surgery?  Any suggestions as how to prepare for the robotic surgery?  Thanks I am a nervous reck.  I am 70 yrs old.  I have a very healthy sex life and is very active.

[Ash Tewari, MD, M.Ch.]

Dear BOWLING07:

Predictably, recovery after robotic prostatectomy varies from patient to patient. This is often determinant upon the activity level and overall health of the patient. Most of my patients are on a prescribed exercise regimen. This translates to three miles of light walking every day prior to surgery and immediate walking after surgery. In my experience men who are of good health generally return to work at or around 2 weeks. It is important not to perform any heavy lifting of other strenuous activity immediately following surgery.

I would predict some gas pain after to surgery, but this resolves generally in 48-36 hours after the first stool is passed. Generally my patients have their catheters removed at 7-10 days after surgery. It is essential that you follow-up with your urologist following surgery and follow the regimen of activity and diet prescribed by your physician.

Best,

Ash Tewari, MD

[kellogg249]

A related discussion, side effects of surgery was started.