What aftercare following Robotic Prostatectomy

Hi,

I had no specific aftercare except for a couple of calls from specialist nurses to check that I was doing ok (which I was).

My dressings were removed at the catheter appointment 9 days after surgery. So my only need to go to hospital was for that appointment.

Everything else was easy to cope with as self care at home. Catheters are annoying, but no real problem. Bag changes were a breeze. Self administered tummy jabs were way easier than expected. Only needed a few paracetamol, so no pain killer issues.

I expect every hospital is different how they handle things. For example, my catheter appointment was quite long and convoluted as they did a bladder ultrasound after two hours with lots to drink and walking around, but I have heard of others who did it at home on their own!

Wishing you all the best with your surgery and hope your recovery is as speedy as possible!

Thanks so much for reply  and well wishes , that was what I was hoping to hear and had been my thoughts that I only go back to hospital for catheter removal , it was just after reading somewhere about the district nurses coming round visits and staple removals that through me , especially as I won’t have a district nurse,

glad to hear that everything is going well for you , long May it continue 

thanks again

Nick

Hi,

I was done via NHS. I did have a visit from a district nurse, but just a drop in to check all was ok. My dressings were changed the day after surgery, before going home, then were left until I had my catheter removed. I was given spare plasters if needed, but they all stayed put so I didn't need to change any.

I'm now 6 weeks post op and all is feeling pretty good, considering how recent the surgery was.

All the best, let us all know how it goes!

Thank you sir much appreciated and glad all is going well for you

Had my op on the NHS in London and needed very little aftercare.  The wounds from the robotic surgery were sealed with glue so there were no dressings or staples.  I opted for home removal of my catheter so I had a nurse on the end of the phone whilst I did that, which was easy and painless. Had a couple of phone calls and a follow up appointment at the hospital after 4 weeks to check that everything was okay, didn't need anything else.

Hope all goes well for you.

Great news I’m glad things have gone well for you and thanks for your comments, I didn’t know you could remove the catheter yourself at home 

Home removal is something they are promoting at UCLH. I don’t know if it is common elsewhere. They have a video you can watch beforehand https://vimeo.com/801616710/0c59f4e497?&login=true#_=_ 

Hi Nick,

I had my LARP in the first week of January this year via NHS.  Some of my recollections (although my Bio might be more accurate, as I have forgotten much of the details) as follows:

1. I stayed overnight after the op.  On discharge, the nurse changed my dressings to the big sticky patches and gave me some spares.  I pulled these off after about two days, following a shower.  I applied the spare set and I think for another couple of days then afterwards allowed my incision points to heal without patches (I didn't have any left).

2. I was told that the district nurse no longer did house visits but if there were any issues (they tell you the signs watch out for) then report back to hospital or GP.  Although a district nurse did ring to ask if I was ok. 

3. Staples were taken out by my GP - the hospital doesn't do that.

4. Catheter - Was taken out at the hospital.  Very quick and no ultrascans.  They advised if I had issues get back to them or my GP.  If I had major issues with incontinence, I could ring and arrange to see incontinence clinic.

5. I was discharged with 30 days worth of anti-clotting jabs, which my wife or self administered.  I also was given some laxative to help my bowels start moving again.  And Dyhydracodeine pain killers.

6. I had a follow PSA test and face to face appointment with my surgeon about 6 weeks later.  He reviewed my results on the removed prostate (whether cancer had been contained), he inspected his handiwork but on 3 of my incision points the scabs were wet and not healing - he was going to ask my GP to refer me to dermotology, as he had not seen anything like that before!  He prescribed me Tadafil which is a repeat prescription - which I get from GP.  The next day, I went to see my GP about my wet scabs and he said he would prescribe me antibiotics - which worked immediately, they dried out by the next day!! A few weeks later, there was a follow up telephone call with one of the hospital Urology doctors, who then signed me off.

7. My hospital does the follow up monitoring via the Urology nurse.  Every three months they send me a blood form and a questionnaire about my state of health.  I take the blood form to my GP surgery and the sample goes to hospital for PSA test.  The Urology nurse reviews the results and replies with letter.  This is a good system as I don't have to go to hospital to get my results and if there is any issues, I can ring and ask for appointment with Urology doctor.

8. Four things that I can think of in your case, as you only have 30 days post op care at the private hospital:

8a. If you have an issue with water works and need another catheter, tell your local hospital (who may not know about the LARP) that you have had a recent LARP and they need to consult with a Urology Doctor to avoid damaging the pipe.

8b. My GP helped me through any symptoms.  Is your GP accessible.

8c. Incontinence.  I had access to the clinic.  Although I was very fortunate that I didn't have this apart from some leakage when the catherter was removed.

8d. Erectile dysfunction.  Will you have access to any advice/clinic about this.  Mine is not working yet (although it is not an issue for my wife and I).  However, as mentioned earlier the surgeon prescribed Tadalfil as a repeat and my GP has set it up.  I was warned by hospital that some GPs don't want to accept this as it eats into their budget.  Also I was given a VED device.  Which actually works quite well!  

For yourself, have you planned for items 8a, 8b and item 7 above?

Sorry for the long response.  Just some thoughts to help you prepare.  Personally, I have no regrets about having the surgery.

Dave

Hi Dave thanks so much for detailed response, as far as I am aware after surgery and for the 30 days I will have full access to the hospital and also there CNS contact details , if I come straight home though after surgery the hospital access won’t be much good to me because I will be over 100 miles away so if I have any issues with catheter etc I suppose it would mean a trip to Local A&E or expensive taxi ride back to London

I do have a great Doctors where can always get same day appointment 

I do also still have some contacts with clinical nurses at local NHS hospital so can speak to them if I have issues after with catheter 

I did ask about ED issues and after support and they advised me that they will go through that when I have a joint prehab consultation with them 

glad it went well for you mate and you have no regrets ,I’m hoping for the same 

Nick

Hi Nick,

I was also am an NHS patient and never had any home visits.  I had two nights in hospital and came home with both a blood drain in my tummy and a catheter.  The journey home was the second most painful experience from the op.  My worst experience was the second night in hospital.  During the op they pump your belly up with gas to make the operation easier, but unfortunately that gas has to pass somehow and when you're not allowed to push it was very difficult and painful to do.  My top tip is have extra strong mints as they help it to pass naturally and also go some way to covering the smell!

Be ready for the unexpected.  I had been told pre op that the catheter would be in for around 7 days, mine was actually not removed until 24 days.  No one had told me there would be a blood drain and that I would have it for 7 days.  No one warned me about the pumping up with gas.

I know this all sounds a bit down but in all honesty it was a small price to pay to be rid of the cancer!