Most men go home within one to two days of robotic prostate surgery. The weeks that follow are spent recovering at home, and they often raise practical questions. This guide focuses on home care after prostate surgery: looking after your catheter and wounds, managing leakage, staying comfortable and knowing when to call for help. Always follow the specific advice your own team gives you.
Caring for your catheter
A catheter is usually in place for one to two weeks while the join between the bladder and urethra heals. A few simple habits help:
- Wash your hands before and after handling the catheter or bags.
- Clean around the catheter gently each day with mild soap and water.
- Keep the drainage bag below the level of your bladder.
- Use the smaller leg bag during the day and connect the larger night bag at bedtime.
- Drink plenty of fluids, unless your team advises otherwise.
Some bladder spasms and a little blood in the urine are common in the first days. Mention them at your next contact if you are unsure.
Looking after your wounds
Robotic surgery uses several small incisions. Keep them clean and dry, and follow your team's advice on showering and dressings. Bruising around the wounds and the lower abdomen is common and fades over a week or two.
After the catheter is removed
Some urine leakage is normal once the catheter comes out. Pads will help you manage it while bladder control returns. Continue the pelvic floor exercises you learned before surgery; the NHS explains how to do pelvic floor exercises if you need a reminder. Most men see steady improvement over the following weeks and months.
Avoiding constipation
Straining can put pressure on the healing area, so it is worth preventing constipation from the start. Drink plenty of water, eat fibre-rich foods such as fruit, vegetables and wholegrains, and keep gently active. Your team may recommend a mild laxative for the first few weeks.
Staying active, safely
Short walks several times a day help circulation and reduce the risk of clots. Increase the distance gradually. Avoid heavy lifting and strenuous exercise for several weeks, and ask your team before returning to the gym, cycling or contact sports. Our recovery timeline sets out when most men return to driving, work and travel.
Looking after your wellbeing
Tiredness is common for several weeks. Rest when you need to, and accept help with shopping and household tasks. It is also normal to feel low or anxious at times. Talking to your partner, family or specialist nurse can help, and our guide to what to expect during recovery covers the emotional side of recovery.
When to call your team
Contact your team or seek urgent advice if you notice:
- a fever, shivering or feeling generally unwell
- the catheter stops draining, or urine leaks heavily around it
- increasing pain that is not controlled by your usual pain relief
- redness, swelling or discharge from a wound
- pain or swelling in a calf, or sudden breathlessness
The last two can be signs of a blood clot and need prompt attention. The NHS explains the symptoms of deep vein thrombosis.
Follow-up
You will be invited for follow-up appointments and PSA tests. These monitor the cancer and give you the chance to discuss continence, sexual function and any concerns. Our article on erectile function after surgery explains the longer-term recovery of erections.
Recovering with support
Most men find that recovery at home goes smoothly with a little preparation and good support. Professor Dasgupta's team provides clear guidance and a point of contact throughout. Our robotic prostatectomy page describes the operation itself.
If you have questions about recovery before your operation, please contact the clinic.