This allows the pathologist to examine the lymph nodes immediately. If a significant amount of cancer has spread to the lymph nodes, surgery will not likely result in a cure. Therefore, the surgery is generally discontinued at this point and consideration is given to other treatment options. If no tumor is identified in the nodes, the prostate and seminal vesicles are removed. A radical prostatectomy usually takes about three to four hours.
Most patients get out of bed later the same day, and are walking by the following morning.
The average hospital stay is about three to four days. Prior to leaving the hospital, a small drain, placed to remove any leaking urine from the area where the bladder was reconnected to the urethra, will be removed from the surgical area. After you leave the hospital, you will continue to wear a urinary catheter attached to a plastic bag on your leg for an additional ten days. This catheter allows the bladder to rest, facilitating healing. You will be encouraged to walk but should do no heavy exercise for six to eight weeks after surgery.