The bleeding will gradually decrease, and the catheter will be removed within a few days. You will remain in the hospital for 3 to 5 days. Although the transurethral approach is commonly used, other surgical approaches to removal of the prostate gland, such as the transvesical, retropubic and suprapubic approaches may be required. The primary advantage of the transurethral approach is that it does not create an external incision, which may be a potential site for introducing infection. This is a much more involved procedure that requires an extensive hospitalization and recovery period.
Suprapubic prostatectomy is performed using general or spinal anesthesia.
You will return from surgery with a foley catheter in place and a suprapubic catheter inserted in the abdominal wall to help drain the bladder. A drainage tube is also placed in the abdominal cavity to drain excess blood and fluids from the area. Your urine may initially appear very bloody, but this should resolve in a few days. The foley catheter and suprapubic catheters will remain in place for about three weeks to allow the incisions to heal. You will return from surgery with several IV lines in place to provide you with fluids and nourishment.