Prostrate Surgery
If your doctor has told you that you have prostate cancer, chances are that you will require prostrate surgery. Fortunately this procedure can be done laparoscopically which eliminates most of the pain and scarring after surgery, and allows for a much quicker recovery while reducing the risk of infection.
The surgery itself requires 5 miniscule incisions. One will be made right below your belly button, and two more on each side of your lower abdomen. A small tube is placed just inside the incision below the belly button to pass carbon dioxide into the abdominal cavity. This provides the surgeon with a better view of the abdominal cavity because the gas lifts the abdominal wall. The laparoscope leads the surgeon by transmitting pictures of the prostate onto a video monitor.
Advantages of laparoscopy
• A shortened hospital stay
• Less bleeding during the operation
• Less pain
• Return to work sooner
Before your surgery you will need to meet with your surgeon so that he can answer any questions that may have. He will take health history, do an exam, have an electrocardiogram, chest X-ray, lung function test, and blood work will be done. Then, you will meet with an anesthesiologist who will discuss the type of anesthesia you will be given during surgery.
After surgery you will need to be on a liquid diet gradually returning to solid foods. When you are discharged from the hospital you will be on a soft diet, which basically means soft foods, no raw fruits or vegetables. You can request to see a dietician who can provide you with a list of the exact foods that you are able to eat.
You may experience nausea and vomiting due to the fact your intestines are temporarily disabled during anesthesia and surgery. This will dissipate after a few days, but you can ask your doctor for a prescription for medicine that will stop your vomiting.
Be prepared, because the first day after surgery you will need to get out of bed and start walking as much as possible. After you go home you should gradually add to your activity level. You can't lift or push anything over 30 pounds for 6 weeks after your surgery, and definitely NO abdominal exercises or sit-ups.
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